Do you try to set a balance point? I’m not sure exactly where it should be but were the index finger grips the rod would seem like a good spot

On rods that I use for bottom contact baits, where I am fishing the rod, tip up, and trying to feel a bite (jigs, tubes, Texas rigged soft plastics, etc.) I set a degree of balance. Meaning I don't actually care where the rod and reel actually balance, I just care that it feels tip light. If it's not a rod I use for bottom contact baits, but instead use for cast and retrieve techniques, then I don't worry about where the rod balances or if it feels tip heavy or not.

As far as where a balance point should be, you're the one using the rod and reel, so you should be the one that determines whether it feels right in your hand, or not.

It's kind of like asking someone if you think a woman is pretty or not. If you think she's pretty, what does it matter what others think?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/19/2021 06:30PM by David Baylor.

Do a search on this forum's archives for rod balance. You can read for hours....

..............

Balance means nothing unless you have the reel on the rod. The balance of a rod by itself means nothing.

I just build as light as I can. And let ergonomics determine the design of the rod.

Roger,
I agree with both David and Michael; it all boils-down what YOU prefer for YOUR particular situation. I especially like David’s analogy of how pretty a woman is = point-on!
Personally, as with Michael, I concentrate on building as light as possible and let the “balance” fall where it may. If it happens to be 2-4 fingers ahead of the (spinning) reel, I am happier than a pig in slop. If not, it’s no big deal, I adjust, and never think about it while fishing. Admittedly, I do not fish for bass with a casting rod where there are sooooo many different baits and techniques. Aha, the joy and simplicity of wild trout fishing in the Eastern Sierra.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

David Baylor Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> On rods that I use for bottom contact baits, where
> I am fishing the rod, tip up, and trying to feel a
> bite (jigs, tubes, Texas rigged soft plastics,
> etc.) I set a degree of balance. Meaning I don't
> actually care where the rod and reel actually
> balance, I just care that it feels tip light. If
> it's not a rod I use for bottom contact baits, but
> instead use for cast and retrieve techniques, then
> I don't worry about where the rod balances or if
> it feels tip heavy or not.
>
> As far as where a balance point should be, you're
> the one using the rod and reel, so you should be
> the one that determines whether it feels right in
> your hand, or not.
>
> It's kind of like asking someone if you think a
> woman is pretty or not. If you think she's pretty,
> what does it matter what others think?
Thanks get the message, but not the analogy. Never had to ask that question :)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/20/2021 12:10AM by roger gleason.

Now I'm lost.

Lynn,
You must have a beautiful woman! Oh, and the balance of your rods are perfect for you as well. I am in the same boat, so-to-speak.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

If a rod is butt-heavy you could restore its balance by adding weight to the tip.

Abraham Lincoln was quoted as saying something to the effect, “ better to remain silent and make others wonder rather than speaking and removing all doubt”. Phil, shhhhh! lol

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Mark, she's a dandy! Been married to her since 1977, but I didn't marry the first one I fell over. Phil, she is by no means butt heavy!

Or move the handle up toward the tip of the blank, or the reel seat toward the butt of the blank, or BOTH, to achieve that elusive rod balance.

Phil, tip-light rods are very rare. And short. The issue is almost always whether to add weight to the butt to balance a tip-heavy rod. How does one accomplish both moving the "handle," ( I think that means where one grips the rod) and moving the reel seat toward the butt?