Anyone built one they really like? I've got a handle made finally but not sure what I should put it one.

I myself do not like them See no purpose. But being so short I would think a Short rod, about a 5 - 5 1/2' one Some thing in a UL

Bill - willierods.com

I build a few of these as "dock casters" for the bass guys. Short rods built on fiberglass composite blanks between 4.5 and 5.5 feet long with a medium / slow tip. They are used to skip sinko's back up under docks (fast "snap casts from just off the water's surface) The blanks are normally cut down 10-15lb line ratings (sometimes a bit heavier / sometimes a bit lighter) definitely not in the UL range. Lance at Swamplands can probably help you out with a blank



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/19/2011 03:50PM by Ken Preston.

I like them for several things.

I have fairly large hands and conventional round grips cause my hands to cramp when jigging spoons, bladebaits, etc. They're also great for short-range, accurate casts with spinnerbaits, etc.

Pick a blank in the 5 1/2 to 6' range with the action and power to match your preferred applications. As with any rod, match the line to blank and the lure to have the correct balance of power and fishability. (For example: I use 6' MF heavy rods with 17# mono for spinnerbaits - braid would be too "stiff.")

Dan

Edit: Had to leave - so to complete what I started to say: To not be unreasonably tip heavy, these rods are usually fairly short so balancing rod flex with line stretch is very important to keep fish from coming unbuttoned, but you can still have quite a powerful rod if you want.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/19/2011 06:33PM by Dan Ertz.

they are also better when used on rods built for kids.

Many bass fisherman I know still use pistol grip rods for close cover spinner bait fishing. I agree with the 5 to 6 foot rod length, Medium with fast tip.

Good luck

I built 3 of these type rods as Christmas present for my inlaws. I used the mudhole crb iS601m and trimmed them down a little. They use them creek fishing in SE Missouri.

Thanks for the advice & suggestions. Rod will be used for tossing baits underneath overhanging trees along the river which'd be about the same as tossing under docks I bet.

Neil -
I'd bet pretty much the same application. The bait is actually skipped off the surface of the water to keep it from getting hung up.

Neil,

I have used SCII's and SCIII's with great success although the new blanks they make are a little lighter. Earlier non IPC models were 10-17 and .25-.75oz. I have also used some of the 726 IM10 All Star blanks that I cut 6" from the bottom. I am really fond of the Croix's in the avids for spinner bait rods. The All Stars make nice worm and jig rods (I still have a few of these blanks if you need one). My alltime favorites are 5C60mf's. Regardless if it is the first generation Legend Elites or the latter green, or brown rods. (haven't built the new ones yet) these are my choice.

Tom