Bass Rod Question

[byproxy]

So I've never bass fished before but certainly want to start this year. I have a couple of rods my step father gave me but I'm a bit confused...

The two rods I have are (I think) what would be called a "whip". Basically they have no butt-length (again... not sure if that's the right term) to them. Essentially there's your reel, and a pistol-grip-like length below that and that's it.

On TV though I see these bass fishermen and they're using what appears to be a more standard bait-caster rod. Looks to me to be pretty important to them as the extra handle length below the reel allows them to really set the hook.

Anyway... maybe these "whips" are for a certain type of bass fishing only or something.

Can someone fill a newb in on bass rods? Thanks!

[arkansasbasser]

Back in the day, all the bass rods were made like this. They cast as well as the long handle ones we use today, but as you mentioned, the leverage on the long handle rods gives you better hook setting. I also use the long handle for leverage when I'm crank-baiting. Takes some of the strain off the wrist. I would say that those rods were probably made in the 70's, maybe early 80's.