What ever happened to pistol grip rods ?

Gus Orviston · 02-20-2005, 11:59 PM

OK, "Old School" seems to be applying to me lately in many many ways. Last summer I dug out my pistol grip bass rod and thought I might want to get another,, maybe build one since I can do that sort of thing.. I began looking and I couldn't find anything like it anywhere.

So what gives, when did you all throw out your pistol grip rods in favor of flip'en sticks.. Give me the run down on what rods do what now'a'days. i can't tell you how much it hurts to ask such a newbie type question...

It has been many years since I lived on our farm pond and chased lunkers around the stumps. i grew up with my own private 4 acre pond with great Bass and some monster Bluegill. I took my show on the road when I hit 16, but quickly got bitten by the steelhead bug.

I want to get back into Bass and panfish, so my children can get the kick out of catching a lot of eager biters. Nothing like a bobber down for the kids.

gus

rob allen · 02-21-2005, 07:30 AM

Hey Gus I have a bass pro shops rod with a pistol grip rod that needs some work, you can have it if you want it.. It was broken about half way up so I dut it off clean, dug through our "Bonepile" and found a tip that not only fits it but maked a pretty good rod, the tip will need guides wrapped and coated but you already mentioned building one so i guess that's not an issue.. anyway if you want it come get it

sbasser · 02-21-2005, 08:10 PM

I think there are still some available, but they definitely are on the decline in numbers. What happened, I believe, is that reels began to come in both LH & RH crank configurations. If you don't switch hands after the cast, there just is no leverage for the hookset and fighting the fish. My first rod was a used solid steel baitcaster with a cork pistol grip, and I saved my nickels and dimes to buy a JC Higgens baitcaster for $1.97. It sucked! The

new stuff is wonderful, even the trigger sticks

. It will take a bit of getting used to. C&R, Steve

Sandz · 02-21-2005, 10:08 PM

The common answer to finding anything now a days for me is running a google search. I went and typed in the phrase "pistol grip rods" and got several places where you could perchase new and used rods, repair tips, parts, all kinds of stuff, so thats my sugestion to find all that you are lookin for.

Gus Orviston · 02-23-2005, 04:40 AM

thanks,, my question comes in two parts.. 1) the pistol grip, but I don't have a strong desire to use one again...just curious..also Rob it will be a while before I can get there...I live in China

2) what are you all using to flip works, throw cranks etc. 6-7 rods?

thanks, gus

bucketmouth · 02-23-2005, 08:32 AM

Gus I have read some or your china chronicles post on other threads. Little suprised your thoughts turn to Bass fishing.

I really had not thought about the pistol grip rods until your post. Then as I shopped around town I became suprised at what I found. At BI mart, there wasn't one pistol grip rod to be seen on the racks. At GI joes, there wasn't one pistol grip rod to be seen on the racks. Then I went to Gart Sports, they had two models. One made by Shakesphere and the other made by Shimano. They just are not found like they used to be in the good ole days.

When I'm fishing open water and want to make long cast I use a 7 foot rod. When I'm on a costal lake and need to flip up under the overhanging brush I like to use a short pistol grip rod!

rebell · 02-23-2005, 05:54 PM

I havent used pistol grip rods in 10 years. Now I am thinking back, I ask myself why?

I still have 2 out in the shed, but havent put them in the boat for years. They are nice for underhanding spinerbaits in to tight spots, but there is simply no leverage to get fish out of bad areas. I have gone to 6 1/2ft rods for the same presentation. With practice it can be done, and I still have the leverage to remove fish from heavy cover.

Now day's I only have 2 of the 6 1/2ft rods for spinerbaits, a couple of 6 ft spinning rods for skipping, and the rest are 7 ft. It all depends on your preference, the old 5 1/2ft pistol grips still have there place.

Gus, I love your China chronicals! Have you found anything besides Carp over there?

BuKuBass · 02-23-2005, 07:05 PM

A longer handle will give you more control but as I've stated before, there's some thing that just feels so right when casting using a pistol grip.
For crankbaits, a softer rod action is better for casting and absorbing shock. All else being the same, longer length equals longer distance with a slight decrease in accuracy.
Since flipping and pitching involve shorter distances and heavier cover, for most people limberness is not a good thing. However I don't subscribe to the belief that such tatics require Bubba hooksets, graphite broomsticks and line that could yard in a small log. Unless where you plan fishing is extremely weedy or woody, you may be well served a medium or medium-heavy rod. The 7.5 to 8.5 feet rod lengths allow greater line swing but I use a 6.5 footer and load it up.
I haven't researched this approach "googlely" looking for complimentary evidence; I just know what works for me. Your mileage may vary.