I'm planning on purchasing one of the following spinning rods STR1083S (GL2,length:9') or STR1173S-SK (GL3,length: 9'9"). The 1173 has what's called a "Skamania" style cork handle, which means the rod's foregrip is long and it rear grip is short. The 1083 has a more traditional style cork handle with a typical longer rear grip. My question is has anybody have any gripes about the new "Skamania" style handles or functional problems with the short grip when it comes to spin casting or playing a fish?

I plan to use the new rod for steelhead float/jig fishing, spinners, and salt water beach spin casting for coho (small buzz bombs & floats w/herring).

Thanks for any help!

[This message has been edited by Bobber Down (edited 04-20-2000).]
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Bobber Down

"It makes no sense to regulate salmon habitat on land while allowing thousands of yards of gill nets to be stretched across salmon habitat in the water"

John Carlson, Gubernatorial Contender, Sept. 2000 speech at the Ballard Locks