Rod Handles - advantages of long

[MacJig]

I recently bought a few rods that have a longer handle. I bought the rods online and didn't realize that the rod handles were that long (ie. the reel seat sits higher up from the end of the rod than what I was used to). I decided to give them a shot and have caught fish with them but to be honest the "feel" of the reel being that much further up the rod was a bit alien to me. I got comfortable with the reel being closer to my body. I was wondering if any anglers out there who like the longer handles can give any advice on how to perfect their usage and what are the advantages of having the reel sit higher up the rod than "normal". Many thx. 

[Bankc]

They make two-handed casting easier.  Plus, some people like to brace the longer butt against their forearm or under their arm pit for added stability.  And on top of that, most newer rod holders are designed for them.  Not to mention they make palming the reel easier because you have more of a counter balance behind it.

 

 

 

[Teal]

I dont know the science behind it, but I like it for long bombing casts for my swimbait rods.  All my striper and inshore gear has longer handles.  Some guys  like it for punching rods, I dont really care for it, just seems to get in my way cuz I'm fast pitching to Mats.  I'm sure someone will comment and give the science behind it.  I do not like really long handles on topwater rods...gets in my way.   If I ever get to have custom rods made, I'll be sure to have an average length on a punching or heavy jig rod, and really short handle on a jb rod.  Most rod companies now aren't doing a bad job catering to this. 

[Tywithay]

Two handed casting, balance, and leverage. 

[RoLo]

 

I want at least 12" between the reel center and butt cap...preferably 14".

This is invaluable when bulling a large lure thru heavy veggies

and when hauling a lunker fish. Resting the rod butt underneath the forearm,

removes all strain. This is quickly learned in saltwater,

where you're sometimes hauling one slob after another.

 

Roger

[WRB]

Without knowing what a long handle is too you it's difficult to reply. Handle length is usually based on the rod length, longer rod longer handle length.

Tom

PS, Tackle Warehouse lists rod handle length for each rod.

[jimmyjoe]

33 minutes ago, WRB said:

PS, Tackle Warehouse lists rod handle length for each rod.

 

   This has prevented me from making a wrong choice more than once. It's an invaluable asset.    jj

[MacJig]

many thx all for your replies -- i suppose practice makes perfect in this case -- i think i will take one of my long handles out today. 

[fishwizzard]

Long handles keep me from getting too fat by constantly poking me in the gut, shaming me into watching my weight.  That's about the only use I have for them, I would take a shorter handler with a counterweight over a longer one most any day. 

[mrpao]

I like a longer handle for techniques that don't require the rod being moved all the time. I like to brace the handle against my forearm. I like longer handle for cranking, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, chatterbaits- more of the straight retrieve type lures.

[MacJig]

1 hour ago, fishwizzard said:

Long handles keep me from getting too fat by constantly poking me in the gut, shaming me into watching my weight.  That's about the only use I have for them, I would take a shorter handler with a counterweight over a longer one most any day. 

I kind of agree with you right now but don't want to pass up on a good priced rod only because it is a long handle -- the shorter handle for me feels more comfortable but i'm sure it is only because it has been the only type I have used -- so i am going to make it more of a practice to take my long handles with me on the water -- like anything else, eventually you get used to it. 

[Teal]

4 minutes ago, MacJig said:

I kind of agree with you right now but don't want to pass up on a good priced rod only because it is a long handle -- the shorter handle for me feels more comfortable but i'm sure it is only because it has been the only type I have used -- so i am going to make it more of a practice to take my long handles with me on the water -- like anything else, eventually you get used to it. 

If it's a great deal, go for it, if you cant live with it, you should be able to sell it and get your most of your money back.