I recently purchased a North Fork Composites’ 14-inch Soft Touch Grip, which I am considering as the rear grip on a 9.5-ft spinning rod for steelhead. I am curious if anyone has any experience with using a 14-inch Soft Touch grip for a steelhead rod, and what type (and size) of a spinning reel seat would be a good match. Many thanks, Tim.

It's really sized for a casting rod configuration, a bit long, you see more 12 inch grips because of the way you hold a spinning rod. Both end up similar lengths while you fish. It may work for you, but I'd be concerned about the grip snagging my rain gear and/or coat. That said the American Tackle 17 mm Aero reel seat will fit it fine and are very popular. Just pulled one of mine out, I don't see why shortening the grip, isn't easily done.
Mine is actually 13.5 inches log including butt cap, check yours.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/13/2021 02:27PM by Spencer Phipps.

Thanks Spencer. I have used Aero seats on other spinning rods and find them comfortable, and should be easy to combine with the Soft Touch Grip.

Good observation on the length of the grip- mine also is 13.5 inches log including butt cap (13 inches without EVA cap). That is not much longer than other steelhead/salmon rods I have built.

Tim