Right now I use a 7'2 Heavy Shimano Crucial Worm and Jig rod for all my lures (mostly fish pike but use bass gear for it all). Throwing 3/8 swim jigs, 1 oz spoons, and everything in between. I just hate how short the handle is on the rod.

 

I've been checking out Tackle Warehouse cause they post handle lenghts and I want a rod with a 17 inch handle. The Megabass Levante AKLYS fits the bill but it says it's made for Punching. Im wondering  how a punching rod is different from my worm and jig rod, and if the AKLYS would be a good all around Pike rod. 

 

I'm open to other recommendations but I do like rods with EVA split grips. Thanks in advance. 

A punching rod generally built to be longer, heavier and more durable than a typical bass rod because it has to flip baits that normally weight upwards of 1 oz and the rod needs to be able to pull a 10lb bass out of the the heaviest cover. It'll also typically have a more moderate action because they're always fished with straight braid so there needs to be a little bit more give to the rod.

 

That being said, it would be perfect to use when fishing for pike because the heavier action will let you cast bigger lures and the length will help throw them farther. The AKLYS has the right length and lure ratings to make a great rod for Pike.

Shorter steelhead rods will fit the bill.  

I fish these inshore for getting away from boat hull slap.  

No split grips here.  

On the cost-effective end, look at Okuma SST,  Lamiglas X-11, and Lami Classic Glass

 

 

 

This is discontinued, and on the high end, my Lami Rogue River Special MTC

 

 

The 7' long-handle split grips that come to mind are ML offshore light jigging rods.  

 

Looks like I'm pulling the trigger on the Levante. Thanks for the reply's!