Spinning rods that look like this...

[chris kowaleski]

http://www.burfish.com/catalog/tfg-trs-704-3.html

I've been wondering this for a long time and have not found an answer, but does that type of handle serve any purpose?

[federico del toro]

the longer butt helps when you are fighting bigger fish if you brace it against your  body

just my 2 cents

[chris kowaleski]

I meant the 2 piece cork grip part. Are you supposed to hold the part that doesn't have cork so you can feel bites?

[Mark Stine]

I have a rod similar to that. you can keep your little finger back there and it's in direct contact with the blank. the blank is more sensitive as the cork tends to dampen the bump you get with a bite. some rods have a cutout that expose the blank to get a better feel.  Personally I don't like rods that extend the handle way back behind the reel (two handed rods) as they get tangled up in my shirt.  I also am pretty big so I don't need the extra power of a two hand cast or grip when fighting a fish.

[Walt Foreman]

It's mainly for weight considerations - it's a way of making the handle lighter while still getting the reel seat far enough forward to balance the rod.  I've made several handles like this (I have one drying right now as a matter of fact - will be posting photos in a couple days when it's dry).

[Johnny wilkins]

Fantastic observation - the long handle is for proper casting! It also balances out longer rods. With longer fronts and bigger reels, that counter-balance of the longer handle will balance the whole thing out nicely.

Second function is that the longer butt rests underneath your arm. This takes the pressure off your wrist when holding the rod - BIG TIME!

When I fish with spinning gear I am using 8 - 12' rods with bigger spooled reels - the longer cork butt on the rod helps in many ways. In my opinion this gap in the cork is really poor. This should rest underneath your arm and with this gap (possibly built to save money on cork) - it will take function and make it weak. 

If you ever get a chance to get a rod that has a longer butt / handle - DO IT. Note in this picture a  8 - 9 lb. fish is running to my left - the pressure from the fish is transferred to the long handle and is pressing against my elbow. Fighting a fish is made much easier as is holding the rod (where my elbow would then be on top of that section).

The proper cast is made accurately straight over your head - not to the side. See how long that rod I have is at the bottom? When i cast, one hand is on the bottom of that, the rod is straight in front of the top of my head and I just pull the handle to me - firing the cast out. The reel is the pivot point on a fulcrum and the casting is done by moving just the handle - this fires out the cast PERFECTLY in front of you so that you don't miss left-to-right. There are some tricks where you can hit the exact spot distance-wise EVRY TIME and then casting straight over your head helps you to really hit the spot even at long distances (if it isn't a side wind).

The longer butt is great for fighting fish ( our freshwater fish) the butt pushes upward on your forearm and helps to keep the pressure off of your wrist and shoulder. I will have to show some videos because ALL my rods have handles that go just past my elbow. We don't often run into big tuna-sized gills where we need to put on the fighting belt for the butt of the rod.

Great observation. Also - you should be able to get a rod for half that price - I'm just say'n.

: )

[Tony Livingston]

Usually, a split grip rod is touted as being more sensitive, as your forearm contacts the rod blank itself, directly transmitting any vibration to your body without the dampening effect of cork or foam. And, they are usually lighter for less fatigue after a hard day of fishing.

[Johnny wilkins]

I didn't mention anything about sensitivity - the floats I throw on my float rod can not be beaten by an angler touching a spin casting rod for sensitivity. The length of that handle is mandatory if you want to cast at distance with a small float and be extremely accurate.

I am sure some things I might say don't fit in with the rod rack at Walmart - but then again I never want to be buying off that rack for a reason- I really like catching fish.

That picture is the best picture I had so I thought it would best illustrate the length. I will have to get some good pictures of casting next. I close this by saying nobody knows how to cast properly. Most people have done it incorrectly their entire life. There is a reason quarterbacks don't throw side-arm unless they have to. Right? Go Bears!

[Jim Gronaw]

The design and characteristics of the types of rods Johnny is pointing out are that of European style carp and coarse fishing rods, which are traditionally longer and have a long butt section. I currently own a pair of Euro/carp rods at 2.75 lb test curve, which is a rating system for these types of rods. The longer butt section is indeed an aid in fighting a 25 pound carp from a bank fishing setup, and I tend to prop it against my thigh and hip to leverage big carp from snags or weeds by holding the rod high and keeping pressure on the fish. The long rod helps cushion the surges of these big fish during the battle, and helps keeping from tearing the hook out of a big carp's mouth.

