I used an 8 ft Al rod. I started with an 8 ft pvc but cut part of it away to allow for the point. I focused most of the JB weld on the ends. On the point end, I used it to make up the difference between the inner and outer diameter of the PVC, so the end wasn't exposed. Think of the JB Weld making the point continue to the width of the PVC. Just let me know if I'm not explaining myself well and I'll try again.

I went 8 ft due to the deep banks of Cumberland. If I were going to make it for a more shallow lake, I might would go 6 ft.

I got the properties I wanted from this combination. The rod can't bend far enough to crimp and the rod gives the PVC internal strength not to break. They don't look like much but I didn't build them to look good.

Rods are 15 before shipping here.

http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant...288&top_cat=60

PVC=cheap. JB Weld, laying around. Already had the removable rod holders and just mounted two bases where I wanted them so the holders could be verticle.

I wouldn't use them in good winds but that's the case with most (all?) of them.

Let me know if I can provide more info for ya.