How to Build a Rear Split Grip Fishing Rod

How to Build a Rear Split Grip Fishing Rod

Fishing Rods at Nightfall image by Angel-Photos from Fotolia.com

A split rear grip fishing rod gives the angler an added sense of feel and touch to the rod. The extra sensitivity allows for setting the hook earlier as the touch of the rod is more sensitive and you can feel the fish hit the hook sooner. Split rear grip rods are available as is, and you can retrofit existing rods to make them a rear split grip.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Rear split grip handle kit
  • Fishing rod with ferrules
  • Fishing guides
  • Sharpie or grease pencil
  • Epoxy
  • Cork wrapping tape
  • Measuring tape
Step 1
Unwrap the grip tape on the rod you will retrofit. Measure 1 inch from the end of the handle/grip with the measuring tape and mark it with the Sharpie or grease pencil. Moving up the rod, mark one more inch from your first mark. Continue moving up the rod, marking every inch until there are six marks.
Step 2
Epoxy the fishing guides at each of the hash marks made, keeping them in line with the existing guides already on the rod.
Step 3
Slide the split rear grip handle onto the end of the existing rod. Wrap the rod handle with the cork wrapping tape and continue wrapping, going over the newly added split rear grip extending off the rod. Epoxy the cork wrap at the seams of the wrapping and allow the epoxy to dry.
Step 4
Attach a reel onto the housing on the rod handle and secure with the reel's particular attachments. Pull 12 to 18 inches of fishing line off the spool and begin to thread the fishing line through the fishing guides. Thread the line through all of the guides through the entire rod. Attach a hook or lure to the end of the line.

Tips & Warnings

 
Epoxy the cork wrapping tape to provide an extra level of waterproofing to the grips and handles.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

Write for Trails.com
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