Having never built a spinning rod, but several fly rods...I'm wondering what "rule of thumb" is used when determining the butt grip length and the fore grip length...

Thanks in advance,

John

Hi John,
Use whatever length is the most comfortable for you for whatever you are using the rod for. Same for grip sizes. It's your rod so set it up for what suits you. If it's mainly for double handed casting 10 -14 inches can be ok. If it's main use is fish fighting then shorter than that would be better. Tape the reel seat on where you think it would be best, put your reel on and simulate casting or fish fighting. Move it around until you find what suits you best. Same for the foregrip, use what suits you best Personally I like longer thick foregrips as I've got fairly big hands but use whatever suits your physical attributes and preferences.
Youv've also got plenty of options with materials such as eva or hypalon, cork or carbon skinned grips. You can go from no foregrip to whatever length suits you. Rear grips can be full length or split.
It's a custom rod so customise it for whatever suits you and DON'T worry what anyone else thinks of it. Your the one using it.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/04/2012 01:27AM by Col Chaseling.

John,
A good starting point is to look at commercial rods.
Generally speaking, short rods = short butt grips.
Long rods = longer butt grips.
The simple reason is rod balance and ability to handle the length as needed.

Typically, a 5-5 1/2 foot rod would use a 7 inch grip.
A 6-6 1/2 foot rod would use an 8 inch grip.
A 7-7 1/2 and longer would use a 9-12 inch rear grip.

However, some folks will sacrifice balance to have a shorter grip so that the longer grip does not catch in the elbow.
Other folks, especially if a heavier action rod will put a 14 inch grip on a 5 foot rod to give the user enough leverage to be able to land the big fish if the rod happens to be a very heavy action.

i.e. the longer rods balance better and are easier to handle with longer grips.

Today, many folks are just leaving off the fore grip. Unless you are going to use the fore grip, there is only a cosmetic use for that grip.

If the rod is a very heavy action rod and you plan to use the fore grip when working a big fish, most folks never have their hand up in that area of the rod, so it is up to you as the builder to decide.

Good wraps.

Roger



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/04/2012 09:03AM by roger wilson.

Many thanks Col and Roger...

Totally depends on the power of the rod and how it will be used. Certainly a surf casting rod needs a longer grip. Get into salt water fishing and you might be using 12-20# test for battles that could be measured in hours. That is going to require a butt long enough to go in a fighting belt. On the other hand some used to fish much heavier line with a pistol grip on a bait caster. They weren't catching sailfish and tuna though.

P.S. A typically safe bet is to have the end of the butt grip come to within an inch or two of the end of angler's elbow when he holds the rod/reel normally. Ultra-light/one handed outfits can go shorter of course.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/05/2012 11:55AM by Russell Brunt.

...good stuff, Russ...thank you...John