Hi guys,
Simple question here. I had a custom built and really like it but the rear grip was a little longer than I anticipated. I usually specify the length I want, either I forgot to tell the builder or he forgot the length I gave him. Anyways I've got it and it is what it is now. I love the build and the rod, but had a few quesions.

It's a 7ft 2.5" (7footer extended) med-heavy fast action mag bass blank. The rear grip is roughly 12 3/4" from the back of the Fuji SK2 (where the graphite ends). I usually try not to go longer than about 11 7/8" or so because I'm only 5'7" and find that when the rear grip is too long it can get in the way.

How long do you guys usually make a rear grip on a rod that long? I don't know how it will affect my casting and hook setting efficieny as I haven't fished it yet...so it may not even be an issue. I was just curious if this issue comes up often in trying to strike a balance between balancing the rod and keeping the rear grip manageable.

Thanks.

for a "smaller" fish rod such as that I would want the grip to hit mid forearm or so.about 10-12" and a salmon are steel head rod has to be at least 14" .of course its all personal preference.I belive balance has a lot to do with the weight of the reel too

I make most of my 7 footers with a rear grip length of 9-10 inches, possibly 11 inchs on a very heavy tipped rod.

Roger

I like mine a little longer. I surf fish a lot and the butt of the rod ends up between your legs, usually 10-11' rods. On my lighter inshore rods, 7' I make the butt long enough to reach my legs 13-14", my hands are a little lower, but it still allows me to anchor the rod with the butt and apply pressure with my bask as opposed to my arms. Plus I find if you are casting with 2 hands I get a much better load and whip with the longer butt. JMO.

Sam Moore Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi guys,
> Simple question here. I had a custom built and
> really like it but the rear grip was a little
> longer than I anticipated. I usually specify the
> length I want, either I forgot to tell the builder
> or he forgot the length I gave him. Anyways I've
> got it and it is what it is now. I love the build
> and the rod, but had a few quesions.
>
> It's a 7ft 2.5" (7footer extended) med-heavy fast
> action mag bass blank. The rear grip is roughly 12
> 3/4" from the back of the Fuji SK2 (where the
> graphite ends). I usually try not to go longer
> than about 11 7/8" or so because I'm only 5'7" and
> find that when the rear grip is too long it can
> get in the way.
>
> How long do you guys usually make a rear grip on a
> rod that long? I don't know how it will affect my
> casting and hook setting efficieny as I haven't
> fished it yet...so it may not even be an issue. I
> was just curious if this issue comes up often in
> trying to strike a balance between balancing the
> rod and keeping the rear grip manageable.
>
> Thanks.


That seems to be about the majic number for me too...I usually like around 11-11.5 inches, I think most of my factory Loomis rods are around 9.5" or so and feel a little tip heavy. I only bass fish and like it not to go to my elbow when pitching and underhand casting; also seems to make the hookset easier. I'm willing to sacrifice a little balance to make it more comfortable.

Just curious to see where others weigh in...and it's a lot of different answers, as I expected.

Thanks guys.

Tournament bass fishermen vs weekend bass fishermen tend to have shorter butt lengths as they have to fish even in nasty weather as its their job.
When you call it quits they cannot afford to simple as that.
So they need to clear their belly plus any rain gear and life vests without snagging, that equals what to many feels too short a grip and a tip heavy rod often.
Many tournament bass fishermen, as they move up the ranks, also get a 'thing' about wanting all the rod butts to be exact same size and diameter feel etc. A few casts each time they change a lure/rod to get used to the new layout can affect their payday. A fumble on just one fish can cost the right person a lot of money.

So I build mine for the individual not an average.
You need to know who is going to use it and how and where.