Gents, I have a question regarding cork handle lengths on 7' bass rods, casting and spinning. I have built quite a few Switch rods and I generally use an upper cork handle that matched the length of the blank 10.5-11" handle on a 11' blank, with an approx 4.5" on the lower. I'm building a couple of bass rods, one casting and one spinning with cork handles and was wondering what the best length for a 7' blank. 10-17lb, Fast, MH. Is there a general rule for the length of the handle on these types of blanks? Thx Dave

For a 7' bass rod, a 9" handle should be fine, I usually measure out 14"-14.5" from the butt to the top of the reel seat. Im assuming casting, not spinning.

I agree with Nick. 9" is fine for a 7' casting rod. That length shouldn't cause any problems, regardless of the presentation being used.

As for spinning rods, since the reel seat can be installed either up locking or down locking, I use where the reel stem falls as the basis for the measurement. I built a 6'10" spinning rod with a measurement of 11 3/4" from butt to the middle of the reel stem, and it works very well.

It's personal preference, I like short handle.
For UL to M (sometime MH) spinning rod I like 9" to 10" from butt to reel seat stem.

Take care only 1'" make a huge different feel for me.

________________________________________
@+
Eric
[www.emfishing.fr]

Thx for the replies. I guess as far as a spinning rod goes, it's mostly what feels right for you. I measured from the stem to the meat of my forearm is about 11.5". Wasn't sure if there was a rule of thumb that applies.

The distance from the grip (the hand) to the butt may be as short as you want, but it can get too long and tangle the butt in the clothing at the elbow. Make sure this is considered. It can be different for different anglers' dimensions and prefernces.

The distance from the grip (the hand) to the butt may be as short as you want, but it can get too long and tangle the butt in the clothing at the elbow. Make sure this is considered. It can be different for different anglers' dimensions and prefernces.

Dave, as you can see, there is no general rule of thumb. You even see differences in factory rods, which are pretty much built as one size fits all. But one size doesn't fit all. Differences in body type, differences in the type of clothing worn in different kinds of weather, and differences in how anglers performs specific techniques are all part of determining rear grip length.

For instance, the measurement I referenced for the 6'10" spinning rod I built, is most likely longer than what most people would use on that length of rod. I built it with that length grip because of the way I hold and use the rod when fishing a drop shot. Most of my drop shot fishing is vertical. I hold the rod parallel to the water and lift the rod to set the hook. When the rod starts to pivot towards the tip under the weight of a fish, the butt comes in contact with the bottom of my forearm. I feel it gives me more lifting power and a more positive hook set.

Were I building a spinning rod for pitching and skipping baits under docks n such, I would have built it with a shorter rear grip.

That's what I love about building my own rods, I can build them to fit my own idiosyncrasies and personal preferences.

David is absolutely correct, build it the way you like it. This is one of things that makes a custom rod custom.
Norm