An exchange of posts below makes me realize: we discuss endlessly the subject of guide selection, number, size and placement, with respect to both casting distance and "feel". But placement of the reel seat and the resulting butt length is in my view equally important, but not given much attention. And since this placement depends not only on the blank and its intended use, but also on the individual angler, it is a crucial factor in the design of a custom rod. Would like to see more about this. As a starter: suppose a customer asks you to build him a 6'6" spinning rod, but he isn't specific about butt length. What questions, measurements, etc. would guide you in deciding where to locate the reel seat?

Check back issues of RodMaker where it has been thoroughly covered. Particularly the volume 7 #1 issue.

You have to remember that this site is more of a quick Q&A forum, while the magazine has the more in-depth and definitive information.


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By the way, nothing at all wrong with discussing handle length here - I just wanted to mention that we've done quite a bit on it in te magazine articles. It is a great topic for discussion.

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For a 6' 6" spinning rod, IMO, 8" to 10" butt grip is appropriate, depending on the fisherman. Fore grips seem to be the most controversial. Some like none at all, others, like me, like 4" or more because we hold onto the foregrip when fighting fish. I guess you can say, there is no set standard. John Butterfield

Butt length was actually the reason I got started with custom rods. All the 6'6" rods in the stores had butts longer than I wanted. Needed a shorter butt, combination of my arm length and how I actually hold the rod when casting/fishing. In particular, when I'm working finesse baits, I want the end of the rod to be just short of the inside bend of my elbow. And that's one way I set up my layout now, though it's not the way I do it for every rod.

Custom - built for the fisherperson is the key. How they fish and what they are fishing for determines the butt lenght. I will bet Mr. Butterfield has the butt stuck in his belly and is hanging on for dear life, to the four inch foregrip, with a bull red or lemon fish wearing him out. If you are in this position and the butt is too short you have a devil of a time cranking a spinning reel. As far as the first sentence goes I never thought this old man would be gender sensitive but the last three rods I have done are for female fishing guides!

Gon Fishn

I also like the Butt to come almost to my elbow on spinning rods. However, on casting rods like musky rods I use the distance from the reel seat to my belly. If too long that's uncomfortable. I know one musky guide that likes extra long butt so he can actually tuck the handle under his armpit to work jerk baits more easily. (His belly doesn't stick out as far as mine) :>)

Great subject, and reading it, I realize that I've fished in all the above ways, but my rod butts seem to fall in only two categories:

Surf rods, I make the butt long enough to put under my arm or in a sand spike, and everything else, I make 10-12", just inside the bend in my elbow for freedom to impart action, yet long enough to brace on my hip or stomach when fighting a big fish.

And I LOVE when the fish are so big I need to put the butt in my gut!
:-)

TH