I would have expected nothing less, given your skills and experience!
You sure brought out the beauty from a tough piece of wood.
Nice touch with the brass Kingpin insert in the Butt cap!
Check out Bison Brand. Chinese knock-off of BAK, and excellent quality.
I had one on my last two trucks.
https://bisontonneaucovers.com/collections/bison-tonneau-covers
Hey Chris
Not one of those handles for all but there are those that will love it! IMO
(I'm sure some would think the handles you have built for me are for "old guys" !!)
I like that you are willing to try new ideas, and have the skill to pull it off.
I count myself very lucky to have have more than a few rods built by you.
Here is my favourite.
That 1st generation R2 475 is a great reel, and about the only thing that can go wrong with them is the ratchet spring, ( Easy to replace) and the bearings. Should it need service I'm only an email or phone call away.
https://www.kingpinreels.com/contact
If you want to see some crazy stuff watch this on YouTube;
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=79th+street+boat+ramp
The guy is even hiring videographers !
I have no problem with reversing mono on my center pin. Why not save a few bucks when you can? The 150 yds you never use is as good as the day you put it on, in most cases. And burying the 50 or so yds that you do use makes sense!