How To Build a Tennessee Spinning rods Handle
Building a Tennessee Spinning rod handle can be a fun and rewarding DIY project for any angler. Not only does it allow you to customize the feel and balance of your rod, but it can also save you money compared to buying a pre-made handle. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of building a handle for a Tennessee Spinning rod, including selecting the materials, preparing the blank, attaching the reel seat and handle components, and finishing the handle.

To start, you will need to gather the necessary materials, cork, carbon fiber, or Kevlar including a blank, reel seat, and any other handle components such as a fighting butt or winding checks. It’s necessary to choose high-quality materials that will stand up to the rigors of fishing and select a blank that is the appropriate length and power for the type of fishing you plan to do, how to build a Tennessee spinning rods handle
I hope that you will assist in how to build a Tennessee spinning rod handle will need to prepare the blank by removing any old handle components and cleaning the surface of the blank. This will ensure a secure and stable attachment for the new handle components. After that, you can attach the reel seat and any other handle components, such as cork, and carbon using epoxy or other types of adhesive.
A Review of Custom Tennessee Fishing Rod Handles
Custom Tennessee Fishing rod handles are a popular option among anglers who want to tailor their fishing experience. These handles allow you to personalize the feel and balance of your rod, making it more comfortable and easier to use. One of the biggest advantages of custom Tennessee fishing rod handles is that they can be made from a variety of materials, such as cork, EVA foam, or rubber. This allows you to choose the material that best suits your needs and preferences.

Cork handles, for example, are lightweight and provide a comfortable grip, while EVA foam handles are durable and easy to clean. Rubber handles provide a good grip and are great for saltwater fishing. Custom Tennessee fishing rod handles also allow you to customize the length and shape of the handle to fit your hand size and fishing style. This can greatly improve the overall balance of your rod, making it easier to control and cast.
What is a Tennessee Spinning Rod Handle?
A Tennessee Spinning rod handle is a handle designed specifically for use with a Tennessee Spinning rod. Tennessee Spinning rods are fishing rods that are designed for casting and retrieving lures or baits using a spinning reel. They are typically lightweight, have a moderate-fast action, and come in a range of sizes and power ratings to suit different types of fishing. A Tennessee Spinning rod handle is typically made from cork, fiber, or rubber and is designed to provide a comfortable grip and good balance for casting and retrieving.
The handle may also have additional components such as a fighting butt, winding checks, or a reel seat. Some of the key features of a Tennessee Spinning rod handle include its length, shape, and materials. The length of the handle should be appropriate for the angler’s hand size and fishing style, while the shape and materials should provide a comfortable grip and good balance.
Choose the Tennessee Handle Material
When choosing a material for a Tennessee Spinning rod handle, there are a few options to consider. The most popular materials include cork, EVA foam, and rubber.
- Cork handles are lightweight and provide a comfortable grip, making them a popular choice among anglers. They also absorb moisture, which can make them more comfortable to hold in hot or humid conditions.
- EVA foam handles are durable and easy to clean, they also provide a comfortable grip and are great for saltwater fishing.
- Rubber handles are great for anglers who prefer a firmer grip and are also good for saltwater fishing. They are durable and easy to clean.
- Ultimately, the choice of material will depend on your personal preference and the type of fishing you plan to do.
- Cork handles are great for freshwater fishing, EVA foam handles are great for saltwater fishing, and rubber handles are also good for saltwater fishing and provide a firm grip.
Traditional Cork Tennessee Handles
Cork handles are the traditional choice for Tennessee Spinning rod handles. They are lightweight, provide a comfortable grip, and absorb moisture, making them comfortable to hold in hot or humid conditions. Cork is also a sustainable material, it is harvested from cork trees, which can be harvested every 9-14 years. Cork handles are easy to maintain, they can be sanded and sealed to restore their natural look. They are also great for freshwater fishing, making them a popular choice among anglers.
Carbon Fiber Tennessee Handles
Carbon fiber handles are a modern and lightweight alternative to traditional materials such as cork or foam for Tennessee Spinning rod handles. They are made from a composite of carbon fibers and epoxy resin which makes them extremely strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion. Carbon fiber handles are also very lightweight, which can help to improve the balance of your rod, making casting and retrieving easier.
