Has anyone tried this before? I'm thinking about doing a 5" lower grip, reelseat, 1" cork taper above the seat, 5-7" space (no grip), and a 5" upper grip.

Good, bad, indifferent? I've got a 11'6" Forecast here that I'd like to experiment with. Thinking it might make a fun dry-line summer steelhead rod in that setup.

Scott Kinney
The Longest Cast Fly Rods
[www.thelongestcast.com]

micheal evans had a rod for sale in the uk with this style of handle, think it was a 15ft.

It will look "kewl", but downsides could be the limitation of hand-holds during a hookup, excersising, and landing?

It would look cool. However, from a fishing standpoint, not the most practical.

From experience, I can tell you that use most of the upper 2/3 of the fore grip when fighting and landing a fish and I think that a split grip could hinder that. Split grips in the rear are less apt to be in the way.

Actually, a small split on the rear grip of a spey rod could be both functional and attractive. Good positive grip on the rear if there is a narrow-to-wide taper at the end of the rod. Most of us like that big fat ball on the end of the rod to hold on to during the cast.

Functionality first, aesthetics second.

Terry