Hello All,

I plan on picking up a St. Croix SCII blank later on today, but I really don't like their handle kits. I got spoiled on BassPro's handles. I managed to find something similar, but I'm not sure what size the handle will need to be. The rod itself will be 6' 6". Is there a general rule of thumb for this?

That depends on what and how you plan to use the rod. The right length for you may not be the right length for somebody else.

Do you cast 2-handed? Do you need better leverage against the fish you catch? Do you mount a spinning or casting reel on the rod?

I'd suggest you start by doing this - take your current favorite 6'6" rod and hold it like you do while fishing. Is the handle length perfect as is? Do you wish it were a little longer or a little shorter? Start there and then work longer or shorter. Mock the handle on tape bushings and see what seems to fit you best.

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Brian - my 6'6" rods sport a 8.5 to 9 inch handle ...........9 inch is the longest I would put on a 6'6" blank.

Brian - one thing I have heard a lot from clients regarding BPS rods is the "Power Hump". Does this add to being "spoiled"? Just wondering. If so, you may need to get someone to turn a handle for you.

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AD

Thanks for the replies everyone. It'll be a spinning rod for my Dad, so I'll have to make some educated guesses based on the BPS rod I know he has now.

Alex - Regarding the "Power Hump", I could take it or leave it. My biggest issue with the St. Croix handles is when you're holding on to the rod, you have to hold it around the hardware, and it gets really uncomfortable. In the BPS rods, everything is hidden under some nice comfy cork. Actually, my biggest problem with custom rods so far, is the handles. I guess I should find someone to turn some handles for me.

Try these links:

[www.mudhole.com]

[www.mudhole.com]

These look close to what I have seen on the BPS rods. You may just have to purchase the arbor to get the inside diameter to fit your blank.

Eric

hi brian,
also check out these handle kits from janns netcraft,cat #215-106 and 215-107.they are on the lines as the ones Eric suggested.I love these .they are very comfortable.
scott

Brian if comfort of grip is that big hands down the am tec earo is what you want. They only come in small sizes but are really comfy.

I've used the Fuji handles before. They are pretty comfortable, and i do like them, however they're a bit on the small side. I usually only use them on smaller rods, because I can only fit a Shimano Spirex 1500

Brian,
Have you looked into the larger 17mm Fuji VSS spinning seat? They still make the HPS 17 foregrip that is similar to what your talking about, I believe, that will fit any 17mm Fuji seat.

Spencer,
I have recently began using the American Tackle Aero reel seat. A very comfortable reel seat indeed.
I use a larger cork handle and turn it down so it fits nicely into the reel seat. Then, I finish turning down the rest of the handle to a nice comfort size.
I then take a Fuji screw on nut and use it to replace the standard nut that American tackle uses on their reel seat. I have recently completed 6 rods using these seats and all of the clients are very well pleased with the comfort of the seats and not having to have fingers on threads.

take care
Roger

I have previously posted a few pictures of the different nuts that I use on these seats:

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Here is a picture by Mike using the seats with their stock nut on a custom handle:
[www.rodbuilding.org]

Good building
Roger

Well it looks like I'm going to have to try my hand at turning my own handles next.

Ought to be fun.