[Thorhammer]

Arnav, check the front ferrule collette- I have many rods from the day built like this and many times the blank was glued into ferrule, which is then fitted into the handle collette. You may be able to take it out of the ferrule, but may require vise grip or similar since it's likely been in there 40 plus years. At that point, you can better assess what you might do to extend the handle, and might be easier. Could be you could epoxy the ferruled end into a piece of glas from a donor rod, plenty at yard sales, flea markets etc. I'd wrap the joint in leftover braid, 50 or 65 lb will work, for strength, and epoxy over that before new grip. Should be plenty strong for bass fishing like that.

 

[Thorhammer]

Hey, that worked out famously and you've got the metal butt cap for hoop strength! Upside down depends on who you ask- Ford vs. Chevy: some want the solid hood up top for the fish to pull against; some want it downlocking so the weight of the reel bouncing in a rod holder wont back off the rings and have the reel bounce off underway (I had that happen to a Penn 9500SS- the braid saved it, but it hit me in the back of the head).

NIce work! Looks better than stock.

 

[Thorhammer]

About 6'8" now?

 

[Thorhammer]

Sweet! fish pics next.