I've only built several rods so far, but I'm thinking of doing the next one without a foregrip. Is there really any reason for having them on bass rods other than keeping with the traditional look? What does everyone prefer for the transition from the front of the reel seat when not using a foregrip? Just a plain winding check?

Yes, No, Maybe.

Depends on what you are doing. I use foregrips for certain techniques.

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What do you think ?

When you fish for bass Do you need one heck it is your rod you are going to use it It is what - you - like

Bill - willierods.com

To finish off a seat with no foregrip, I'll either tuck a rubber o-ring just inside the front of the seat with a small thread wrap in front, or if the seat has ribs, I'll cut small pieces of EVA to fill the gaps (if you use the colorful craft foam, this is a neat place to add a little color). If I use a seat with a solid barrel, then I just finish off with the thread wrap. When I finish the thread wrap in front, I'll let the finish climb up to the edge of the seat forming a mini epoxy ramp. I usually don't use any type of winding check, unless I made a mistake and have to hide a flaw in the grip or seat fit.

Joe

if you ever hold the rod in front of the reel (some people do for c-rigging or spooning) then you probably want one. I don't personally, so i rarely use one. They serve a purpose if you actually use it. I use a winding check (metal or vinyl) or just put a small thread wrap in front of the seat and use ample finnish to ramp up to the seat.

Regards,
-Justin

I agree with Justin.
I think that the presence of a fore grip depnds on whether the rod will likely to be held by the fore grip.

If the hand is never put on that part of the rod, for bringing in fish, then I don' t think that there is much use for the fore grip.

But for any heavy action of heavy poundage saltwater rods, I think that the fore grip is essential. For many of these style rods, virtually all of the fish fighing is done from the fore grip.

But, the typical bass fishing rod doesn't use the fore grip when either casting or landing the fish.

Take care
Roger

Don't use them personally,.
But some anglers do as Justin suggested, Have also seen some that like to hold the fore grip in front of the reel and pinch the line between the thumb and forefinger.
In these cases it is advisable to have one.
As fas as seats, I use sizes that fit tight to the blank, then bevel the end for a finished look eliminating the need for a winding checks

Let me throw in my 2 cents for you.
I like them on spinning rods as I do move my hand in front of the reelseat. Usually use a 2-1/2" .

On my bass casting rods I never hold the rod in front of the reelseat, so no you would not need one.
Although I've not yet built a rod without one I've been making them shorter and shorter.
Last rod had a 1-1/2" and have another in process. Debating to go to a 1" or none.

I'm kind of a purist, so yes it does look funny without one, but functionally on a casting rod you don't need it.

As others have said it's a custom rod do what you want - you'll see many factory rods now without them
and many pro's use rods w/o them - but it's up to you.

Heck why not buy another blank, build it with micros, split grip AND no fore grip.
(This is an addicting hobby so many things to try!!)

My 2 cents plus 2 more, i just like the look of a fore grip.

No forgrip, epoxy ramp instead : [www.rodbuilding.org]

DR

Batson's has a winding check made for this specific purpose. Model FBWC [www.batsonenterprises.com] (scroll down near the bottom of the page.)

Carol @ Utmost

I use the foregrips on my spinning rods when fishing from a float tube and also when placing the rods in a rod holder on my small boat when the grandkids are fishing with me. We sometimes troll or still fish for catfish and the foregrip is necessary to align the rod properly when placed in the rod holder.

My last several rods have all been made with no fore grip.
You can obtain the plug from some of the sponsors which fit nicely inside the front of the reel seat. Just cut the inside arbor a bit short, then chuck the plug into the lathe and ream the center of the plug to the diameter of the blank.
Now you have a perfect seal for the front of the reel seat with a nice fit on the blank.
Wrap the rod and you are good to go.

Epoxy ramps are fine, but with these plugs, unnecessary and the plugs work very well and are attractive.

Take care
Roger