How to Make a Wooden Fishing Rod Handle

Fishing poles are usually made of three sections; the rod, the reel and the handle. While fisherman will extol the virtues of rod materials and reel line strength, the handle is how most anglers connect with their poles. A well made handle can help an angler have a more comfortable, longer fishing session. Well-made wooden handles can be both comfortable to hold and add a visual appeal to a fishing rod.

Things You'll Need

  • Unhandled fishing rod, for measurements
  • Straight length of wood
  • Saw
  • Wood lathe
  • Drill
  • Sandpaper
  • Marine varnish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a length of wood of appropriate size. For a hand-held fishing pole the handle should be about one fifth the length of the entire pole. Use a pencil to mark off the appropriate length that needs to be cut from the block, and sketch out the desired design on the wood.

    • 2

      Saw the block of wood to size and place the block onto the lathe. Use the lathe and the appropriate tools to cut the rod into shape. The handle can be cut to include several wider and narrower areas to create an easier gripping surface. Leave the narrowest parts of the handle at least an inch wider than the bottom of the fishing rod. The handle must be sturdy enough so that it does not crack or break when it is under pressure when the rod bends. Decide if you wish to attach the reel to the upper part of the handle, or directly onto the rod above the handle. If attaching the reel to the handle carve an area of the handle down to fit the reel connector.

    • 3

      Clamp the handle to a workbench and slowly bore a hole into the top of the handle with the drill. Drill at least two thirds of the way down into the handle. Drill very slowly, ensuring that you are staying in the center of the handle and not allowing the wood to overheat.

    • 4

      Sand the outside of the handle until it is smooth and seal with a marine varnish to waterproof the wood.