Bent Butts

[mannyc]

I bought my first short bent butt rod for my tiagra this week. I want to know if you really need the extension. The guy at the shop that I bought the rod at told me that I had to buy the extension that was $55 (It was not in stock). I've never heard of this, but then again I have never fished bent butts.

Thanks,

[Uncle Buck]

I've used my short bent-butt rods on 6 different boats. Never had a problem.

FYI: The ones I have are from ATC (American Tackle Company), which seem to be interchangable with Stuart. I think.

[Tuna Devil]

The short Butt will probably not make it to the bottom of the rod holder (take a measurement). If you get the extension be sure not to drop it in the water when you take the rod out of the holder.

Not that I have ever done that.

What Bill said. Mine make it too.

[Tunachaser]

There was a problem with an older version of the Aftco short bent butt (they were too short to lock into most rod holders). Aftco came out with the extension piece ($55 seems too high though ), but have since changed the design of the short bent butt. I'd be surprised if there were still any of the old version in the tackle stores, but I guess there could be
Put your reel on it and test it out in your rod holders (obviously not while on the water LOL). I have the newer version, but always clip my rods in
I do know a kid that lost a 50W set up

[miamiangler1]

Originally Posted by mannyc

I bought my first short bent butt rod for my tiagra this week. I want to know if you really need the extension. The guy at the shop that I bought the rod at told me that I had to buy the extension that was $55 (It was not in stock). I've never heard of this, but then again I have never fished bent butts.

Thanks,

save your money and try it first ... you should be fine ... just make sure your rod holders are bolted tight there`s more pressure on the holders with bent butts

[mannyc]

I'll go to my boat this weekend and try it out. It is a stuart bent butt. I thought the extension for $55 was a little high.

[snooknreds2]

you should be fine.

Stuart came out with a short bent but after aftco, but like already said there was a design flaw with the original aftcos'. However the first try stuart got it right, then aftco changed there design. so stuart did not make them first but they made the right the first time

[JupiterSailfish]

NO!

I have two Stuart bent butts and they just make it. Still make sure you clip them in while running because they will come out after a little while. I had one almost come out while running on my boat once. Clip them to the closest cleat tightly and they will be fine.

[mannyc]

I measured the bent butt and it might just make it. It measure 8" and that is the rod holder tube size. I will be clipping it in. I just made 5' lanyard's with 3/8" rope and clips for all my set ups.

Thanks for all the info.

By the way, the short bent butts are it.

[shipmate bill]

i don't know if your rod holders are swivels or not, but i know they make drop in swivels that also give you a little bit of an extension as well. Its a lot cheaper than buying swivel rod holders if you want them. Once you fight fish out of a swiveling rod holder, you'll never want to stand up fish again. Its much easier on your back and you can put a serious whomping on a fish fighting out of the holder.

[Nightfighter]

I just got my hands on one of the new Aftco UB4 80# Class SHORT Bent Butts. It will allow a better fit to the 80 Class reels. Heard they've been out for 6 months now.
I have to test it out yet, but if it works like I think, I'll be getting a new set of rods made for all my 80STW's. I'm not sure if they are short enough for stand up, but they look like they are.

[snooknreds2]

Originally Posted by Nightfighter

I just got my hands on one of the new Aftco UB4 80# Class SHORT Bent Butts. It will allow a better fit to the 80 Class reels. Heard they've been out for 6 months now.
I have to test it out yet, but if it works like I think, I'll be getting a new set of rods made for all my 80STW's. I'm not sure if they are short enough for stand up, but they look like they are.

why make all new rods? why not just change the butts on the old rods out? WAIT i mean yea geet new rods....can i buy your old ones?

[Uncle Buck]

Originally Posted by snooknreds2

why make all new rods? why not just change the butts on the old rods out?

The collet sizes are different (connection between the rod and butt). To fit an 80's foot properly, the diameter of the reel seat is slightly larger. Which means the tube the butt is made from is larger. So the existing half of the collet on the rod is too small.

If done correctly, he shouldn't have to rebuild the entire rod... just melt the epoxy holding the collet in place on the rod, build up new shims, and epoxy the new larger collet in place. Maybe 30 minutes of effort, and 24 hours before they can be fished.

[snooknreds2]

Originally Posted by Uncle Buck

The collet sizes are different (connection between the rod and butt). To fit an 80's foot properly, the diameter of the reel seat is slightly larger. Which means the tube the butt is made from is larger. So the existing half of the collet on the rod is too small.

If done correctly, he shouldn't have to rebuild the entire rod... just melt the epoxy holding the collet in place on the rod, build up new shims, and epoxy the new larger collet in place. Maybe 30 minutes of effort, and 24 hours before they can be fished.

thats what i thought

[Nightfighter]

I have a full set of 80STW's that I use in tournaments and in the migration season (Winter), and also a full set of 50SW's that I use in the Summer season, but only one set of rods (short bent butt UB2 class w/stubby 5'-6" length). Yes the 80STW's fit them. Just not as well as a UB4's. I've been just been switching off the reels as needed. With the guide work, I never know if the 80STW's or 50SW's are going to be requested, and have found it a pain in the ass to constantly change over. I was talking to my rod builder about getting another set made when he showed me the new Aftco short butt.

[snooknreds2]

OH ok cool
hey once you get them made let us know how those 80# short bents perform

has anyone ever made or fished a rod that had the newer 80# (not the 50-80#) short bent butt?

[Whitewater]

Mine must be old as they need a lift. They do reach the swivel but hit the holder at the bend. When I bought these about 3 years ago, they were the only ones that would fit the Tiagra 80's. Pac Bay and another brand were too big.