: I've been experimenting with two piece and single piece rods and
: there is not much of a difference with a 4-5 inch deflection
: over 4 feet. See the URL below for a few pictures:

:
: http://www.flickr.com/photos/33398444@N07/6607305091/in/set-72157628651964293

: Also good news on the weight front: a 16ft long 3/8in stringer
: (2-8ft rods with brass ferule) is only 24 ounces, vs my original
: 40 ounce estimate.

: John

Btw, you can always ballast a boat to add mass, and you can carry the ballast separately. Much easier to carry a few fairly light items than it is to carry one heavy one.

Bill H.