Are the longer rods really the best choice? The trend today is longer rods and most bass fisherman consider a 7' medium/hvy, fast action rod the ultimate choice. I disagree and have chosen a 6'3" med/fast action 3 power that is rated for 8 to 17 lb line and 3/8 to 3/4 oz lures as my go to rod for everything except jigs. My jig rod is very similar 6'6" med/hvy/fast action 4 power that is rated for 10 to 20 lb line and 3/8 to 1 oz lures. The only rod that I use that is 7' or longer is my swim bait rod 7' 6" hvy/fast action 7 power that is rated for 15 to 30 lb line and 1 to 6 oz lures. I use a Eglass 6'6' for cranking.
The tournament length limit has been increased to 8' rods for the flipping and swim bait enthusiast. If you are a flipper/pitcher or swim bait caster, then the long rods make good sense. Otherwise a 7' rod for general use, to me, is too long to cast properly. If you are primarily Carolina rigging, then the longer rods help to cast the long leader and weight combination. I don't C-rig often and slip shot rig, so the 6'6" is just right. Casting spinner baits, jerk baits, Texas rigged soft plastics, spider jigs, spoons, etc, the 6"3" is right for me. All my spinning rods are 6'6" med/fast action, 2 power and rated for 4 to 10 lb line
1/8 to 3/8 lures.
What is the right length rod? The one that feels right to you.
Tom
The tournament length limit has been increased to 8' rods for the flipping and swim bait enthusiast. If you are a flipper/pitcher or swim bait caster, then the long rods make good sense. Otherwise a 7' rod for general use, to me, is too long to cast properly. If you are primarily Carolina rigging, then the longer rods help to cast the long leader and weight combination. I don't C-rig often and slip shot rig, so the 6'6" is just right. Casting spinner baits, jerk baits, Texas rigged soft plastics, spider jigs, spoons, etc, the 6"3" is right for me. All my spinning rods are 6'6" med/fast action, 2 power and rated for 4 to 10 lb line
1/8 to 3/8 lures.
What is the right length rod? The one that feels right to you.
Tom