Pistol Grip casting rod, anyone use one?

MikeG81 · Post by **MikeG81** » 14 Apr 2014, 12:25

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...

Post by **Brine** » 14 Apr 2014, 12:52

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.

Analog Kid · Post by **Analog Kid** » 14 Apr 2014, 13:06

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

bulrid8 · Post by **bulrid8** » 14 Apr 2014, 13:06

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

ccm · Post by **ccm** » 15 Apr 2014, 20:46

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.

Post by **Jim** » 16 Apr 2014, 09:10

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.

MikeG81 · Post by **MikeG81** » 16 Apr 2014, 11:17

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

That may have to be my next rod.

muskiemike12 · Post by **muskiemike12** » 16 Apr 2014, 11:34

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

New River Rat · Post by **New River Rat** » 16 Apr 2014, 20:25

Great Zara Spook rod.

Moedaddy · Post by **Moedaddy** » 20 Apr 2014, 08:38

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.

Ringo Steele · Post by **Ringo Steele** » 05 Jul 2014, 21:20

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.

earl60446 · Post by **earl60446** » 05 Jul 2014, 22:12

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

Post by **Johnny** » 20 Jul 2014, 22:28

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.

Butthead · Post by **Butthead** » 21 Jul 2014, 18:01

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.

lvmark342 · Post by **lvmark342** » 19 Jan 2016, 05:23

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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