Hi All,

I realize this might be a bit heretical, but bear with me. I've got an old Sears fiberglass rod that I bought which is too stiff, no matter what line I put on it. Therefore, I was thinking that I'd use it with a spinning reel, like I did for years as a kid before I learned to use my fly rod properly. As a kid, I just used the existing fly-reel seat and lived with the weirdness. Now though, I am mildly interested in replacing the fly-rod grip and seat with a vintage-looking spinning reel grip.

Can anyone recommend a replacement grip and seat that they think would work? Here are some pics of the rod.

Great questions! I've tried it with up to an 8 WT line and it just doesn't have enough flex down into the body. My 8ft Berkeley Spartan and an 8ft True Temper 1505 (7wt) I have are both much more pleasant to use. That said, your suggestion to try it with a spinning reel 1st is a good one and on my list to do this weekend.

For a grip I'd turn the cork myself, since I find that rewarding and it can be done with a drill, stainless rod, and sandpaper (or up to a full lathe if desired). Or you can get a premade one from any of the rodbuilding places. As an example, https://www.jannsnetcraft.com/cork-spin ... uilding-13

For reel seats on a vintage build fiberglass spinning rod I'd go with a varmac or featherweight:
http://ricksrods.com/components.asp#sub18

Alternatively, just tape the reel to the middle of the handle with electrical or athletic tape and call it a day. I suppose that's what you'll do for the test this weekend at least. If it doesn't perform to your liking at that, then it's time to sell or plant tomatoes.