Drilling in wood to remove weight but not strength

Question

I have a fishing rod that is heavy on the rod side.

I want to drill a shaped hole such in the wood end to remove some weight.. the problem is I want to weaken the handle as little as possible.

I have a theory that a shaped hole - octagon, or a hexagon ect would weaken the handle less than a round hole.

Thoughts?

Answer 1

This is not a solution, strengthen your arms and wrists so you get used to the weight.  How could you drill an octagonal hole? or a hexagonal one? You would need ver special equipment,  you might counterbalance the handle by moving the reel placement and preserve the rod. The handle is heavy for strength, if you weaken the rod handle it may break just when you don't want it to.  Like when you have a real lunker on the line.

Answer 2

You are right in that the outer 'skin' of the rod carries the stress, but any hole you can drill will create a stress point and ruin the rod.

Answer 3

Jim W has a very good answer for you it totally makes logical sense