Paracord is very popular and has many uses. So it is not surprising that people want to use paracord to make a grip for their fishing rods.

Inside this post, we go over how to do just that, and we give you a little more information that we think might be essential.

Contents

Before we get started, a little note on fishing rods.

When you customize a fishing rod, be sure to consider the original handle or grip, the action of the rod, and how you intend to use the rod.

It is not recommended that you wrap a paracord grip past the factory section where the original grip begins and ends.

The reason why is too much paracord wrapping can distort the action of the fishing pole.

Another critical reason not to go “overboard” is that cord grips dampen the feeling you get from a rod.

In short, you may not feel small bites, which can mean a lost opportunity to battle big fish.

The rod’s action is a measurement of how much force it takes to bend the rod, and you also want to consider how the rod bends.

Fast action rods typically bend at the tip, while medium and slow rods tend to bend at the center point.

All of these little bits of information are essential if you want the rod to function as designed.

Cording as a Handle Grip

Cording makes a handy grip for fishing rods. It is not the best grip material, but it has pros and cons. One of the best features of cording, whether you paracord or another type of cording, is that it provides a good grip when your hands are wet or slimy from bait or fish.

The downside to cord grips is that they dampen the feeling you would otherwise feel while fishing.

How to Use Paracord to Make a Grip

There are several parts involved in creating a paracord grip. We will go over the entire material list next. One last consideration before you get started is comfort.

Be sure to consider the diameter of the rod’s handle and the thickness of the paracord.

You don’t want to create a grip that is too thick and uncomfortable for your hands.

You can test the comfort of your design by using a small piece of duct tape to fasten the paracord to the rod and then wrap the cord tightly around the rod.

Secure the end piece with another piece of tape. Grip the rod and see how comfortable it is in your hand.

A cord can be abrasive, so be sure to consider all the actions of casting, gripping, reeling, etc., as part of this process.

An uncomfortable grip will cause blisters and decrease the fun of fishing.

Materials Needed

You will need a few items before you get started. Here is the list of things you will need to make a sturdy and well-crafted paracord grip for your fishing rod.

Paracord. — the thin paracord is good as you don’t want to build up too much bulk, but that is 100 percent up to you.
A permanent marker or sharpie
Heat-shrink tubing is for the top and bottom of the grip. You can go old-school and use duct tape, but it will not last as long or look nice.
Permanent Outdoor Mounting Tape – There are other options, but this is the best one.

Once you gather all of your supplies, you can assemble your tool list. You will need:

Scissors — For cutting the paracord
Razor Blade — for trimming the ends of the outdoor mounting tape once applied to the pole handle.
A lighter or torch — for melting the ends of the paracord. A match or candle will work also, but take care not to burn yourself if the plastic should drip.
A heat gun or hairdryer. The heat gun is much quicker but can damage the blank if things get too hot.

The Step-by-Step Guide

Start about 1/2 inch from the end of the rod blank. Take the Permanent Mounting Outside Tape and begin wrapping it around the blank in a single layer. You will wrap it at an angle so that it does not overlap and that there are no gaps between the wraps. Stop when you get to the end of the grip area.
Using the razor blade, gently walk the blade around the rod blank to take off the “wings” of the Permanent Mounting Outside Tape. The process should leave you with a flush-cut, which is what you want when you end the paracord wrapping so that the shrink tubes will fit on snugly and without any lumps.
Cut the end of the paracord flush, and use the flame or lighter to melt the ends just enough so that they do not unravel.
Place the melted end of the paracord at the bottom end where the Permanent Mounting Outside Tape begins. Carefully wrap the paracord around the blank and over where the Tape is. Keep your wraps nice and tight and free of gaps. Go slow as this is the new grip for the pole.
When you near the top end of the tape, cut the paracord giving yourself just enough to reach the end. Melt the new end with the flame and continue to wrap until the cord covers the tape.
If needed, cut the shrink tube to about 1-inch segments for the top and about1 1/2 inch segments for the bottom. You want enough tube to cover the end of the pole too. Slide the tube over the first four paracord wraps and leave about 1/2 inch of the tube to adhere to the rod.
Use the heat gun to shrink the tubing into place. Be careful not to melt the paracord. A hairdryer will also work and do a slower but gentler job.