Adding wood handle to Tidewater 66 Rod, advice?

[matt_gone_fishin]

I recently bought the combo shown below for use on fishing on headboats and such, and I got the chance to use it this past weekend. Worked well, boated a nice 30" gag grouper.


However, I discovered that the handle is way too long for my shorter, stubby arms[pirate].

I'd like to remove about 6" of it, and also change out the EVA foam grips, upper and lower, with wood--- maybe white oak, kumaru, or mesquite. Ie, something durable and weather resistant.

I have a lathe (I make hardwood fountain pens), but I've never modified a rod like this before and would like some advice before I start hacking and dicing and wind up with a fubr.



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