TAZ

I usually fish within 50' of the boat. Is this normal? When do people usually want to make longer casts?

A few votes for 6'6" and a few for 7'. :-/ How about action/power. I need to learn some new techniques but soft baits (primarily TX rig) is easy and I always catch stuff. So this will be my soft bait set up.

I have used a 7' spinning a few times. I liked it better than mine primarily, I think, because it had more backbone than mine. Hook sets were great, distance casting was a little easier. I am not sure what I liked about it. The action/power, or its length. Most rods will feel better than what I have, so I don't know if I'll be missing out on anything by not going with what "seems" to be the more commonly liked 7'.

Hey guys. I have been fishing for a couple years so am basically a newbie. I'm setting up my first casting rig and am trying to pair a pole with a Curado. I was in Gander Mtn the other day and picked up a St Croix AVC66MHF on clearance for $149 out the door. Good deal, but I am wondering if I would prefer a 7'. I have 2 6'6" spinning. I know it is somewhat preference, but my preferences are undeveloped. For soft baits, is there a length, power, action that is "typically" preferred?