Telescopic butt

[bassinOUT89]

Hey y'all, I was interested in BPS tourney special 7'6 heavy. It has a retractable butt. Is this common in a 7'6 rod? And would that butt be bothersome? Rod would more then likely be used for pitching and flipping. And the occasional frog. 

[GrumpyOlPhartte]

@bassinOUT89: I don't know if this helps, but I ordered one of the Manley Rods because they have that retractable butt feature. (I'd have provided a link, but I'm clueless as to how.) I'm not familiar with the BPS model, but I love the Manley. Takes less than a quarter of a turn twist of the lock ring to go from 7'2" to 7'6" (or anywhere in between). If the BPS model is anything like it, I would think you would like the feature. Keep in mind this is coming from a sit-in kayak fisherman, but it has made my life a lot simpler. And I have mentioned this brand in other posts but have no connection to them. I own exactly one of their rods for which I paid full price. But Mr. Manley treated me like a pro when I called with questions and the price was good, meaning I could actually afford it. Oh, and the company builds custom rods for you heavy hitters. Now let me climb down off my soapbox and say that for me, a retractable-butt rod is a lifesaver in this way. A quick twist, extend the handle, make a two-hand cast, quick twist, retract the handle half way; and it clears my PFD while I work the lure, and fight and land the fish. Hope this helps!

[bassinOUT89]

Thanks for the reply grumpy, my main concern would be the sensitivity of the rod. Would that affect it at all?

[GrumpyOlPhartte]

I'm probably not the best one to answer, because this was an upgrade from one of my old UglyStiks and I admit I found the sensitivity to be far superior when trying this rod with chatterbaits, jigs, and T-rigged worms. The vibration of the chatterbait and the bottom contact were much more defined, in my opinion. I can't speak to punching or flipping, but I suspect there would be a similar increase in sensitivity were I to try either technique. For me, sensitivity has never been a concern when frogging since in my experience to date I have relied on visual indicators.  I would guess that certain brands of high-end rods would be more sensitive, but I'll never have the bucks to confirm one way or the other. From my experience so far, I honestly believe the retractable butt feature has little or no impact on rod sensitivity simply because all of the mechanics are in the butt. I don't think the sensitivity of the blank is affected. 

[ib_of_the_damned]

I have a Mattlures Swimbait rod with the telescopic handle. I like it, it really helps with the big topwaters like Lunker Punkers. I cast out with the handle extended and then retract it to start working the lure. It's hard to walk a big topwater with the long swimbait rod handles.

[XpressJeff]

I have 2 of them and have been quite satisfied. I don't remember what I paid for them but they're fine.