Pistol Grip rods 2024

Big T reply :

I posted a thread about the All Star spinnerbait rod, however due to problems casting overhanded(too many backlashes) i have to cast sidearmed. The problem is that longer i.e 6 1/2 ft and 7 ftrods with alonger handle tend to get in the way. I was think about trying either a 6ft rod with a short trigger handle or a psitol grip rod. I do not need a super long cast where I am fishing at, and if I do I have plenty of 7 ft spinnning rods for this. Does anyone still use thses rods. I was looking at the 6ft Bionic Blade.

Thanks for any input

Big T

bassripper2000 reply :

Yeah, you can get shorter sticks but in the end you have to learn how to cast. Don't rely on adapting your gear to you, learn how to adapt to your gear. Keep practicing and you will find that you will be more versatile. Better that way. You will be able to use anything anywhere. Don't look for the easy way out.

Big T reply :

Thanks for the input, I guess I am going to have to just keep practicing. I would rather have a little longer rod just because I think it would be more versatile.

Thanks,

Big T

Maxximus Redneckus reply :

Dont give up on the pistol grip its all i use when im fishing short to med range nowdays i love pistol grips

Big T reply :

Thanks,

I am seriously considering the psitol grip, I can cast the longer rods, but in the river I fish, there is alot of laydowns and overhanging trees, so I need accuracy instead of distance.

Big T

dodgeguy reply :

pistol grips are great for sidearm rollcasting for accuracy.they definately have a place in fishing.

Banor reply :

I love my pistol grip for shaking and skipping!

The fellas are correct though. You need to buckle down and learn to cast proficiently. Get a pistol grip because it will fill a role in your game plan, not to get out of learning baitcasters!

twors reply :

I recently bought a 5'6" pistol grip Berkley lightning rod. It was last years model on sale at BPS for $20, decided it was worth the shot to see if I liked something that short. Well, I had it for a month now and I just love it....like dodgeguy said, great for sidearm rollcasting. I'm using mine for close in spinnerbait work. Actually thinking of buying a little nicer rod this weekend since I've fallen for these pistol grip rods...bionic blade or St. Croix Premier or maybe that Avid I found here locally at a small mom&pop shop.

guest reply :

twors, Pick up that Avid 5'6" pistol you will really like it. That is the blank I use when I build my pistol grip rods...

Tight Lines !!!

Raul reply :

I don 't think your problem is the rod handle but the rod length, I don 't fish rivers but I do fish from the bank when I 'm on foot patrol, mezquite trees and huizache brush ceratinly do agree that my 6 or 6'6" rods are 6' to a foot too long, also they agree that my 5'6" rods are purrrfect and it don 't matter if it 's pistol grip or trigger.

Big T reply :

Thanks guys, I am deifineitly going to try a shorter rod. I apprrciate everyone's help.

Big T

guest reply :

I just ordered one a couple of months ago and I switched to a regular trigger handle, the pistol grip kept slipping , almost out of my hand. I broke my thumb several years ago and I find I like the trigger handles better.

guest reply :

Quote
I switched to a regular trigger handle, the pistol grip kept slipping , almost out of my hand.

When I speak of a pistol grip this is what I mean..This style cannot slip out of the hand because of the trigger...

twors reply :

All the pistol grip rods I've seen have a trigger and other than buying a Loomis, I can't find a off the rack 5'6" rod that doesn't have a pistol grip. I feel Muddys pain about slipping grips....depending on how my work week went, my grip can be on the weak side to the point where I feel like the next cast will be the last for whatever rod I have in my hand at the time. Not sure what to do about that other than laying the crankbait and spinnerbait setups to the side and going to jigs/worms for the day.

guest reply :

Quote

Quote
I switched to a regular trigger handle, the pistol grip kept slipping , almost out of my hand.
When I speak of a pistol grip this is what I mean..This style cannot slip out of the hand because of the trigger...
[/quoteHey

Reel Mech I may be a Mook but Im not an idiot thats what i have ;D I broke my both Thumbs and several bones that support my right thumbwhen i got run over by a car. I had to learn how to write, play drums and do a lot of things all over again. IT WILL SLIP OUT OF YOUR HAD if you can't grasp it and put back pressure on the trigger IT HAPPENED TO ME SEVERAL TIMES so I am going to a trigger rod b/c I have no problem casting with 2 hands

Raul reply :

Muddy don 't need a trigger handle, Muddy needs a new pair of thumbs. ;D

Maxximus Redneckus reply :

;D muddy u casting a pistol grip 2 handed too funny i mean it can be done if u cup the hand holding it but no way u can fit both hands on a pistol grip one behind the other .pistol grips aint really made for power casting more for close range med range stuff with very little rod movement

guest reply :

Quote
;D muddy u casting a pistol grip 2 handed too funny i mean it can be done if u cup the hand holding it but no way u can fit both hands on a pistol grip one behind the other .pistol grips aint really made for power casting more for close range med range stuff with very little rod movement

NO what is it with you guys I cast a trigger rod with two hands, many do!! Not the pistol grip GEEZZ!!!!!!!!!!!

dodgeguy reply :

it's pick on muddy day!!! ;D

guest reply :

Quote
NO what is it with you guys I cast a trigger rod with two hands, many do!! Not the pistol grip GEEZZ!!!!!!!!!!!

You guys quit picking on muddy..

I get what your saying now muddy. You use a straight grip with a trigger seat for two handed casting..

Tight Lines !!

Maxximus Redneckus reply :

Quote

Quote
I switched to a regular trigger handle, the pistol grip kept slipping , almost out of my hand.
When I speak of a pistol grip this is what I mean..This style cannot slip out of the hand because of the trigger...

Reelmech u keep tempting me with them pics as soon as my funds are good ull have my business

guest reply :

Thanks Reel Mech. I usually do better gripping things, it has been 12 years since I was run over. But I Do not have the strength or range of motion to grip the pistol grip like most can so when i cast it twits out to the right. I really like the rod . I called BPS and told them the problem I was having and that there was nothing wrong with their product. I have the rod longer than 30 days but jusst used it THEY SAID IF I STILL HAD THE TUBE, SHIP SEND RETURN POSTAGE AND THEY WILL EXCHANGE THE ROD FOR FREE< I didnt expect that!

broncoboxer reply :

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?

Maxximus Redneckus reply :

Quote
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

skillet reply :

I guess 95% of my fishing is from the bank in ponds and small lakes with lots of vegetation growing to the water's edge. The 5'6" and 6" pistol grips are all I own and love them ...

As Ever,

skillet

broncoboxer reply :

Quote

Quote
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 reply :

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 reply :

Quote
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 reply :

Quote
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.

Quote
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 reply :

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 reply :

Quote
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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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 reply :

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;D muddy u casting a pistol grip 2 handed

How does it do that ? ;D

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Pistol Grip rods 2024

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