I'm building a 12' Spey rod and the problem Im having is the length of the grip. The total length is 144" and the first guide should be at 30" from the butt of the rod. That would be at 114" but my grip will end at 123" leaving only 9" from the end of the grip to the first guide.

4.5"
9 7/8"
16 3/16"
23 7/16"
31 9/16"
40 5/8"
50 9/16"
61 7/16
73 3/16"
85 7/8"
99 1/2"
114"


With this being a split grip I was thinking the bottom grip would be 5" and the top would be 14" plus the reel seat. My 13'6" St Croix has the same dimensions for the grip but having a distance between the grip and the first guide at 17". Is the 9" gap ok for this Spey rod or am I doing something wrong?? The St. Croix distance to the first guide is 40". So do I change my guide spacing or shorten the grip?

Thanks for the help.

I'd shorten the grip. I like the way R.B. Meiser sets up his grip lengths, 13 ft and less get the shorter 10 1/2" or so foregrip length.

I don't think it matters the distance from the cork grip to the first guide as the cork shouldn't get in the way or cause it to have any problems with the rod flexing. If you are comfortable casting with a longer grip go for it.

The most important aspect of the foregrip should be where it is comfortable to put your hand during casting. This should determine grip length before aesthetics compared to the stripping guide. Since the length of the rod is 12', the grip can be shorter than 14", but I would make some test casts with guides and a reel taped on to see where your top hand falls. The rear grip doesn't necessarily have to be 5" either on a 12' rod.

With a 12" fore grip and a 4" rear grip, this might satisfy your look concerns, and probably be close to the right leverage for hand placement, but try it out on your rod with your casting style.

Terry

Thank you all for the insight and ideas! I think I will shorten both grips. I will post some photos once Im done.

Take care,

Robb