Building a Forecast 1084 for tossing light stuff while wading in the surf. It will be spinning using a light weight Shimano reel. What length do folks like their rear grip? I was thinking 8 or 9 inches.

Marty - Think about your in-the-water fishing activities, and how deep you typically wade. Do you want this rod to be more of a single-handed casting stick, or a two-hander?

If a one-hander, yeah - a rear handle of 8-9" would be good.
If a two-hander, then - a rear handle of 10-14" is better.
Also, the longer rear handle may give this 9-foot rod a better balance.
-Cliff Hall+++, FL-USA*****


Salmon / Steelhead Blanks (IST / ISA / SH / HS / DR)
[www.fishsticks4u.com]

FORECAST FC-RX6 CLEAR GLOSS
SH-108-4-2 ... Clear Gloss ... 9'0" ... 2-piece ...
8-12 lb. ... 3/8 - 3/4 oz. ... 0.488" ... 4.0 / 64ths ...
Mod-Fast ... Med ... 3.00 oz. ... $40.08 - Add [FS4U]
Forecast Salmon / Steelhead Rod Blanks
• RX6 Standard Modulus (33 million), High Strain Rate graphite
• Technique-specific blank actions for EVERY possible
Salmon / Steelhead fishing situation
• Clear Gloss finish
• Durable, yet light weight designs
• 2 Year Limited Warranty

RAINSHADOW RS-RX7 MATTE CLEAR
IST-108-4-F ... Matte Clear ... 9'0" ... 2-piece ...
8-12 lb. ... 3/8 - 3/4oz. ... 0.490" ... 5.0 / 64ths ...
Mod-Fast ... Med ... 3.01 oz. ... $70.00 - Add [FS4U]
RainShadow Salmon / Steelhead Rod Blanks (Matte Clear)
• RX7 Intermediate Modulus (43 million), High Strain Rate graphite
• Technique-specific blank actions for EVERY possible
Salmon / Steelhead fishing situation
• Matte Clear finish
• Durable, yet light weight designs
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

personally, I would make it much longer than that. 20-26" for short surf rod.

A nine foot surf rod, whether lightweight for plugs of heavier for bait and a weight or llarge plugs is still best cast with two hands. I use the length of my arm from my pit to the hand to place my spinning reel. For a baitcaster I add an inch or so. This is how I determine the butt length and reel and reel seat placement for all my surf rods. I have never found any other placement to improve the comfort and performance of my surf rods. It always feels most natural to me. Tape up a reel to your blank and test the casting motion. You dont even need a line. If it is a two piece rod you can even just test the butt section. The key is the length of your arms and the leverage you attain. Comfort is king.