I finally took a few pix of how I handled this problem. I'm not saying it's the best, it's just what I have come up with so far without spending too much cash.
Here is the STOCK bolts/screws and the CHOPPED bolts/screws with washers and low profile reel clamp.
Another view of the CHOPPED bolts/screws.
Load up the New Clamp with as many washers as you may need.
For this rod, I only needed 1 washer per side and perphaps could have done without the washers.
Low Profile.
Top view, I could probably tighten these down even more. Or even have a little bit more thread on these bolts. These particular bolts were cut to match a Calstar 800m, but this rod is a 270.
Now fits in my hand much nicer.
So far so good. Thanks!