Hello everyone. I’m intrigued by the paracord wrapped grips and having a hard time finding information on them specific to fishing rods. (Tried doing a search here, before posting)

Anyways, I’ve got some questions if anyone doesn’t mind taking the time to answer.

1. They look awesome, but how are they functionally for fishing rods? Do they last? Any certain applications you’d recommend not using this type of grip for? (For instance fly fishing, what about offshore rigs?)

2. Do you seal it after it’s wrapped ? If so with what/how?

3. Is there a preferred type/brand/size?

4. Can anyone point me to a good reference to read/learn? As mentioned, I’ve been googling and going on YouTube, but I can’t find too much specific to rod building.

Thanks for your time.

Emory Harry did an excellent article on many types of cord wrapped grips in Rod Maker magazine. Volume 9 #3 I think. They last a good long time, cord wrapped hand rails on our naval vessels get far more wear than any fishing rod and they last for a decade or better.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 05/27/2018 08:46PM by Spencer Phipps.

Paracord has a cover over a core, which may not be the best way to go in terms of a corded fishing rod grip. You might want to look at braided nylon instead.

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

Hello All.

I did a little reading for literature on "Cord" wrapped rods and techniques, there is a lot there and I hope I got all of it but if I didn't maybe someone will let me know, here goes;
V-12 / I-2 / Pg.18 "Turk's Head Knot" By Ross van Enckevort.
V-15 /I-6 / Pg.22 "Corded Tennessee" By Tom Kirkman.
V-18 / I-3 / P.12 "Grip And Handle Materials" By Unattributed.
V-18 / I-5 / Pg.16 "Cord Under Glass" By Tom Kirkman.

At this point I almost stopped but a series on "Ergonomics" By Tom Kirkman caught my eye, if you are interested they are;
Part 1: V-19 / I-4 / Pg.24.
Part 2: V-19 / I-5 / Pg.24.
Part 3: V-19 / I-6 / Pg.22.
Part 4: V-20 / I-1 / Pg.14.

If I missed anything, let me know.

Good Day.


Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

Cord wraps are extremely common in California, more specifically Southern California. Paracord, or atwood cord works fine with some polyurethane coating, but my personal preference is tarred seine twine, or bank line. It is resistant mold, moldy, and biodegradation. It also wears nicely over time and doesn't require a coating. It doesn't need glue to hold it on, and you can finish it with a decorative turks head knot. It will last decades if not longer.

Send me an email if you have any specific questions, or if you want to see any pictures.

Nick

It seems a paracord grip would quickly raise blisters on a fly caster, or a spin caster, or a bait caster, or anyone who didn't put their rod in a holder and wait for a hit? I'll bet other rod builders/anglers could use some education about the purpose and uses of cord grips?

I've used it twice. Once for the color. The second for a friend who shattered the wooden butt handle on his heavy rod. The first one I finished off with permagloss, it sealed perfectly and left the texture of the cord. The heavy rod handle I used many coats of Pro Kote heavy, enough to completely cover the cord. Both worked great for the intended purpose.

Thanks everyone for the replies. I ordered some cord from mud hole “Atwood Rope” which I think is paracord without the core. I’ll post pics (if they’re internet worthy...lol)

Hey Ken,

Steve Paterson has a very informative c.d. on the subject.
It's available at Mudhole.
Rooster Custom Cord Handles.
Check it out!