Besides being decorative…what is the purpose (if anything) if a split grip/fighting butt?
Most of the casting rods I see for sale lately have that as a design element.
I’m just curious if they serve any functional purpose?

Preference as well, i just like the feel of the split grip when casting. Also saves some weight if thats an area of concern.

Cheaper to build and lighter, what other reason do you need? They suck in a rod holder compared to full grips.

The whole idea of a split-grip is purely functional. Rich Forhan pioneered this concept for freshwater casting rods in his book Powerhand Baitcasting and has written a few articles around the concept for RodMaker.

Why add anything to a rod that isn't needed? If the only portions of the handle used for most bass fishing (and similar) casting and fishing techniques is the reel seat and the butt, why have additional grip area and weight on the rod? At least that's how Rich saw it and today most such rods don't bother with unneeded grip material.

Do keep in mind that a split-grip/no-foregrip handle isn't best for all rods. They were intended primarily for bass casting rods, not for use in a rod holder, etc.

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Depending on the technique used, some guys put their forearm up against the exposed blank for greater sensitivity. This technique is recommended for slow pitch jigging.

Here are a couple of videos on how we do it:

[www.youtube.com]

[www.youtube.com]

Flex Coat Company
Professional Rod Building Supplies
www.flexcoat.com

Where can Mr..Forhan's book be purchased?

I believe it is out of print now, but I suspect you can find one for sale online somewhere. Just have to do a search.

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i have seen buddies fightig a nice bass without a foregrip..they are in pain from trying to hold the rod where the forgrip would normally be..such a silly idea..

If you fight the fish with a hand forward of the reel seat, then put a fore grip on it. If not, then don't. It's really just that simple.

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For me personally, a split rear grip is strictly for looks. The look cool. Yes it's a weight savings, but IMO it can be a weight savings that can be detrimental to the balance of the rod and reel combination. Even though the added weight of a full grip versus a split grip really doesn't amount to much, (depending on grip material of course) that little bit of extra weight behind the reel, can make a difference in how the rod and reel feel in your hand.

As far as fore grip or no fore grip goes .... if you are fighting fish that fight long and hard, I can definitely see the advantage of having a fore grip on a rod. For bass and other similar fish, where the fight lasts for maybe 5 minutes, tops .... I don't see the point. Like a full grip, even though the weight of a fore grip (again depending on grip material) doesn't amount to much, but it's weight ahead of he reel which can make a difference in how the rod and reel balance in your hand.

I will say this until the day I die .... weight, if it is for a purpose, is not a rod builders enemy. But the lack of weight sure can be

for me, i would give up the rear grip and keep the foregrip especially on a flipping rod but i hold the rod by the foregrip and not the reel, much better ergonomics, reels are not grips, too fat..i can only get my fingers half way around..another silly idea..lol..