My rod handles have been getting in the way while in my kayak. So, researching for shorter handle rods - I discovered the Manley Gold series of rods with adjustable handles. My question is - who has used them and what do you think of them? Also, what are the the alternatives available?

Bill, my short spinning rod came in just the other day and I haven't taken it out yet. But, as I mentioned in another post, although it is only 5'6" in total length, it is only appropriately 2" shorter from my casting hand to the rod tip compared to my 6 footer. The additional 4" came out of the butt end of the handle. So, it is "almost" like the equivalent of one of the old pistol grips on casting rods.

Since, it is so short, it'll not be an issue with it poking me in the lap seated in a kayak.

The downside is for longer rods with more butt end, when I get a fish on, I run the butt end of the rod down the inside of my forearm to anchor it and take some of the pressure off my wrist. I don't think I'll be able to do this with the 5'6" rod though I can with a 6 footer which still has four more inches down at the back end.

The positive to offset this negative is with a shorter rod one has much more leverage (less bad leverage) over the fish so reeling in a, say, 3 lbs. bass on a short rod will feel lighter than on a longer rod like a 7 footer.

In a Propel 10, both the 5'6" and the 6 footer I have will allow me to extend my arm forward and guide a fish around the bow . . . if that happens.

For both spinning and casting options, go to St Croix's website and look at their Premier series for each. They do have a pistol grip for a 5'6" medium power.

Brad

Thanks for the info, Brad. By the way, I cancelled the order for the Slayer LT Propel. Picking up my Native Propel 10 (Gray Storm) Monday at ACK.

There are quite a few guys on here who use Manley rods, so I'm sure you'll get an answer about them.

Most of my rods have 7 1/2" butts, one that's a little longer at 9" and a few of my ultralight setups have shorter butts. I wouldn't want a rod with a butt longer than 9" as I feel it wold be in the way while fishing. My rods are for inshore fishing for Reds and Specks and Hill Country river fishing.

Im not a bass guy so i like all my rod butts at 12"

Ten inch all cork handles and inflatable vest work best for me.

These have 10" handles the one with the reel is a #30 class rod the other is a 40. They are Shimano Beast Masters. Great kayak rods that are no longer being made one is 6' the other is 6'6"

Bill, you will love the Native Propel 10. As I have mentioned elsewhere, I am doing a "face lift" on my 2015 model. And, if I were going to add one more kayak, I'd likely get another 10. I'd have to consider the Ultimate FX 13 and the new Predator PDL, but I am not certain I'd choose a longer and heavier kayak, especially for the lake fishing I do.

Brad

At my age, I definitely do not want a kayak heavier than the two that I have now. The Radar for inshore fishing and the Propel to haul around to east Texas lakes on day trips. I'm still learning about bass fishing. Short handle rods from Manley are on my periscope at the moment. They have one for inshore/freshwater that is just now starting to ship. An Abu Garcia low profile reel for inshore will likely be the reel of choice for it.

Bill (all, too),

We will have to "cross paths" one day soon and meet up at one of the East Texas lakes. I'm north of you on Lake Athens and it is a nice kayaking lake.

Another lake I want to kayak fish is Raven in Hunstville State Park. That'd also be one of the better camping sites . . . . though I usually opt for large soft beds these days. I veered off of I-45 a week or so ago coming back from Houston to take a look at it and it has most of the attributes for a great day on the water in a kayak.

And, another lake during the cooler season that I want to try is Fairfield. John Stockman floated past the back of my home several months ago, back in early spring, and said Fairfield was fishing great but to go out during week days to avoid tons of boat traffic. Power plant lakes are great in cold weather.

The list of lakes in east Texas is almost endless.

For those of us coming more out of the D/FW area to fish east Texas, there is Purtis Creek. And, there is a nice small lake in Canton, Mill Creek Reservoir, I'd like to try.

Bill, let's see, if I recall, your "home lake" would be Houston County Lake? How does it set up for kayaking, fishing, etc.?

Brad

Brad, my post answering you somehow got lost. If everything goes smoothly tomorrow, I will have my Propel. I don't mind going to Lake Athens. I can put off my trip to the Port Aransas area until next week. Meeting with you could shorten my learning curve (kayaking/bass fishing). Houston Cty Lake has only 2 published launch locations. One is a good distance from where I would fish. The other is at the RV park/marina. $5 to launch there. My cell # is 832 642-4074.

i used my shorter rods at first but went back to my 7 footers as that is what I am comfortable with.

try em both and see what you like

If the shorter handle rods don't work for me, I will still have my long handle ones. There's a lot more to kayak fishing than I realized in the beginning. But, that's fine as I have a lot of time to learn both the art and science of kayaking and fishing.

Bill, my next "for sure" date on Lake Athens, that is a scheduled one, is May 28th, the day before Memorial Day. A few friends are coming down to kayak fish. You and others here are welcome to join us. It'll be fun. Some could bass fish; others might prefer to panfish. I'll likely do a bit of both.

And, I'll give you a call one evening next week to discuss some things that relate directly to the 10.

Finally, I will definitely put a trip down to some lake in your area on my schedule, too. Houston County or another will work fine!

I want to get the Boonedox Landing Gear installed so that no matter where I go and launch, things should go easily!

Brad

Brad, thanks for the invite. When you call, we can discuss it. You are welcome to fish on the lake I live on any time. looking forward to hearing from you.

Bill