You must be fishing Long Island Sound water
... I haven't had the problem before but just figured it you mat be able to solve some of it when building rods with shaped EVA grips around the real seat. How are you holding the rod when fishing? Spinning or conventional?
With my small spinner I learned I can get my hands a little raw from the tape I have on there, kinda like that Loomis non skid they use, not cork tape. But I have no prob with the conventional with the EVA grips and palming them side plate...