What to do with this rod?

[CastingClinic]

I’ve come into possession of a Berkeley Lightning casting rod.  MH/F and rod says 6’6” however the grip has been shortened and now the rod sits around 6’1”. 

 

I’m thinking a little too stout for treble hooks so not a great fit for jerkbaits or topwater.

 

Right now I’m thinking I put a Lews speed spool on and skip jigs with it but I prefer skipping with spinning gear.  Perhaps someone has a better idea for a small, light, compact and yet relatively stiff rod.

 

 

[WRB]

Tomato stake?

 

[you]

Sounds like a good profile for vertical jigging, especially with heavier baits. Any good opportunities for offshore fishing in your area?

[badfish79]

im curious what the grip on that looks like. sounds like it has a weird balance.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Self defense 

[CastingClinic]

8 hours ago, badfish79 said:

im curious what the grip on that looks like. sounds like it has a weird balance.

Unable to upload a pic

 

I just took a closer look at the rod and I was mistaken. A small scratch had me mistake the model number for the length.  The rod is a true 6’0” (although a hair longer in reality) with a 6” straight tapered rear grip that’s just a bit worn.

 

I figured someone hacking and shaping a grip in half made more sense than Berkley manufacturing a 6’ medium heavy casting rod with a wannabe pistol grip.

 

Still curious what this was made for.

[casts_by_fly]

Shorter rods were far more common 20+ years ago. A 7’ rod was long. A 6’ rod was fairly common.  But with a short rod you don’t want to take up a quarter of it with a grip and seat, so you use a short grip or a pistol grip. If this rod is whole, then try it out for baits in the range the rod handles. You might like a short rod and grip. Sounds like a good walking bait rod or a tight quarters spinner bait rod. 

[J._Bricker]

Hey @CastingClinic, welcome to Bass Resource and the Forums! I agree with @casts_by_fly and use it for chucking spinnerbaits. The length of the rod as you describe it in my opinion would be a good close quarters roll casting machine for whatever you decide to use it for.

[garroyo130]

I keep a piece of a broken rod in my truck so i can easily close the vents on the passenger side ... just a thought.

[Cbump]

6 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

tight quarters spinner bait rod

Yep

[CastingClinic]

On 7/29/2023 at 11:42 AM, casts_by_fly said:

Shorter rods were far more common 20+ years ago. A 7’ rod was long. A 6’ rod was fairly common.  But with a short rod you don’t want to take up a quarter of it with a grip and seat, so you use a short grip or a pistol grip. If this rod is whole, then try it out for baits in the range the rod handles. You might like a short rod and grip. Sounds like a good walking bait rod or a tight quarters spinner bait rod. 

 

I had a feeling something like this was the case, there was a handful of very old gear that came along side this rod.

 

I do like the feel of it but the size gives me finesse vibes.  I wish it had a little more flex for topwater but I like your idea of throwing a spinnerbait on it.  
 

Gonna give it a shot and try a few different baits, I have a few spots that could probably benefit from a shorter rod.