Customizing Your Muskie Rod: Cork Handle Modification

Question
I have a St croix muskie rod, i like the rod but wish the butt handle would be thicker cork and possibly 2inches longer, can this be done?I have a good rod builder 50 miles away,can they just remove butt section of cork and replace with thicker cork?thank you

Answer
Hi David,

Yes, it can be done.  It's not as easy as spilling soup on your tie, but it can be done and I suspect your builder knows how.  Ask your builder to remove the old butt section of the handle, then extend the blank a couple of inches and build you a new, thicker cork butt section.

You should try various cork thicknesses to determine which feels most comfortable for you.  In most cases a thicker cork grip is more comfortable for all of us; especially if you use the rod all day long. I'm sure your builder can provide a variety of shapes and thicknesses to try.

Thanks,  Joe