Many, many years ago, I recall seeing casting rods that attempted to negate the inherent problem of casting rod twist by situating the rod blank into a handle that featured a raised forward section, with a large opening through which the line could then pass and travel along the underside of the rod blank. Obviously, the guides were wrapped along the bottom of the rod.

As I was preparing our antique rod building component display for the Expo this coming weekend, I opened a package kindly sent to me by rod builder Bobby Feazel. Inside, were two pristine "Bass Handler" handles which are based on the older concept that I had seen all those years ago. These were obviously sold as component parts and intended to be used by custom rod builders.

Owing to the limits of material technology of that era, they are somewhat heavy compared to more modern casting rod handles. They're made from some sort of very durable plastic with rubber pistol grips. They certainly provide an important link to our rod building past and illustrate the need, even then, of somehow countering the attempted twist by all conventional casting rods. I would estimate that these are from the mid to late 1960's or so. You can view them at the Expo and I'll be sure to take some photos for the next issue of RodMaker as well.

Wonderful stuff and thanks to Bobby for allowing us to display these. Thanks to everyone who sent items for the display. They will be promptly returned the week after the event.

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Those were made in the 1960 time period here in Florida by a company near Jacksonville.

Those were made in the 1960 time period here in Florida by a company near Jacksonville.

Actually, the package says "The Bass Handler, Lake Charles, LA."


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If you've never seen a Simmons "Sensor" handle, we'll have one here. How about a Fuji "Rippled" TN model? Early 20th Century folding surf guides, Neo-Cork, Burnt Cork, Aetna Foulproof guides, "Tulip Tops" and much more. I'm going to try and get everything labled so folks will know exactly what they're looking at. The display will be behind locked glass, but you'll still be able to get up close and see these items from our craft's rod building past.

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The Bass Handlers were the braid child of an instrument fitter named Carl Fontenot from Lake Charles LA. I knew Carl when he was trying to get a patent on his idea about 1974-75 while building a powerhouse at PPG in Lake Charles. They are marked "patent pending".

Carl was an avid fisherman who mostly fished for reds in south Louisiana and was a fine individual. He gave me the two handels you will see at the show at the time he was trying to promote the product.

Obviously it didn't succeed because I never saw anyone use them nor did I give it much credence.

Tom, thanks for the post.

I'd still like to find one of the originals from the 30's or 40's. Those were sold as rods only, however, not a separate component part like the "Bass Handler" handle. Surely somebody out there has one tucked back somewhere. I'd sure like to have one for my collection.

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