I usually bring 2 rods with me on a float, both being 6.0'. I was thinking of getting a 5'6" rod just because short rods/ action makes the fight better(in my opinion) , I wanted to see your guys take on rod size. 

I'm a fan of longer rods, even if I am floating. Everything I use is 6'6" to 7'2".

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My most used rods for smallmouth fishing are between 6'9"-7'6", and most are ML or M.

I'm a fan of longer rods, even if I am floating. Everything I use is 6'6" to 7'2".

yup, 6-8 to 7-2 here

Heh. I've not fished smallies many times, but when I have, I've caught plenty on shorter rods in the 5'9" - 6'3" length without problem.

 

It really comes down to what you like. Longer rods are popular these days, but not absolutely necessary. I always try out the longer rods in-store, but I just prefer the shorter variety. Say what you will, it is just what I prefer in my hands.

 

If you can get your hands on rods in your local sporting goods store(s), ask them to put a reel on them (or bring your own) and see how they feel in YOUR hands. You may love a 7'6" rod, or you may hate it. You've got to make the choice for yourself.

7' casting and spinning

6'8" jerkbait

7 foot medium light spinning rods for smallies for me. I don't believe bronzebacks are spooked by line, but I know they get spooked by seeing me or the boat I'm in. Most of the water where I fish smallmouth is pretty clear. I want to be able to make the longest casts I can so I can stay as far back as I can get. I'd use even longer rods but 7 feet is the longest that will fit in my truck.

No difference than other bass rods I use.

Longer rods provide better fights no doubt, more rod means more load/flex.

If you can get your hands on rods in your local sporting goods store(s), ask them to put a reel on them (or bring your own) and see how they feel in YOUR hands. You may love a 7'6" rod, or you may hate it. You've got to make the choice for yourself.

I can't agree more. It's also a good idea to see what the rod feels like with the reel you decide to pair it with.

The shortest I use is 6' - it's a light casting rod for topwaters. Longest spinning rod is a 8' medium/light for dropshot or float and fly in winter. Of course, there's a coupl of 9' and 9'6" fly rods I use, too.

Most of the time it's around 7' for casting and spinning.

7' casting and spinning

6'8" jerkbait

 

Pretty much the same, but my dedicated jerkbait rod is an Avid AVC66MF.

I usually go with two rods on smallmouth excursions.  One is 9' and the other is 7'11"....of course they are fly rods

No difference for me.  Same I use for any bass.  Technique specific ... not species specific.

thanks for the answers, really appreciate it. this info will help thanks. !!!!! lines tight !!!!

Same as for largemouth. My shortest rod is 6'6", and my longest is 7'6", I have caught them on both lengths and everything in between.

7'-7'6" is what I use for lake smallie fishing.  Same rods I use for largemouth.

I'm prefer using the 6'6" rod for all types of bass. I like having a bit of length to reach out farther when casting from a boat/float tube...but to be honest I've never tried the 7' rods. The 6'6" just seems more versatile. And I use a medium power rod almost always unless I'm throwing spinnerbaits or heavy jigs. I just can't afford 5 different rods for every situation but I still get by alright. Good luck!

7 foot, usually no heavier than medium action.

6ft.6in to 7ft.3 in. spinning and baitcasters for large and small mouth.I'm still trying to catch my first smallie though.lol

My main spinning rod is 6'6" my baitcast is 7" and I also use a 5" ultra light with 4lb flurocarbon for wacky rigs.

Same as for largemouth. My shortest rod is 6'6", and my longest is 7'6", I have caught them on both lengths and everything in between.

 

 

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As others have said, the most important thing is the length you are comfortable with.  I prefer longer rods myself, my spinning rods are 6'10" and 7'.  My main consideration for length was based on wade fishing.  I get longer casts and IMO better hooksets with the longer rods.

I use from 7'-7'6" rods for smallies.

i wade more often then not and my choice of rod is normally no shorter then 6'8 with most of my setups being 6'10-7'0 all spinning with 6-10lb line.

No difference for me.  Same I use for any bass.  Technique specific ... not species specific.

 

Best answer.