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Author Topic: Changing a baitcaster rod into a center pin rod  (Read 15043 times)

CohoMan

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Changing a baitcaster rod into a center pin rod
« on: January 29, 2016, 10:23:21 AM »

Hi guys/gals

I have a 3113MB in the form of a baitcaster. Would it be economical to strip the base and put on a CP base instead?

Thanks

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typhoon

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Re: Changing a baitcaster rod into a center pin rod
« Reply #1 on: January 29, 2016, 11:21:31 AM »

You would have to rebuild the bottom half and at least the first guide on the top half.
Centerpin rods use high, spinning style guides to get a smooth flow from reel to running guides.
Cork is one of the most expensive components so that won't be cheap, and there is a lot of effort to remove the old grip and reel seat.
There's also the danger that you damage the blank and have to buy new.

I build my own rods, but if it were me I would sell the BC and build a CP rod. Used CP rods are often available.
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bobby b

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Re: Changing a baitcaster rod into a center pin rod
« Reply #2 on: January 29, 2016, 11:56:13 AM »

The guides on my newly built CP rod are not 'high spinning type' ....  Don't know that they nesessarily have to be..

The spine of the Baitcasting rod and the CP rod may be on opposite sides though....  bottom side on a Baitcast rod,  top side  on a CP rod
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EZ_Rolling

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Re: Changing a baitcaster rod into a center pin rod
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2016, 01:13:06 PM »

I had 2 bait casting rods converted to CP at Sea-Run

Very pleased with the results.
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Dave

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Re: Changing a baitcaster rod into a center pin rod
« Reply #4 on: January 29, 2016, 01:58:25 PM »

Over the years I have converted about a dozen BC to CP rods.  As typhoon says it's not cheap and often the most difficult part is removing the old reel seat.  If this is a custom rod by a good builder, the seat most likely will have to be cut off using a Dremel tool with cutting discs ... labour intensive and dangerous too.  Again, I'm with typhoon; save your money and sell this rod.
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Sr SQ

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Re: Changing a baitcaster rod into a center pin rod
« Reply #5 on: January 29, 2016, 07:22:14 PM »

As a hobby rod builder I have done this job 1/2 dozen times or so in the past for myself and friends, totally doable but I have to agree 100% with typhoon and dave if your going to pay someone  to do it then
sell the BC and purchase the CP rather than cannibalizing a nice rod
« Last Edit: January 29, 2016, 07:23:51 PM by Sr SQ »
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CohoMan

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Re: Changing a baitcaster rod into a center pin rod
« Reply #6 on: January 30, 2016, 10:31:11 AM »

Thanks guys.
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CohoMan

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Re: Changing a baitcaster rod into a center pin rod
« Reply #7 on: February 18, 2016, 11:59:09 AM »

Got mine done by Walter from Searun. Excellent job and decent price too!!!!.
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Noahs Arc

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Re: Changing a baitcaster rod into a center pin rod
« Reply #8 on: February 18, 2016, 07:12:04 PM »

Any before / after pics?
There is a serious shortage of Rod porn on here.
Wish Dave would post some of his builds.
Waiting for typhoon to show off his next creation.
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Dave

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Re: Changing a baitcaster rod into a center pin rod
« Reply #9 on: February 18, 2016, 08:31:18 PM »

Any before / after pics?
There is a serious shortage of Rod porn on here.
Wish Dave would post some of his builds.
Waiting for typhoon to show off his next creation.
typhoon's rods are the work of a true craftsman; gorgeous stuff :D :D :D
If you want to see some of my builds come to Fred’s Custom Tackle site at the BC Boat and Sportsman show in Abbotsford, March 4- 6 at Tradex in Abbotsford, or Rodneys  “Chilliwack’s All about Fishing” March 12 at the Chilliwack Heritage Park.

Or ask flyrod to send you a few pics of some rods he’s selling ;)
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Noahs Arc

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Re: Changing a baitcaster rod into a center pin rod
« Reply #10 on: February 18, 2016, 08:55:30 PM »

I try to stay away from Rod that man could make you broke in a heartbeat :'(
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Dave

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Re: Changing a baitcaster rod into a center pin rod
« Reply #11 on: February 18, 2016, 09:40:24 PM »

I try to stay away from Rod that man could make you broke in a heartbeat :'(
LOL!!!
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badboi

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Re: Changing a baitcaster rod into a center pin rod
« Reply #12 on: September 27, 2018, 07:25:44 PM »

I have a Okuma Aventa VTS1363FR
https://www.fishusa.com/product/Okuma-Aventa-Float-Rods

I see its a centerpin Rod.  I want to use it with a Baitcaster reel.

This is a newbie question but I can attach a baitcaster reel to it and it seems like everything will be fine.  But, from the thread, it seems like a True Baitcaster rod has the "Spine" on the opposite side.

So, does this mean I have to change the Bottom set of guides to get the line to rotate 180 degrees...ie: Spiral Wrap it on the first section?
http://hooklineandsinker.ca/23161-2/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmSWaKL6od4

Thanks for any help


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typhoon

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Re: Changing a baitcaster rod into a center pin rod
« Reply #13 on: September 28, 2018, 09:32:19 AM »

Spine is irrelevant. It will have no impact on performance.
What will have an impact on performance is that the first few guides on a centerpin rod are massively different from the first few guides on a levelwind rod.


I can't find a picture, but Okuma advertises it as having "- Tall frame guides for line control".
Tall frame guides are perfect for centerpin applications where the large diameter of the reel causes the line to come off far below the rod.
With a levelwind reel the line comes off very close to the rod, so the first tall guide will create a very sharp angle.
This will significantly impact casting distance - likely making the rod unusable.

A trigger grip is also missing from the centerpin rod. It very useful on a levelwind rod since it makes it easier to keep the rod from flipping (the reel is on top).

Theoretically you could add a short frame guide in front of the first guide, spiral wrap the first section, and just rotate the top 2 sections by 180 degrees.
Likely it would still suck casting with that giant spinning guide on top. It would be easier and probably cheaper to just buy a levelwind rod.

Spiral wrap is a nice enhancement to a levelwind float rod - I spiral wrap all of mine. Unnecessary for your purposes.
This is a revolver spiral. Now I only use simple spirals.
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MetalAndFeathers

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Re: Changing a baitcaster rod into a center pin rod
« Reply #14 on: September 28, 2018, 11:41:06 AM »

On the topic of converting rods Is it worth it to replace the guides on a spinning rod to casting guides? The rod is only worth about 100$ so if its too complicated and $$ Ill just keep fishing it with spinning guides.
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