I primarily kayak fish small rivers for bass and, as such, prefer a shorter rod with a shorter handle. The shorter overall length helps with the close quarters nature of my fishing and the short handle works better in a sitting position of a kayak.

I've starting wondering about how blanks are rated.

For example, I just built a rod on an MHX SB812 blank.

6'9", 10-17lb, 3/8-5/8oz, M/F

Are these rating based on a specific handle length? If I use a short handle (7" for example) will the rod's capabilities fall outside of the intended line and lure ratings? Vice versa, if I used an extremely long handle?

Isn't this effectively the same as cutting or lengthening the rod?

Or am I overthinking this and the small difference in handle lengths won't play a significant roll in changing the power and action of the rod?

The real reason I ask, is in comparing 2 blanks from the same manufacturer. If I know I use a shorter handle than it is "designed" for, should I buy the longer rod and cut it down or just roll with the blank that comes the length I want?

I think (could be wrong) that blanks are "rated" by their pre-build characteristics.

Sure. I get that. But it has to be based on something. The line and lure ratings have to have a starting leverage point that is, presumably, not the very end of the rod. Because otherwise adding any handle length would dramatically change the action and power of the rod.

So coming up with the line and lure ratings has to take into account a reel seat location, even if indirectly.

A typical action rating comes from where the bend starts when the tip is deflected 1/3 of the blank length. Power is typically described by how much weight it takes to create that deflection. Companies vary in their action and power ratings. This might help [www.rodcents.org]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/22/2023 03:20PM by Ross Pearson.

Ross,

Actually, what you're referring to is part of the Common Cents System. Manufacturers don't base their ratings on the CCS

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

Patrick,

Most manufacturers base their particular rating on the overall blank length. Handle length doesn't necessarily affect these ratings if you hold the blank at the butt for casting or fish fighting. In any event, unless you get far outside what would be considered a "normal" handle length for that type blank, it's not going to vary.

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

Tom Kirkman Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ross,
>
> Actually, what you're referring to is part of the
> Common Cents System. Manufacturers don't base
> their ratings on the CCS
>
> .............
>
> Patrick,
>
> Most manufacturers base their particular rating on
> the overall blank length. Handle length doesn't
> necessarily affect these ratings if you hold the
> blank at the butt for casting or fish fighting. In
> any event, unless you get far outside what would
> be considered a "normal" handle length for that
> type blank, it's not going to vary.
>
> ................

Thanks, Tom. That's what I was wondering.

I understand that true blank power and action are intrinsic to the blank itself and where you put the components won't change that, I was more concerned with the fishable power and action of the rod and how changing reel seat location would alter that from the stated ratings given by the manufacturer.

Sounds like I'm good to go and going with shorter handles won't substantively change the fishability of a given blank.

Thanks for the correction and clarification, Tom. I should have followed the rule that even a fish stays out of trouble if it keeps its mouth shut.

Patrick C.,
If you ever looked at an old G Loomis rod catalogs you would notice that the different builds for different species could very well be built on the same blank, they just put the appropriate components on the blank that fit the situation at hand, and whether it was a fresh or saltwater build. A 14-inch rear grip, for instance, on a hotshot casting rod, and a 9-inch rear grip on the same blank used as a spinning rod for bonefish, etc. Lamiglas' Paco Kayak Series was for the most part existing blanks built to specs that made them easier to use while sitting in a kayak, things like proper grip length, grips made to go in and come out of rocket launchers and rod holders as easily as possible, etc. They were all 7 ft. rods if I remember right so you could go around the bow of your boat and net your catch without a struggle.