With the shorter bass and panfish rods that have the shortened cork grip and exposed blank rod butt section, I believe that it may be more of a style and appearance issue and is indeed a popular characteristic of many of todays' rods in the US. Having used a few of them in recent years, I have not found any discernable difference in either the performance or sensitivity of this style handle as opposed to the classic/full cork grip...which is what I still prefer on all my bass and panfish rods.

To me, it's just a matter of personal preferance. But they do look nice!

[Johnny wilkins]

nice response - everything awesome- I do want to caution the use of the word European for all. While it shows the origins of this equipment, we all came from Europe and so did our fishing. I don't use any European tactics- the fishing I describe is for catching fish in and around Chicago or U.S. Tactics.

Read Jim's comments carefully - he is dead spot on. Thanks for the assist. As I say, I can't always expand info the way I want to. I go back and read my own content or I listen to a seminar video and want to make content better. I appreciate input.

Where no one can picture in their minds is casting with this rod - and no, canoe fishing or specialized fishing i.e. under branches or when fishing for coffee - : ) - requires modifications and equipment to work in those tight places, all the other times, this long handle and fulcrum cast method will cast further with less stress on the bait. Casting with long cork handle is greatly enhance. I will have to hit the video this weekend.

I liken this discussion to when I went to China to teach fishing the 42' pole. There were three groups of Chinese and Taiwanese anglers. One group, arms crossed. One group mixed, some crossed arms with some hands on chins talking, pointing and the last group, all excited and definitely into the demonstration.

All of us are in one of these groups. Skeptical, doubting or against the concept. The middle group half skeptical, some interested in the concepts. The last group has discovered something very exciting and you can tell from their body language. 

[Johnny wilkins]

I would leave out words like kuncklehead - you could substitute USA Fishing Team member or 3 x World Championships angler for that and then that would be better for everyone.

It is just type but I don't need for someone to check my methods- they are right. For overall fishing - you will enjoy the longer handles and they will serve you well in catching fish and using a rod. 

Don't worry- I am not easily offended. I know enough where I learn from everyone and I am still learning so I am not a know-it-all. That said, my posts don't need so much correcting.

I didn't put my 3 World Championships in to be a show-off, just didn't want to seem like a knucklehead. : )

I have fished creeks too and it would be tough walking through the woods and across the creek with the longer rods - yes, but then again - that rod might be worth it to reach across to the far side and hold a bait in the current.

[Walt Foreman]

I own rods of both types, and both have a place.  I have an 8' rod that I made on a 5-weight fly rod blank that is one of my main bluegill rods, and it has a full cork handle with slip rings and the cork is 20" long.  I love that rod - as good a rod as I've ever used.  I also have a 6'6" rod that was made on a 2-weight fly rod blank and has a split grip handle, and it's a pretty sweet rod too.  I would say the longer rod might have the edge for live bait, but the rod with the split grip is more suited to presentations with lures, especially very small lures such as micro jigs, which are usually the most productive lures for bluegill. 

[Tony Livingston]

Perhaps this would be a good time to revisit some of the core principles behind what makes BBG such a great and friendly clearinghouse of everything Bluegill related. Here at BBG, anglers come from a wide background, and although we may practice different methods, the end goal is usually the same.....to catch fish. BBG members posess a wealth of knowledge in this regard, and the fact that they are willing to share it with the rest of us is, in my opinion, a cornerstone of the success of this site. Equally important, is the respect given to all members equally. We don't condone arguing or bickering back and forth, belittling another's methodology or harvest practice, or name calling, even when meant to be taken lightly.

The problem as I see it, occurs due to the written word being unable to convey the proper emotional context for the statement being made. Even if meant as a joke, there can be, and are, misunderstandings of this nature on forums all the time. I would ask that we all remember to respect everyone's opinions, even if it differs from your own. Also, it can become easy to convey your opinion as fact in some situations. I do not believe that there is a one-size-fits-all concept where methodology and equipment is concerned when it comes to Bluegill fishing. At least I havent found it, although interacting with the good folks here at BBG has broadened my horizons greatly, and I thank you all for sharing with me.

This post is not meant to single any one person out, just a gentle reminder to be aware of how your posts may sound to another person, even when it's unintentional. We all don't interpret things the same way, and we all have our ways of doing things that may seem unusual to someone else. It doesn't mean that the method in question won't produce results, any more than it means that that particular method is the end-all, absolute best way of fishing.

Moderating here at BBG is an easy job. You guys and gals are an absolute pleasure to interact with, and the combined Bluegill knowledge is second to none. I thank you all for for your willingness to help both myself, as well as one another. I don't think you could find a better group of people.