Balanced Rod/reel point

[jgp12000]

This past weekend I moved my Penn Battle 3 2000 to my 6.5' Ugly Stik elite MH for
a fishing trip.Normally I have one of my 712 spinners mounted on there & it feels a little too heavy.The Battle 3 2000 felt more balanced on there.

So,my question is if I rest a spinning rod/reel on my index finger where should the balanced point be.Mid foregrip seems to be the spot for this combo.

[Keta]

I am not a spinner user but I would think a very slight weight forward of the reel with the reel on the rod would be "proper".

[JasonGotaProblem]

For conventional or baitcaster the balance point is the reel itself IMO.

For a spinner it should be at the top of the reel seat or not further than half way up the foregrip. Again IMO.

[oc1]

Hold the rod as you normally would.  It should balance in the palm of your hand as you crank the handle with your other hand.

Add or remove weight under the butt cap until it feels the most comfortable.

[Keta]

For conventional or baitcaster the balance point is the reel itself IMO.

X2

[jgp12000]

Ok when the 712 is mounted on this rod it balances at the front foot enters the reel seat. So it is too heavy for the rod works ok for live  bait fishing.

[Midway Tommy]

Cork grips with slip rings eliminate that issue, regardless of the size & weight of the rod and/or reel, because the reel can be positioned wherever it needs to be to feel balanced. That's why I never fish with a rod with a stationary reel seat.   

[oc1]

The rings make it a Tennessee rod; in case someone is shopping.

I'm afraid of long term commitments and lash my reel to a deckhand grip.  The lashing is more comfortable to palm than a reel seat or clamps.

[jtwill98]

It's worth noting two specific scenarios where balance matters.

A tip-heavy setup can be an advantage when fishing crankbaits or topwaters, as gravity naturally helps keep the rod tip pointed toward the water.

Conversely, a butt-heavy balance is often preferred for jigging or drop-shotting, as it makes it easier to keep the rod tip angled toward the sky. This explains the design of fly rods: placing the reel at the base counterbalances the long blank, maintaining a high tip position and enhancing the tactile 'feel' during the cast.

Tommy made a great point: cork grips with slip rings eliminate balance issues. Regardless of the rod or reel's weight, they allow you to position the reel exactly where it needs to be to reach that perfect balance point.

[jgp12000]

Yep it seems like with live bait fishing if the rod is in a rod holder doesn't matter much vs. a combo you are casting
lures with.

[Midway Tommy]

Cork grips with slip rings don't work out real well if you're a rod holder type fisherman, but I never use rod holders. I hand hold my rod so I can feel the strike, even when trolling.

[quang tran]

My brother likes Tennessee handle when he still fish . Try to get him back to fishing and make a rod for him as he likes but nobody carry that ring anymore . Fuji use to carry graphite rings that very comfort

[jtwill98]

You can still get them -- https://www.proofflyfishing.com/products/tennessee-grip-rings-only

Kinda expensive $15, or for handle kit with rings $34.

Maybe the Mud Hole ice fishing handle $7 + additional shipping charges would work  -- https://mudhole.com/products/tennessee-style-ice-rod-handle-kits?_pos=1&_sid=cd733d372&_ss=r 

[ExcessiveAngler]

Here's a set up for around $20 total, but you gotta spend 100 to get free shipping or pay close to 10 bucks to have one thing shipped. The ice rod handle kit James posted a link to should work for ultralight reels. I'm sure someone could 3-D print some slip rings pretty easily these days lol.

EA

[quang tran]

Thank you jtwill98 and ExcessiveAngler The graphite rings from Mud hole is exactly what I want . Just check it out shipping $7.50 to my address . Will look to see what else I need , may be a fiberglass blank as my brother like