Is there any advantage to a 7 foot or longer worm rod as compared to the 6 1/2 foot I have used for years, or is it just a matter of personal preference? I am planning on buying a new worm rod soon and have never used anything over 61/2 feet. for that purpose. Also, what can anyone tell me about the "Micro Guides" offered on some casting rods? Are they an invitation for trouble? Just a gimmick or do they offer true merit?

Longer rods allow for more line takeup on a hookset. Some will say that casting distance is also a advantage, I dont know if it is a big advantage, but I would say it depends more on the action of the rod, and the manufacturing quality. I would also factor in the height of yourself vs length of rod. I am 5'7, and more comfortable/accurate with a rod around the 6'8-7' length. Also, the length will be a factor on wether you fish tight quarters or not.

LMG said it. Longer rod = more line taken up. I prefer rods 7' - 7'5 for worms and jigs.

Micro guides (I can't speak from experience) are supposed to decrease weight, increase casting distance and sensitivity, from what I've read. I don't mess with them because I've heard of leader knots knocking the inserts out.

Go with what you're comfortable with. I prefer a shorter rod for worming as I tend to use that technique more when target fishing and the shorter the rod, the better for me. Mine is a 6ft. M/H fast and I use braid exclusively. I'm not a fan of micro guides. If I'm concerned about rod weight, I'll look for one with a light grip and single foot guides. To me, they seem to cut down the distance of my casts, but it could be I'm just looking for something to dislike.

The majority of my rods are 7 ft. or better. I use them for skipping baits under docks in addition other techniques. I feel like I can get a better hookset with a longer rod and have more control in fighting a fish. I'm not a tall guy but I don't use a rod for any technique that is less than 6'9".

Thanks for the replies thus far. Any opinion on the Powll Endurance Seris rods? I have a fishing buddy who really likes them.

The Powell endurance rod is a great rod for its price point. It has many great features and there are plenty of rod models to select from. If you act now you can get them before the black Friday sales are over for 20% off putting them under $140. I have the 6'9 (4 powered) reaction rod I use for large jerkbaits and some crank baits. I love the rod but my only complaint would be the handle legnth is bit too short.

Lots of good rods out there with lifetime warranties as well. Both the phenix recon and M1, dobyns savy, and the shimano cumara series if you can fins them.

"Micro" covers a range of guide sizes so there is no one size fits all answer on them. Like everything else they have their time and place. The best guide is the smallest, lightest one that will do the job. Ice and filimentous algae may clog guides if they are a concern. As for leader knots, if a knot is knocking out inserts, the whole rod is trash. Junk it and start over. An Albright knot between 50# braid and 17# fluoro will pass through size4 guides with no problem.

All else being equal a longer rod will cast farther and a shorter rod will be more accurate. You may want to try a 7' rod for your next one but there's no need to go swap out the 6-6 for a 7'.

Thanks for the replies thus far. Any opinion on the Powll Endurance Seris rods? I have a fishing buddy who really likes them.

Navy, I did a review of Powell rods on here, you can find it using the search feature or google searching for it.

The only difference between the Powell Max and the Endurance is the color, different lengths and tapers, and the guides on the Endurance are one size smaller than normal, but they are not "Micro" by any means. They pass a knot exceptionally.

FWIW, Powell is my rod of choice, I own 3 and forsee very many more in my future.

Endurance. Nice. I recommend it. I like mine.