Is the a standard for length for handles per length of rod? i.e. 12" handle for 7' rod, 10" for 6'- 6" rod. I too am a newbie and have found this site the most informative.

I enjoy reading the different post but alot of it over my head at the present.

Not really, it depends on what type rod and how you'll use it.

Generally, for fish fighting, any portion of the rod that extends back past your elbow is wasted. On rods where you locate the rod butt in your gut or a fighting harness or belt, you need to consider leverage and reel height.

We touched on the subject of handle length in the volume 7 #1 issue of RodMaker. This was in reference to surf rods, but it applies to most any rod, really.

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Harvey , a lot could be more understood as to some of the lingo used here , read the glossary ,FAQs , and the Library on the top of this page if you have not already , it's very helpfull with terms .
As for the handle length ,It is completly up to who the rod will be for , and of which material you use , that is also your choice .There are some materials that work better for some applications than for others . Lenght will depend on ballancing the rod and the end users length of arms , and comfort range ...there is no set "chart" or any reference to lenghts that I am aware of . You can get a good idea of what you need by looking at rods in the stores on racks , or in catologs......use your imagination , and have fun doing it . John

Got Fish ?

Tom & John nailed it. A custom Rod is just that...Custom!! Whatever is comfortable and feels good to the user is right!! To many new builders try to duplicate a commercial rod. If that is what you want, just buy one. The most satsfaction (in my opinion) comes from building a rod that I can't buy and that specifically meets my wants/needs
Welcome to the obsession!!

Mike

Also check out St Croix's site and check out the recamended handle leangh for a given rod. This way you have a starting point

Bill: It is indeed a starting point, and only that. The handle lengths on the retail St. Croix rods were what got me started building custom rods, they were too long for me and for the way I fished!