In custom rod building, the handle is far more than a grip, it’s the connection point between angler and blank, where comfort, control, balance, and sensitivity all converge. Few components have reshaped this critical area of rod design like the American Tackle Tsuka 2 Handle System. As an ICAST award winner, the Tsuka 2 has earned its reputation as one of the most innovative and performance-driven handle systems ever introduced to the custom rod market.
With it being a builder and angler favorite it is only right Mud Hole creates expertly curated kits that are worthy of being paired with the Tsuka 2 Handle System in both the matte 3k and forged carbon version.
For the new builders or those who have not yet built with the American Tackle Tsuka2.
What Makes Tsuka 2 Special?
At the core of the Tsuka 2 system is its full carbon fiber construction, a significant departure from traditional cork or EVA grips. Carbon fiber provides unmatched strength-to-weight performance, allowing rod builders to reduce overall weight while increasing durability. The result is a handle that feels solid yet refined, transmitting vibration and feedback directly from the blank to the angler’s hand. For techniques that demand sensitivity, whether it’s heavy cover to finesse bass fishing or inshore flats work the Tsuka 2 delivers a level of feel that conventional grips simply can’t match.
Ergonomics are another area where the Tsuka 2 shines. The system was designed with real-world fishing in mind, offering a contoured profile that fits naturally in the hand and reduces fatigue during long days on the water. The rigid carbon structure also eliminates compression and breakdown over time, ensuring the handle maintains its shape, performance, and appearance season after season. For anglers who fish hard and builders who demand longevity, this is a major advantage.
Before I list my favorite Tsuka 2 rod kits there is something to keep in mind with these kit. Customization is where the Tsuka 2 truly sets itself apart. The modular design allows builders to fine-tune handle length, rear grip configuration, and overall balance. Paired with high-performance blanks like those from MHX, the Tsuka 2 helps create rods that feel lighter, faster, and more responsive.
As with all of our rod kits we list rod recipes that include handle length, guide spacing...etc so keep that in mind when putting together this kit. With the flexibility you have using this handle system you guide spacing in particular may vary slightly.
Tsuka 2 Featuring MHX Blank Casting Rod Kits
We have a total of four options for the casting kit that features a full carbon Tsuka 2 Handle System as well as TiForged guide set and matching tip top. I am going to like my two favorites but you can find all the kits here.
From freshwater to light-inshore and flats the mag-bass series from MHX will help you catch more fish. Now, couple an exceptional blank with the cutting-edge technology of the Tsuka 2 Carbon Handle System as well as the TiForged Guide train, you have a custom build ready to tackle almost anything.
The Underspin MB782
The MB782 is a top choice for popular artificials like the zara spook for redfish or a single swimbait for smallmouth or an underspin for largemouth bass. This blank features a responsive fast action along with a medium power perfect for lighter lures and lighter line weights.
Specifications: 6'6" | 8-14 lb. | 3/16 - 5/8oz | Fast Action | Medium Power
* Overall Rod Length With The Tsuka 2 Handle Installed - 7'-1"
As I have mentioned before these kit names are solely based on my experiences and what I like, so your mileage may very, but I have never steered you wrong before...right? Also, remember if you want this build to be a little longer than the 7'1", you can but understand you might need to adjust the guide spacing.
I call this one the underspin rod because I feel this blank excels at throwing a 1/4oz Dirty Jigs Underspin. It is a unique bait and does require somewhat of a specific blank, reels and line. I always fish it on a gear ratio that isn't crankbait slow nor is it fast like a 7.1 and above. The Daiwa Tatula in the 6.3 is a good choice and paired with Sunline Sniper 12lb will get it done.
When fishing heavy cover with a frog or even a swim jig, the MB784 is one of the best rod blanks for this setup. In addition, you have the ability to build this kit in varying lengths depending on if you need accuracy or to add a little length to your casts. This blank features a fast action for those reaction bites and the heavy power to pull those big bass out of the nastiest cover.
Specifications: 6'6" | 12-20 lb. | 5/16 - 1 oz | Fast Action | Heavy Power
* Overall Rod Length With The Tsuka 2 Handle Installed - 7'-1"
If you have thick vegetation where you fish, you really do need this kit. I'm sure many of you have fished the MB874 and it is one of my favorites, but the MB784 feature the same action and power and we use the 6'6" length to take advantage of the Tsuka 2 handle system. I would be tying on a Gambler Frog to at least 50lb Daiwa J-Braid on a 7.3 gear ration reels like the Bates Hundo or Shimano Curado.
Tsuka 2 Featuring MHX Blank Spinning Rod Kits
We have a total of five options for the casting kit that features a full carbon Tsuka 2 Handle System as well as TiForged High Frame guide set running down to size 5s and matching tip top. I am going to like my two favorites but you can find all the kits here.
The All-Arounder SJ783
The SJ783 comes from the MHX Spin Jig series and is known for the do-all bass rod blank. Built as a spinning rod, this blank excels when used to throw your favorite texas rig, football head jig and even a spinnerbait. This blank features a fast action ideal for bass fishing and the right amount of backbone to land that next giant.
Specifications: 6'6" | 8-15 lb. | 3/16 – 5/8 oz | Fast Action | Medium Power
* Overall Rod Length With The Handle Installed - 7'-2"
Let's face it, not all spinning rods have to be considered finesse. Whether you are someone that prefers a spinning rod or you are catching hard pulling inshore fish, sometimes you need to step-up in power. The SJ783 is just the one for it. I would set it up with a Florida Fishing Product Bahia in the 3000 size along with 20lb powerpro braid. Tie one any thing from a topwater to a gold spoon for inshore or a 1/4oz Dirty Jigs Swim Jig and you will be ready to rock.
Distance Finesse SJ812
The SJ812 comes from the MHX Spin Jig series and is ideal for throwing a ned rig for Smallmouth or something like a fluke or paddletail on the flats. Think distance and feel with this kit. This blank features a fast action idea for artificial lures and the added length allows anglers to cover water efficiently.
Specifications: 6'9" | 6-12 lb. | 1/8 – 1/2 oz | Fast Action | Med-Light Power
- Overall Rod Length With The Handle Installed - 7'-5"
Im calling it the distance finesse kit because there are certain point on this build that you really can not get if you just chose a 7'6" blank. With many factory builds in that longer length they begin to feel clubby, for lack of a better term. They loose feel and if you can throw it farther than you can feel it you will miss bites. This combination of the SJ812 which is a gem in its own right, now coupled with the Tsuka 2 can extend it out to 7'5". I love it. Mine is rigged with a 2500 Shimano Stradic, 10lb Braid and my favorite Z-Man Minnowz.
Go have a look at all the Tsuka 2 kits!
