Hey folks...I was wondering your thoughts on a longer (7'1") or shorter (6'8") spinning rod for pond/bank fishing. I've decided on a *** Black brand but I am torn about length and power. I already have a 6'8"MXF Avid. I am paring the new rod with a 2500 Stradic FJ. I feel more accurate with a shorter rod but would a few more inches give me more distance? I want to throw 1/4oz - 3/8oz chatter / spinnerbaits / swim jigs with the next rod. Was going to go MF on the power/action, what are your thoughts on the length?

If you have the room to fish a longer rod then that's what I would buy. The added length will help with distance and line pick up on hook sets

I fish a lot of ponds and use a 6'6" or a 6'10".

I fish off the bank often and I use a 6'9" rod. sure you might get more distance with a longer rod but how big are the ponds you actually fish? will the few extra feet of casting distance make a difference for you?

 

if so, then I would then consider the amount of trees and things around where you fish, cause you could run the risk of having the longer rod be a nuisance but its personal preference. I would go to the store and pick up a few rods and see how that length feels first, even if it isn't the exact rod you are buying. then you can get a feel for the length and if it's worth it to get those extra inches, or if it might be a drawback. hope this helps

Id stay with a shorter rod .from my experiance fishing saltwater and fresh you dont really see a gain in distance until you hit the 9 foot rod mark .shorter rods more control and accuracy which is a plus onshore. JMO

Id stay with a shorter rod .from my experiance fishing saltwater and fresh you dont really see a gain in distance until you hit the 9 foot rod mark .shorter rods more control and accuracy which is a plus onshore. JMO

So your saying you see no distance gain in casting between a 6'10" rod and 7'6" rod.    Interesting

I would go with the longer rod if where you are fishing has very little trees or other obstacles that will not effect your ability to cast with. The *** Black 7' 3" spinning rod is a great rod!

If you have the room to fish a longer rod then that's what I would buy. The added length will help with distance and line pick up on hook sets

This

The 5', 5'6", 6' & 6'6" I use from shore. The 6'6", 7' & 7'2" are boat setups.

The 5', 5'6", 6' & 6'6" I use from shore. The 6'6", 7' & 7'2" are boat setups.

Id stay with a shorter rod .from my experiance fishing saltwater and fresh you dont really see a gain in distance until you hit the 9 foot rod mark .shorter rods more control and accuracy which is a plus onshore. JMO

I totally agree.

Distances vary between rod brands, I have 7' rods that cast further than my 8' rods, it's all in how the rod loads up. Surf rods are different breed, even an 8' surf will out cast one of my 8' inshore rods.  Surf rods easily cast 100 yds, not going to get near that with a freshwater rod of the same length.  

I use both 6'6 and 7' in freshwater, distances are so close it really doesn't matter, most of what catch are close to shore anyway.

I have shorter rods for when I have to weave in and out of treelines. My longer rods are for open banks and max distance.

My back pain does get worse with a day of casting the longer sticks.

I use any where from 6'6" to 7'8". Mostl though I use rods that's are actually over 7'. Like if I have to bring 2 I bring 7'6" GLX for bottom contact and and a 7'1" or maybe it's 7'2" crucial for reaction.

5´6" to 6", more than that it´s inches too long.

I use a telescoping flipping stick for shore fishing.

Long casts and the two sections collapse into a shorter stick for moving around.

Both of my spinning rods for bank fishing are pretty short a 6' GLX and 6' 3" quantum smoke. I so much prefer shorter rods especially for bank fishing. It's so much easier to cast if you have to squeeze I between trees and such.

I see a lot of people recommending a longer rod for casting distance, my question is just how far do you really need to cast? I see you said you'll be casting 1/4 to 3/8 oz baits, in all honesty with a 6' rod you'll be able to cast those weights a country mile. Distance is not going to be a problem at all. I would go shorter then if your in a tight situation your casting is gonna be a lot easier.