I have never fished with or built a fly rod larger than an 8 weight and have standardized on a 7" Full Wells handle copied from the grip used on the St. Croix Legend Ultra.

Should I use a longer grip for a 10 weight rod, 8' 6"?

The blank is an All Star Austin that I believe was designed for Tarpon fishing. I may use it for that, but much more often will use it to throw heavy sinking lines like a 500 grain.

Thanks,

Tony

Unless your hand is larger when using the 10 weight, it's not necessary to make the grip any longer. The grip should fit the hand in any instance. I would use a full wells and try not to be stingy on the diameter. Remember, you can always go back and take some off, but you'll be hard pressed to put any back on.

Most commercially made grips are too small in diameter to begin with. Most people, when given the opportunity, find a larger grip to be more comfortable over a long day's fishing. Consult the volume 10 #3 RodMaker on the article on grip ergonomics for more information on sizing.

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Ditto what Tom said... I use a 7" Full Wells grip on my saltwater 10wt's - a little larger than most factory rods. Fits alot better IMHO.

Tom is correct a 7 or 71/2 inch full wells grip is standard. The center of the grip should measure close to 1 inch in diameter for comfort while casting and the grip will also be used when fighting a fish. If the grip is too small in diameter the hand will become fatigued and cramped during an extended fighting period.


Michael A Taylor
Bluewater Fly Rods

Tony,
Your size is okay, but you might want to think about a fighting butt for large fish making extended runs. I find I have better leverage and it is less tiring on my arm when I can rest the fighting butt on my forearm. Just a thought from an old poop who needs all the help he can get.

Mike Blomme

Good point Mike. Ya don't have to be an old poop to appreciate the extended length on the grip when the fight goes into overtime! I tend to lean towards a fighting butt of at least 2-3 inches. More would be nice. I'm starting to lean towards the two handed fly rod grip crowd.

I agree with the length and diameter suggestions. In addition I like my full wells to have shallow indentions. The grips are almost straight. I think this allows slight movements of the hand that helps fight off hand fatique.

Thanks to all who replied.

What I got out of all this was that I should stick with my standard 7". I make all my grips and they are indeed larger in diameter than "factory". Fighting butts are standard in my world as well, but I think I will get a bigger one this time.

Fish on! Hope to see y'all in High Point.