Most of us don't give much thought to fly rod grips. We take what is there and use it. My 4 weight fly rod has a different grip than my 8 weight, but why? Is it purely aesthetics or does it serve ...

That meant choosing a type of rod that can handle all kinds of fish—8-weights. But then we asked ourselves, what has brought more people to saltwater fly fishing than anything else? Tarpon.

As far as fly rod butts go, it is long. The upper handle is also extended longer than the typical grip. My first thought was, "Why is it longer? It looks like extra weight." It's not, or if it is ...