MJ,
Here is the best close up I have of the butt wrap area. On this rod its all thread wraps with feathers inlaid into the epoxy finish. I have about 5 layers of various feathers on this one with metallic gold thread wraps as a base layer
If you look close you can see the I have # 30 scud hooks inlaid around the base of he rod just in front of the winding check. There are a dozen hooks around there in all.
Thanks,
Ray