They are also easy to clean and maintain and can provide a comfortable grip for anglers. They are also a great option for anglers who are looking for a lightweight and durable handle for their Tennessee Spinning rod.
How To Build a Tennessee Spinning rods Handle: Kevlar Tennessee Handles
Kevlar handles are an innovative and high-performance option for Tennessee Spinning rod handles. Kevlar is a strong, lightweight, and heat-resistant material that is commonly used in the aerospace and military industries. When used as a handle, it provides a strong and durable surface that can withstand the rigors of fishing. It also provides a comfortable grip for the angler.
Kevlar handles are also corrosion-resistant and easy to clean, making them a great option for saltwater fishing. They also provide a good balance for the rod. They are not as popular as cork, carbon fiber, or Eva foam, but they are an option for anglers looking for a durable, high-performance handle for their Tennessee Spinning rod.
Fit The Tennessee Handle to The Rod Blank
Fitting a handle to a Tennessee Spinning rod blank is a fairly simple process that can be done with a few basic tools. First, you will need to measure the length and diameter of the handle to ensure that it is the correct size for your rod blank. Next, you will need to clean the surface of the rod blank to ensure a secure and stable attachment. You can use epoxy or other types of adhesive to attach the handle to the rod blank.
Make sure to align the handle in the proper position and apply the adhesive according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the adhesive has cured, you can sand and polish the handle for a smooth finish. This will ensure a comfortable grip and a good balance for casting and retrieving.
Cut and Ream Cork Grips to Fit
When building a custom Tennessee Spinning rod handle, it is important to ensure that the cork grip fits properly on the rod blank. To do this, you will need to cut and ream the cork grip to the correct size and shape. Measure the diameter of the rod blank where the cork grip will be attached. Then, using a cork cutter, carefully cut the cork grip to the appropriate size. Make sure to cut the cork grip slightly larger than the rod blank, as the cork will compress slightly when it is attached to the rod.
Next, use a reamer to shape the inside of the cork grip to match the shape of the rod blank. This will ensure a snug fit and prevent the cork grip from sliding around on the rod blank. It’s important to be precise while cutting and reaming the cork grip, as the fit should be tight and secure. This will ensure that the cork grip stays in place and provides a comfortable grip for casting and retrieving.
Arbors in Carbon Fiber and Kevlar Tubes
Arbors are an important component of a fishing rod, they are used to hold the guides in place and provide a stable base for the fishing line to run through. In Carbon Fiber and Kevlar Tubes, arbors are typically made from the same material as the rod blank, which is carbon fiber or Kevlar. Carbon fiber arbors are lightweight and strong, which makes them a great option for high-performance fishing rods. They are also corrosion-resistant and easy to clean, making them a good choice for saltwater fishing.
Kevlar arbors, on the other hand, are extremely strong and heat-resistant, which makes them ideal for use in heavy-duty fishing rods. They also provide a stable base for the guides and can withstand the rigors of fishing. Both Carbon fiber and Kevlar arbors are relatively easy to install and can be attached to the rod blank using epoxy or other types of adhesive. They are also a good option for anglers looking to build a custom rod, with a high-performance and durable arbor that can withstand the rigors of fishing.
Install Cork Grips or Handle Tubes
Installing cork grips or handle tubes on a fishing rod is a simple process that can be done with a few basic tools. The first step is to measure the length and diameter of the cork grip or handle tube to ensure that it is the correct size for the rod blank. Next, you will need to clean the surface of the rod blank where the cork grip or handle tube will be attached.
This will ensure a secure and stable attachment. For cork grips, you will need to use epoxy or other types of adhesive to attach the cork grip to the rod blank. For handle tubes, you will need to slide the tube over the rod blank and secure it in place with epoxy or adhesive.
