I do not use Baitcasters. Don't seem to have the coordination to keep the bird's nest effect from happening. Have done repair work on several though. I plan to build a 'spiral' 6'6 or 7' for a close friend as an Xmas gift. I want to do a 'split grip' but am wondering the pros and cons of a split grip on Baitcaster. I have splits on most all of my own spin rods Thanks

Steve,

Pros:
Weight reduction
Encourage Proper hand placement for two handed casts
Open area is a great place for hook keeper, dec wrap, decal, etc.
Cost savings
Aesthetics (some people like the look)

Cons:
Aesthetics (some people hate the look)
Extra area to clean during assembly

The way that I look at it, when a person fishes a well executed split grip rod, the rod should handle just like a rod with a full grip. Much like a spinning rod, take the time to get the ergonomics right, and all will be well.

Joe

I do them most of the time for baitcasters unless it is asked not to be. Make sure you see how the person holds a rod and reel. I know for myself, I like to have a grip about 4" behind the reel to make sure my palm of my hand sits totally on the grip. I made one too short for myself one time and the end of the grip was hurting my hand, pressing into it.

Steve ALL my bait casters are spit grips. Tip: having the grip against the reel seat being at least 4" long to suit most folks pretty well. Go under 4" and you may end up with some hand on the split.

DR

Totally makes sense to me about the 4". Appreciate the feedback. Have never put a hook keeper on the split. Would seem to me that it might be in the way of the hand gripping if it were too close to the front of the split. I may experiment a little with that. Any thoughts on the placement for the hook keeper? Thanks again

Steve,

I use a drop shot type hook keeper. I like to place them so the hook is about 1/8"-3/16" in front of the rear grip, offset to the handle side of the rod. When I reach down and pick up a different rod, I usually grab the reel or close to it. Once I have the rod in hand, the lure is right there to be unhooked, a couple turns of the handle and it's ready to cast. The only time I run into problems with lure placement is with long stick baits with treble hooks. In that case, if I grab behind the reel, the lure and front treble can be in the way. With treble hooks I'll usually hook the lure on the reel frame or butt guide. My boat carpet is a little fuzzy and the trebles tend to grab the carpet if the rod rolls around.

[www.rodbuilding.org]
[www.rodbuilding.org]

Joe

I've done a few with the keeper in the split grip, the problem I found with that are treble hooks (top water/suspending) gets in the way while putting them in rod holders. It will tear the cork up and/or scratch the finish. So I went back to placing them above the foregrip.

We have put them as part of the butt (stripper) guide wrap.
Keeps the lure handy but out of the way.
Usually a "drop shot" style, either on the bottom (underside) or on the same side as the reel handle will be,
and as part of the butt end of the wrap on a 2 foot guide.

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

I place mine exactly as Joe does, only I use s standard round top keeper. no troubles yet, but to be honest I dont use hook keepers on my own rods, that's what the stripping guide is for! :-)

DR

But if the owner of the rod wants one ?? You should put it on

Bill - willierods.com

i do all split grips for style mostly. Only time i don't is it is requested or the rod will be used in a tube-style rod holder.

Regards,
-Justin

A split grip does not go well in rod holders

Bill - willierods.com

If the rod is every going to be used in a rod holder, I strongly suggest that a split grip NOT be used on the rod.
Rod holders, of any style simply do not work well with split grip rods.

Also, if rod holders are going to be used a lot with the rod, it is generally in the best interest of the rod and client to use a tough material like EVA, Hapalon, or a slick grip. Other materials simply don't hold up well to the rigors of rod holder use.

Take care
Roger