Pistol Grip rods

[broncoboxer]

Hey guys,

I'm thinking about purchasing one of these 5'6" pistol grip rods and attaching a decent baitcasting reel. My problem is I'm so new to this I don't know what "size" reel I would need to equip it with.

Any suggestions?

garcia Revo s is perfect

I went to Gander Mountain yesterday and questioned one of the workers there about what baitcasting reel would work best for a 5' 6" Trigger Rod (by the way, I purchased a "Guide" brand rod--Gander Mountain's house brand.  It felt good in my hand).  He said baitcasters shouldn't be used for rods under 6' in length.

Of course, that ruined my mood.  I wanted a lightweight baitcaster, for crying out loud!

So I bought the rod but left without buying a reel.  Once home, I put my BPS reel that came as part of a "Crankin' Stick" combo on the rod.  I have to admit, the reel felt a bitg heavy for that rod.

So, you think an Abu Garcia Revo S will feel better?

[twors]

I have no problems with my Citica 201 on my pistol grip rod and your not going to find anything much larger than that. The Revo is a smaller bodied reel than the Citica and weights a little over a once less. Where your salesman got that baitcasters shouldn't be used on rods under 6' is beyond me..

[Guest DavidGreen]

I went to Gander Mountain yesterday and questioned one of the workers there about what baitcasting reel would work best for a 5' 6" Trigger Rod (by the way, I purchased a "Guide" brand rod--Gander Mountain's house brand.  It felt good in my hand).  He said baitcasters shouldn't be used for rods under 6' in length.

Depending on his age. Many of the old school anglers used the old spincast reels that came already mounted on the short 5'6" rods of that time period. I E Zebco 33, 404's, 808's, a lot of the older Shakesphere's etc.. Garcia's old 4600 was the first baitcaster I ever used on a 5'6" rod back in the early 70's, other than that they were all spincast Zebco 33's and 404's...

If he is younger then he probably fished with grandpa on the shorter rod and spincast reel combo's..

As for todays techniques, depending on the anglers style and technique being used the shorter 5'6" rods are acceptable with most of the baitcasting reels made.

I have used mine with a 1994 Quantum QG3501 baitcaster for weightless Zulu's, that reel weights a whopping 8oz. But the rod is so light and short that the only thing I feel in my hand is the reel.

I have also used my other 5'6" rods with my newer Shimano Scorpion 1001's and those are some really light weight rigs...

Just my .02¢

Tight Lines!!!

[broncoboxer]

Depending on his age. Many of the old school anglers used the old spincast reels that came already mounted on the short 5'6" rods of that time period. I E Zebco 33, 404's, 808's, a lot of the older Shakesphere's etc.. Garcia's old 4600 was the first baitcaster I ever used on a 5'6" rod back in the early 70's, other than that they were all spincast Zebco 33's and 404's...

If he is younger then he probably fished with grandpa on the shorter rod and spincast reel combo's..

He was in his early 20's.

As for todays techniques, depending on the anglers style and technique being used the shorter 5'6" rods are acceptable with most of the baitcasting reels made.

I have used mine with a 1994 Quantum QG3501 baitcaster for weightless Zulu's, that reel weights a whopping 8oz. But the rod is so light and short that the only thing I feel in my hand is the reel.

I have also used my other 5'6" rods with my newer Shimano Scorpion 1001's and those are some really light weight rigs...

Just my .02¢

Tight Lines!!!

Thanks for the information. Now to find the right reel. The reel that came with my BPS crankin' stick combo feels a bit heavy on that trigger rod. Another member turned me on to the Shimano Chronarch 50MG. It weighs a whole 5.9 ounces--extremely light. But they go for about $250. I'll have to butter up the Mrs. before I can pick one of them up without having to hear about it for a week.

[broncoboxer]

I practiced casting with that BPS Cranking Stick baitcasting reel on the 5' 6" Gander Mountain special today.  I tell you what: it felt much smoother today.  Despite what that store rep said, the reel didn't feel too heavy at all for that rod.  I had a 5 inch curly tailed grub T-Rigged on 10 # mono and was tossing it in the back yard.

I found my accuracy was greater with the shorter rod.  And the distance didn't seem to suffer, either.

Now I just need to find some time to go fishing.  

[Maxximus Redneckus]

I practiced casting with that BPS Cranking Stick baitcasting reel on the 5' 6" Gander Mountain special today. I tell you what: it felt much smoother today. Despite what that store rep said, the reel didn't feel too heavy at all for that rod. I had a 5 inch curly tailed grub T-Rigged on 10 # mono and was tossing it in the back yard.

I found my accuracy was greater with the shorter rod. And the distance didn't seem to suffer, either.

Now I just need to find some time to go fishing.

Its always better to have a heavier reel then rod u can take a 7000 garcia put it on a pistol grip it will feel great but look really funny

[Guest Bountiful_Waters]

I have one of the St Croix Avids in the 5'6" with Pistol grip. Origionally bought for the spouse, but that thing is great. I put a Revo SX on it, and it is a wonderful setup for floating down the River. Very easy to handle and good sensitivity.

[USA-Retired]

Funny you guys are talking about pistol grip rods.  I have four Berkley 5'6" Lightening Rods (Radial Graphite) that I bought 20+ years ago (they were the hot item back then $59.95 a piece when I got them).   Pulled them out of storage and tried one at my local pond.  I forgot how accurate you can cast with these things.  I fish from shore so distance really took a hit..but talk about accuracy and ease of use....like handling a rapier.

As strange as it seems, I've always used two hands when casting with a pistol grip rod.  I can put a bit more "ummph" into my casts and it also improves my accuracy (mine).  I hold the handle and place my other hand over the hand holding the rod..a little flick of the wrists, from my left, right under-hand all are dead on target.

I've been buying new rods lately and getting super light ones..when I put my Alphas-Ito on the 5'6" Berkley, it was like holding a feather.   I forgot how light these rods were when they came out...the handle material is a hypalon material..don't think it's EVA.

If I was fishing from a boat, I cannot imagine NOT having a couple of these in my possession at all times.  Fishing from the shore, I find that the short rod limits what I can do compared to a longer one.  Now, if I go to a pond where I have heavy brush and overhangs and cramped casting areas..the 5'6" Berkley comes with me over my 6'7" or 6"9" rods for sure.

[Taliesin]

I do have one 6' pistol grip rod (Ugly Stik M action). I have an Amb 4600 on it and I love the combo.

One thing though. I have been fishing for anything that swims for over 30 years. I have 18 different rod/reel combos that vary from 4' 6" to 15' (my 9 "bass" rods vary from 5' to 7' 6"). It takes some time to get used to any new combo, but the practice pays off.

I can pick up just about any rod/reel combo and be casting it fairly well in about 10 minutes. There are some I still think I need more practice with (rods over 10' and baitcasters with smaller baits), but I still manage to do ok.

[lubina]

;D muddy u casting a pistol grip 2 handed

How does it do that ?  ;D