tips for holding onto a fishing rod

[delmuts]

i only get to muckie fish once or twice a year. this last year i switched to holding the rod with my hand infront of the reel.( instead of palming it) i did notice that i didn't get as tired this way! no muskies, but did have a couple of good northerns hit. bu tthey almost took the rod out of my hand.( note! i do have arthristis in my hands, so this doesn't help!) got any tips to help ?

[Random guy]

I grip the reel and tuck the butt of the rod under my arm when I start getting sore hands. I think it less stress on the hand to grip the bigger reel verses the smaller cork grip.

[delmuts]

the strange thing is, usually my hands don't hurt. i just have a hard time holding onto the rod when/if a fish hits.my rod handles aren't long enough to palm the reel, and tuck the handle under my arm.

[Scoot]

del, if you want to extend the back cork of your rods to follow JP's suggestion, a decent rod maker can do this for you.

[barnyard]

Get some vet wrap or athletic tape and build up your fore grip so that it is a little bit fatter. I would imagine that your hands have less strength when they are closed tight.

I like vet wrap becasue as you use it, it kind of molds to your hand. Cool stuff.

Tom B

[Random guy]

Good idea with the wrap.

[delmuts]

i was wondering about wrapping the front of the rod. thanks for the help! del