Rod handle length

[*Hootie]

Do you prefer a long or short handle, and how long is to long.

Just curious. Do you find longer handles a problem if you are fishing from a sitting position?

[scbassin]

On what rod length????

[Raul]

Just curious. Do you find longer handles a problem if you are fishing from a sitting position?

Why it should be troublesome ? in most rods rod handle length is shorter than your forearm 's length, so, do you feel uncomfortable with your forearm 's length while fishing from a sitting position ? Shure, some rods do have longer than your forearm length, ex: flipping sticks .... but I don 't see a lot of people flipping from a sitting position, swimbait rods do have a longer handle but I don 't see much of a problem there either, it 's not THAT longer than your forearm.

[.RM.]

Do you prefer a long or short handle

As a custom rod builder...........

All depends on the rod model and length...

Tight Lines!

[Raul]

Do you prefer a long or short handle

As a custom rod builder...........

All depends on the rod model and length...

Tight Lines!

Also, a particular preference of the customer. I like all my rods but I 'm particularily fond for those old 5 '6" pistol grip Berkley Lightnings I 've got, for pinpoint accuracy they are hard to beat. Something magical happens when I cast with them, the bait lands on the spot like if I dropped it with my hand right there. I 'm not that accurate with trigger & spinning rods.

[BASSclary]

I voted long, only because when Im baitcasting, I like to put the handle under the forearm of my palming hand, so my wrist isnt constantly holding the rod still, my arm is. But if its not a tip-down technique, or spinning, I like Medium 

[J Francho]

No general preference, though I do have specific preferences, based on bait or technique.  I think my shortest handle is 6".  The longest is around 11".  I have a steelhead rod with a VERY long handle, probably close to 18" or more.  Depends on what your doing.  Wouldn't want to roll cast with a long handle.  Wouldn't want to toss big swimbaits with a short one either.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Long & Short are subjective terms and may mean something different to individuals. When designing a custom rod, I suggest a handle length based on species, technique, baits, rod length and physical stature of the angler. We then adjust +/- for personal preference. Grip diameter and style can also be chosen.

[lightsout]

I really have no preferance with the exception of a spinnerbait rod. I have an older fenwick HMX that has a bit shorter handle that I love.

[flippin and pitchin]

I'm in the minority and voted short but here is why.  I fish alot of flipping and pitching techniques and longer handles get caught up in my jackets or rain coat and don't find longer  handles of any major advantage for me except my cranking rod which I cast with a two hand technique.  If I fished in a tee shirt all the time it might not be a big deal.

[Nine Miler]

RM, J Francho and DVT pretty much got it covered. 

[Maxximus Redneckus]

I use pistol grips mostly ..think about it when we cast 95% of the time we use one hand one wrist .I do anyhow only time i need a long handle is power casting and we all know accuracy over distance .give me my 6 foot pistol grip i can anything with it and git r dun

[SirSnookalot]

Freshwater it makes no difference to me, saltwater I much prefer both a long fore grip and rear handle.

[tholmes]

I prefer a short pistol grip. They just feel more secure in my hand. As I get older, (and more arthritic) the straight grip and trigger rods seem to be harder for me to grip securely. I always feel like I'm gonna pitch the whole rig into the water. It's getting harder to find a quality rod with a pistol grip

Tom

[*Hootie]

Thanks a bunch guys for all your input. Believe it or not I have gained a lot of insight and information based on other polls and questions on this forum. Example: Because of your info on BPS Pro Qualifier baitcasting reels, I now own 4 of them. They are really great.

I read this forum a lot. You all sound like very knowledgeable people I would enjoy fishing with. When I want to learn something, I want to learn from the best. You guys are it! Thanks again.

Bob

[.RM.]

I prefer a short pistol grip. They just feel more secure in my hand. As I get older, (and more arthritic) the straight grip and trigger rods seem to be harder for me to grip securely. I always feel like I'm gonna pitch the whole rig into the water. It's getting harder to find a quality rod with a pistol grip

Tom

Not really, come on down some day, and, I'll show you a couple of the ones we build....

Tight Lines!!!!

[Dwight Hottle]

I choose longer rod handles as they allow me to tuck the handle under my forearm to give me more leverage on hard pulling fish. Works well for both spinning & casting. Less strain on the wrist.