I'm going to be making a rod for a friend of mine used for skipping worms under docks. Everyone was great getting back with me on suggested blanks, but I'm
wondering what length the handle should be. The rod is 7" with a fast tip - realizing it will be used to skip should the spinning handle be longer than normal for that length rod
or shorter? I would think maybe a little shorter for easier casting?
Thanks and Merry Christmas to all.

Forrest Lamprey
Indianapolis

I am not going to say longer or shorter. I will say it depends on how your friend cast when skipping a worm. Some people can skip a lure very well with a pistol grip and a bait caster. I prefer a slightly longer handle because I normally use 2 hands when skipping lures under docks. I have just never been able to skip effectively with 1 hand.

Think back to how your friend fishes, or ask him to demonstrate his preferred method and build the rod to fit the method used by the angler.

Don't forget that a 6'6" rod with a 4" handle has the same working length as a 7' rod with a 10" handle.

Point here is to not only consider the handle but to look at the working length of the rod. Changing the working length might find him being more/less successful. It might even have a bigger to usability impact than handle length.

Hydra Fishing, LLC

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What Eric said Let him use as if fishing Mark where the seat is then you can figure how long for the handle

Bill - willierods.com

I would be more concerned about rod length than anything. When I'm skipping under docks I 'm casting underhanded with a casting rod. How tall the guy is and is he working from the casting deck on his boat will determine how long the rod needs to be. Personally I can't use a 7' rod while skipping plastics under docks. Of course I was Guard in High School, not a Center.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

Thanks everyone. Brought up a number of things to think about before building this rod. I also want to thank Hydra for the coment about handle length. In all my years i never
thought about the simple fact the the longer or shorter the handle the more it effects actual working lengths of the rod. Dah!!!!!
thanks

Forrest Lamprey
Indianapolis

Handle length is at the head of the list for skilled anglers.

In addition to Jay's comments on shorter rods for docks.

Working length of a rod can be affected by the way the rod is used.

Check out the way Gary Klein holds a rod to:

1. Throw, pitch & flip

2. Bite detection (line pinch between fingers with off hand in front of reel seat at he balance point of the assembly)

3. Fish recovery (fish control without impairment from body or clothing)