Custom Rod – How Much Hook in Blank is Acceptable?

Howdy Guys –

Recently purchased and received a custom 30″ ML action rod (think Precision, Perch Sweetheart, etc.). While sighting down the rod, the blank hooks “left” about 3/16″, mostly in the last 6-8″. It also hooks “down” (along the guide axis) about 1/4″, spread through the entire length.

Just wondering if this is acceptable / normal, or if I should bring it up with the builder. I realize the hook “down” may be due to the spline, but even so, seems a bit excessive given the overall rod length. Not really crazy about the rod at the moment!

Apologies – Hard to get a decent picture to supply you.

Regards

The spline has nothing to do with your rod setting a permanent curve other than potentially aiding in a direction to bend. The spline dictates the direction the rod bends because fishing rod blanks aren’t perfectly round. They have a very slight oval shape to them. The “skinny” ends of the oval are the “sides” of the blank and the guides are either placed on top of the “sides” (think baitcaster) or on the bottom of the “sides” (think spinning). Sounds like poor blank storing habits by the builder to me or that’s how he received them and just said “good enough”. Even if the guides were misaligned from the spline, your rod should be straight as an arrow in my opinion. I own 3 TUCR’s and every one came to me straight. I’ve also built a good half dozen of my own and all of those blanks were also straight. Are they a reputable builder? I’m assuming you paid “custom” prices regardless. I’d contact them and see what they have to say.

Having said that, if the guides ARE along the spline, properly wrapped/epoxied on, and the blank isn’t structural compromised I don’t see it hindering its ability to handle fish. Just aesthetic disappointment. I don’t blame you for not being thrilled. Like I said though, contact the builder and see what they have to say.

If its a carbon blank it should be straight as a arrow. If its a glass blank, they tend to do what your talking about. I build my rods with the guides on the up bend if the blank has some. That way after using it a few times it tends to straighten out. You can lean it in a corner for a couple days to try and get the bends out.

Thanks for the thoughts thus far gentlemen. It is a carbon blank, built by one of the “Big 3” (DH, Thorne, TUCR) here in the Cities.

Not trying to be elusive or an ass, just don’t want to throw them under the bus if this is common or, if not, a resolution is reached. Will be certain to update, but I won’t have an opportunity to drop in with the rod for a week or so, as I’m leaving this morning for TX to go kill sandhill cranes.

Any other opinions appreciated. Maybe it’s my OCD!

Contact the manufacture and see what they say. I wouldn’t be happy with it.

Carbon blanks can have a slight bend to them. Most should be pretty straight.

If it bothers you I would contact the builder. Mistakes can happen. People can miss stuff during the hustle and chaos of the busiest part of the season.

John

Hang it by the tip(no reel).Take a loop of braid and loop it through the tip guide and make sure the braid is at the bottom of guide.That will hang it perfectly straight,and it worked for one of mine due to improper storage.Also works for off season storage.

If it isn’t straight by the time you get back,then contact builder.

If it’s noticeable, then it’s annoying.