Wood Reel Seats

[Lotech]

I'm just wondering why I've never seen a wood reel seat on a spinning rod. Do they maybe take too much wear and tear from hands to hold up well? Do the oils and salts from skin contact deteriorate the finish? Just wondering why?

[Midwest Custom Fly Rods]

I've done some wood seats on spin rods before. The main reason they aren't as popular is just because of the size of the seats. Spin rods usually have a larger blank diameter, and the hoods are usually a size 17-18 so it takes a bigger piece of wood and a larger hole to drill out. So most guys just tend to go with graphite as the more traditional way.

[Lotech]

Thanks Steve. Now I know.

[Uncle Jesse]

Years ago there was someone who came out with a line of spinning and casting rods with rood handles. The sensitivity to strikes, which is especially important to plastic worm fishermen, was great. But it did not catch on.

[kbproctor]

I have a pile of graphite skeletons I got from someplace. These take A5 sized inserts and have butt plugs to let them be used as fly seats. Personally, I think they are plumber b*tt ugly. I need to build a couple of light spinning rods to get rid of them. If I have to use a graphite seat, I would prefer it be an all graphite seat. Still ugly, but the graphite and wood just don't work for me.

[harleybob87]

I have done a few spinning reel seats with wood. some folks just like them. I personnally don't think they are any uglier or preatier then fly reel seats.

[skip16510]

Here is one I just did Black Walnut and Maple

[kbproctor]

Now, that looks good. They don't look out of place on spinning rods and the way you used the burnt burl it flows well in that grip. Call me a snob if you want, but they just don't look right on a fly rod to me.

[dave potts]

Here's a 6 ft 6 in light spinning rod I did using walnut for the handle.

Dave

[dave potts]

I attached the wrong picture so will try again