Taking the Spey rod plunge.

[Brett Clark]

After 20 years of single handed life, I'm finally going over to the dark side.:) Having built a couple of dozen single handed rods, I couldn't pass up the great deal Bob had on a 12'6" 7 wt Meiser blank. The blank and components arrived this week, and I can't wait to get started.

My question is this: What makes a comfortable upper grip? (And lower grip also, for that matter?) I'm shaping my own, and wanted some input. I've got measurements off a Winston grip, and have seen several different shapes/styles. I'm an average sized guy with average sized hands/arms. Anything I should stay away from? I've lurked on this board for a couple of months now, and there's a wealth of experience and knowledge. Any hints or ideas would be appreciated.

I'll post pictures of the rod when I'm finished.

Brett

[fredaevans]

Dark Side?? :beer1:

No, No, and no .. you've seen the LIGHT! It's only dark because you had to close your eyes.:thumb:

Bob can probably give you more good info on this than I can, but start with a sheet of paper and draw your hand, draw a line across where you knuckles (sp?). Now measure your hand from the knuckles to a 'line' across the back of your hand at the base of your thumb. The distance (give or take) from the thumb line to the tip of your middle finger PLUS 1/2 - 3/4 inches would be about the handle diameter. (Sorry, if all that sounds a bit conVaLuuuted.)

If the wife/Sig. other is about, she can just hold the tape on the palm of your hand and be done with it .... JUST stretch your thumb out to the side.

As far has how long the lower handle should be, at least 1.5 times the width of your hand.

Ok, Ok, there is an easier and more fun way to to the job. Just go to a shop that has a lot of spey rods, find one you like the feel and take the measurements (don't forget your micrometer!):cool:

The other easy way is just measure the handle on one of your fav. single handers (most comfortable to hold/cast). This will also give you a pretty good idea how much cork you've got to spin off on your lathe.

[Sloan Craven]

I think its really a matter of personal preference. Try to go to a shop that has a few different rod styles adn try them out. Also are you going with a traditional grip or skagit?

[Nooksack Mac]

Sloan,

What's a Skagit grip? (After ten years of spey fishing, I've just started using Skagit lines. This is the first I've heard of a specialized grip.)

If building with individual cork rings, you could rough-shape the assembled grip, try it, then reduce diameters to suit.

[Big K1]

Sloan,

What's a Skagit grip? (After ten years of spey fishing, I've just started using Skagit lines. This is the first I've heard of a specialized grip.)

If building with individual cork rings, you could rough-shape the assembled grip, try it, then reduce diameters to suit.

Mac,

You haven't heard of the Skagit grip? I here it is really short and fat!:rofl:

I to would like to here the Skagit grip definition.

[Red Shed]

For me the ultimate two handed rod grip is on the Sage 9140. It seems to fit my size and casting style the best of any I'ved tried, which is a lot.

Having said that it really doesn't matter what any of us like. As we are all different in size and preception none of us will really be able to tell you what you will like. Trying different rod grips, (preferrably while actually casting the rods if possible) is the only sure way to get a good match.

Sloan's advice is the route I would take, trying as many different styles as you can.

Mac's advice is also very good. It is a lot easier to take the cork off then it is to put it back on.

[Sloan Craven]

I'm not actually sure as to whether there are any specific dimensions, but a the bottom grip of a rod designed for skagit casting is much shorter that that of a bottom grip on a rod designed for conventional casting. I've seen, and been told, (but never actually successfully done this myself) that one cups the bottom of the shortened grip (almost cupping it) when casting it. The Skagit style is something Ive not mastered but I know alot of the Spey community in NW Oregon swears by Skagit casting.