Input Appreciated

[Rpratt]

Yesterday for the first time in my life I went forth and fished in the middle of winter. A friend of mine and I solely ventured forth just to educate ourselves on the art of jerkbait fishing. And it went ok. Caught a few that actually surprised me that they hit so hard even in 41 degree water. But, I learned something and that in order for me at least to use the technique correctly, I need a baitcasting rod with a shorter handle. Any suggestions on a rod like that? All of mine are longer for casting and unless I jerk to the side, I find I am whacking my belly, armpits etc. I have been trying to find something, but not having much luck. Thx ?

[jbsoonerfan]

What rod are you using, or do you know the handle length? We can start offering advice, but until we know what you currently have, it may be useless.

[Rpratt]

I am using a Daiwa Tatula medium 7' rod and old G Loomis (can't remember the rod blank) 6-6 medium action rod I bought way back in 1994. I switched back and forth between those two yesterday. Same issue with handle too long with them both.  I can't tell you the handle length but I compared them to my Carbonlite (the older version) rod and it's the same length. I am gonna guess the handles are at least 10-12 inches long.

 

If that don't help any, and I know that's not much to go on, when I get home tonight I will do some measuring. 

[jbsoonerfan]

That Tatula looks like it has a 14" handle (overall length) and that is pretty common on most modern rods. I would think there may be a few older rods out there with shorter handles but I am not familiar with them off the top of my head. I'm sure someone will chime in with some help.

[BassCats]

It’s very hard to find a short handle rod these days. Most likely custom is way to go.

[new2BC4bass]

Find a Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth or older Quantum Smoke.  Both have very short handles.

 

EDIT:  I'll try to remember when I get home to check for any other rods I have with short handles.

 

EDIT2:  Add the OG Falcon Expert for short handle like the Smallmouth.  Several other brands are reasonably close...like an inch or so longer.  Ex. 7' MF Mojo Bass, 7' MF Okuma Helios, 7'1" MLF Recon2, 7' MLR and MR OG Tatula (6'10" MHF is longer), older 6'6" M-XF Zillion to name a few.

[Choporoz]

24 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

Find a Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth or older Quantum Smoke.  Both have very short handles.

 

EDIT:  I'll try to remember when I get home to check for any other rods I have with short handles.

My favorite short handle rods are Fenwick ETSM and St. Croix Rage, neither of which is made any more, unfortunately.

 

At a fishing show last year, I handled some rods with green accents (Enigma, perhaps) that had short handles and felt great, though I have never fished them.  (Wasn't thirteen, Lews, Favorite, carrotstix....wish my CRS wasn't so advanced.)  Another I haven't fished, but is on my short list is St Croix Mojo yak, which is designed for yakkers with short handle.

 

I've considered custom and may still do that.  Kistler He3 (last year's) and Fenwick Aetos are short enough for me, but I'd like maybe a half inch less on each. 

[Junger]

I had the same problem with banging into my forearm, ribs, etc. I found the Lew's Custom Plus Speed Stick, 6'8 ML/F (LCPTWS); rated 1/8-1/2oz and throws small jerbaits/poppers great. I have an Alphas SV105 paired with it and it's my favorite popper/jerkbait rod.

 

Handle is like 9" from the trigger, and has a mag-like taper. I've pulled 8lb snakeheads out of hydrilla with it.

 

Lews Custom Plus Speed Stick

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-LEWRODS.html?from=basres

 

[jimmyjoe]

    Would St. Croix Mojo Yak be something you might find acceptable?  https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/St_Croix_Mojo_Yak_Casting_Rods/descpage-SCY.html

   jj

[The Maestro]

I have this rod and it's very nice for jerkbaits and topwaters. It was designed with a shorter butt section.

 

 

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Lighting rod pistol grip...

[fishwizzard]

I have a Avid 6’2” M/XF that is a jerkin’ machine and it has a very short handle.  Otherwise look for an old Loomis 6’ Classic Bass rod. 

[Fishes in trees]

If you're going to stick with a bait casting rig, the pistol grip is a very good suggestion.  Me, I use spinning gear for throwing jerk baits.  Specifically an older 6'3" Shimano ( rated Med, on the light side of med. ) with a extra fast tip.

I have a kinda junky reel (US Reel 240) and the ultra wide spool of this reel works great for throwing jerk baits.  Last year I threw 14 lb Fireline, with a very short (18" or so ) fluorocarbon leader.  I'm considering a medium weight nanofil next year.  I choose the spinning gear because I think that when throwing jerk bait distance is important and throwing into or cross ways into the wind, I get better distance with the spinning gear.

[A-Jay]

On 1/15/2020 at 10:39 AM, Rpratt said:

I am using a Daiwa Tatula medium 7' rod and old G Loomis (can't remember the rod blank) 6-6 medium action rod I bought way back in 1994. I switched back and forth between those two yesterday. Same issue with handle too long with them both.  I can't tell you the handle length but I compared them to my Carbonlite (the older version) rod and it's the same length. I am gonna guess the handles are at least 10-12 inches long.

 

If that don't help any, and I know that's not much to go on, when I get home tonight I will do some measuring. 

Cut the handle to the length you want / need on the a rod you have & that you like.

Eliminating 2 inches or so makes working a jerkbait better but other than that, you'll not notice the difference. 

#hacksaw

A-Jay

 

[Ratherbfishing]

19 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

Cut the handle to the length you want / need on the a rod you have & that you like.

Eliminating 2 inches or so makes working a jerkbait better but other than that, you'll not notice the difference. 

#hacksaw

A-Jay

 

Did exactly that with a Berkley Lighting rod YEARS ago.  At that time I didn't have much money and cutting a "perfectly good rod" seemed risky.  But apart from not having a pretty rod butt anymore, it performed just fine.  

[Rpratt]

1 hour ago, A-Jay said:

Cut the handle to the length you want / need on the a rod you have & that you like.

Eliminating 2 inches or so makes working a jerkbait better but other than that, you'll not notice the difference. 

#hacksaw

A-Jay

 

Oooh...ow.  Thats a good idea. There is no way in Sam Hill I would do that to my G Loomis (it was my gift to myself when I got out of the Navy)  but the Tatula, well it already had a little bit of the tip broke off. I may seriously consider that. Would I have to order another rod butt? Or do ya think I could finagle what I cut off out? 

[NHBull]

I really like my jerkbait  special

[The Bassman]

I've got Pac Bay butt caps on my Loomis Classic Basses that I shortened. I think they look better than the stock ones.

[A-Jay]

2 hours ago, Rpratt said:

Oooh...ow.  Thats a good idea. There is no way in Sam Hill I would do that to my G Loomis (it was my gift to myself when I got out of the Navy)  but the Tatula, well it already had a little bit of the tip broke off. I may seriously consider that. Would I have to order another rod butt? Or do ya think I could finagle what I cut off out? 

 

48 minutes ago, The Bassman said:

I've got Pac Bay butt caps on my Loomis Classic Basses that I shortened. I think they look better than the stock ones.

This ^^^^^

A-Jay

[Smalls]

A lot of companies are coming out with “kayak” series of rods with shorter handles. I think it’s a gimmick for its intended purpose, but would probably suit you well for jerk baits