Apply Epoxy Over and in Between Arbors for Tubes
Applying epoxy over and in between arbors for handle tubes is an important step in building a custom fishing rod. This process helps to secure the arbors in place and provide a stable base for the fishing line to run through. You will need to clean the surface of the arbors and the rod blank where the epoxy will be applied. This will ensure a secure and stable attachment of the arbors to the rod blank.
Apply Epoxy on The Blank to Install The Cork
The process is relatively simple and can be done with a few basic tools. You will need to clean the surface of the rod blank where the cork handle will be attached. This is important to ensure a secure and stable attachment of the handle to the rod blank. Then, you can use a small brush to apply a thin layer of epoxy over the surface of the rod blank where the cork handle will be attached.
Be sure to apply enough epoxy to secure the handle in place, but not so much that it drips or runs. You will need to clamp the cork handle to the rod blank and let the epoxy cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the epoxy has cured, you can remove the clamps and sand and polish the cork handle for a smooth finish.
Mount Reel on Cork or Handle Tube
Mounting a reel on a cork or handle tube of a fishing rod is an important step in building a custom fishing rod. The process is relatively simple and can be done with a few basic tools. Select a reel seat compatible with your reel’s size and shape and the cork or handle tube of your rod. Then, you will need to clean the surface of the cork or handle tube where the reel seat will be attached.
Be sure to align the reel seat in the proper position and apply the adhesive according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the adhesive has cured, you can mount the reel onto the reel seat. The reel is properly mounted and securely attached to the cork or handle tube. This will ensure that the reel does not move or rotate while casting or retrieving and that the rod performs well.
Use Graphite Slip Rings with Cork Tennessee Handles
Graphite slip rings can be used with cork Tennessee handles to provide a more comfortable and secure grip when fishing. Slip rings are small, cylindrical pieces of graphite that can be inserted into the cork handle to improve the grip and reduce hand fatigue. To use slip rings with a cork handle, you will need to drill small holes into the cork handle in the appropriate location.
The holes should be slightly smaller in diameter than the slip rings. Then, you can insert the slip rings into the holes and secure them in place with epoxy or other types of adhesive. Using slip rings with a cork handle can provide a number of benefits. The graphite material is lightweight and provides a comfortable, non-slip grip. It also helps to dissipate heat and reduce hand fatigue. Additionally, it can help to improve the overall balance of the rod.
Add Nylon Strapping Tape & Shrink Tubing on Handle Tubes
Nylon strapping tape and shrink tubing are common materials used to finish and protect handle tubes on a fishing rod. Nylon strapping tape is a type of adhesive tape that is wrapped around the handle tube to provide a more comfortable and secure grip. It is often used in place of cork or EVA foam on handle tubes, as it is durable, lightweight, and can be easily replaced when worn. It also provides a better grip and helps to protect the handle tube from damage.

Shrink tubing, on the other hand, is a heat-shrinkable plastic tube that is used to cover and protect the handle tube. The tubing is slid over the handle tube and heated with a heat gun or other heating source, causing it to shrink and conform to the shape of the handle tube. This provides a protective barrier that can help to prevent damage from impact, abrasion, and exposure to the elements.
The Benefits of Tennessee Fishing Rod Handles
Tennessee fishing rod handles offer a variety of benefits for anglers. Some of these benefits include:
- Building a custom Tennessee fishing rod handle allows anglers to tailor the feel and balance of the rod to their personal preferences and the type of fishing they plan to do.
- A well-designed and properly fitted handle can provide a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue and allowing for more accurate and efficient casting.
- High-quality materials, such as cork, EVA foam, rubber, Carbon Fiber, Kevlar, and proper installation methods can ensure that the handle will withstand the rigors of fishing and provide many years of use.
- Building a custom Tennessee fishing rod handle can be a cost-effective alternative to buying a pre-made handle.
- Carbon fiber and Kevlar are lightweight materials that can help to improve the balance of the rod, making casting and retrieving easier.
- Carbon fiber and Kevlar are strong and durable materials that can withstand the rigors of fishing and provide long-lasting performance.
- Cork, EVA foam, rubber, Carbon Fiber, and Kevlar are easy to clean and maintain, making them a good choice for saltwater fishing.
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