They don't seem quite as popular as they used to be; also manufacturers only have one or two in their rod line up.

Is there a specific application that they are good for? Without having actually used one, they seem as though they'd be good for lighter line and lures...

They were a few years before my time, but everytime I remember seeing one in an old pic, the rod only looks to be 5 feet long. I'd think walking a creek or river bank with lots of overhead tree limbs would be about the only time I wish I owned one. Not sure what their practicality is today, but I know they make vintage fishing photos that much better.

Bass guys use them when casting under docks or under mangroves in the salt. I used to have one but I prefer a longer butt section so while holding the rod I can rest it on my fore arm and it extends almost to my elbow for kinda like the rod is part or my arm more power and control

I have 5 ugly sticks with butt grips. All are 5'6" poles. I love them. Much more accurate for fishing edges and pads.

The first bass rod I ever owned was a pistol grip Diawa Kevlar reinforced rod. I think it was either 5'4'' or 5'6'' and it was matched with a 2 bearing Lews BB-1 Speed Spool. My dad gave it to me when I was 11 or 12. it was an excellent rod and reel combo plus I caught lots of fish with it to boot. Still got the old Lews speed spool it has since been retired. I still like pistol grip rods for precision casting. Cant beat it in heavy timber or getting under docks. Sadly they have gone out of fashion in the fishing world. I only wish I could find one that was of real quality as most of the ones I've seen now are cheaply constructed. By the way I'm a young buck here who really can appreciate high quality equipment whether new or 30+ years old.

I have a basspro Extreme pistol grip rod. It rocks for fast accurate spinnerbait fishing in the pads and wooded areas. Where a few inches means a hung up bait.

Hmm, St Croix has a 5'6'' version in their 'Premier' line up.

That may have to be my next rod.

My 3 year old daughter has two, her Dora and Princess fishing poles.

Great Zara Spook rod.

Round about 88 or 89 I bought a Lew's Speed Stick. It was 5'6" long and I had a Shimano reel on it. That was my #1 combo. Also had Shimano Fightin' GT rod, I think it was a 6'er. Also had a Shimano reel on it too. Loved both of these rods and wish I still had them.

Like this, Moedaddy?
Still got the BRG (boron reinforced graphite) label on top in front of the reel seat. Still my favorite baitcaster rig for most uses.

All my dad ever used, long time ago, always had a pistol grip rod made of spring steel with a level wind reel that was either 2 to 1 or even direct drive, 1 to 1. Never a button to release the spool. Had about 4 eyes on the rod, also steel. Sure wish I had them now.
Tim

Pistol grips are fine for fish under 3 or 4 pounds.
over that you need more rod handle to hold on to.

If you decide to get one, or even a bait caster, make sure the trigger
finger holder is ROUND and comfortable to hold with your finger holding
it tightly as if you are fighting a 5 pound fish for half an hour.

I use a Berkley Lightning 5'6" medium action pistol grip for shore fishing around trees and when fishing skinny rivers. I use it with an H2O Xpress Mettle reel and it's performed very well for me.
If someone's looking for one, I've got a brand new one I can sell, ha-ha.

I liked the shimano pistol grip rods. I still have all 5 I bought years ago. Had no problem landing bass over 10 lbs. In Georgia. Still have shimano bantam reels on them. They will never be for sale. I might sell humminbird 1199 though. I'd rather have a string and a plum bob to find my depth and use the fish finder money for beer.

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