3 hours ago, GTHenson said:

... I saw the guys profile picture he looked like a shorter guy...

Yeah, he is barely taller than that fish.  If he falls overboard during a tournament, he would be disqualified for chumming...

When building a custom Rod physical stature is taken into consideration as far as handle design (length and diameter) but overall length is dictated by application. A 5' lady can fish a 9' fly rod and a 6'5 guy may want a 6' shooter for skipping under docks 

 

8 hours ago, Gundog said:

I just object to being called "vertically challenged". I prefer Short-American.

???? that's priceless. 

6 hours ago, Columbia Craw said:

I'll try to get to the point of your question. The Heavy EF would be your choice based on the lure weights, the cover types and the fact it's one of two options you mentioned.  Very few anglers actually flip anymore.  The reels are so good and the pitching technique is so efficient, utilizing a single haul flip isn't commonly used anymore.  A 7'5" rod will be fine.   

is that so ?? 

Comfort!

What's comfortable to me may not be comfortable for you!

I cast, flip, & pitch with one rod because I'm totally comfortable with how it feels, the way it balances with my Calcutta attached.

Oh! By the way I'm 5' 11 3/4" & my rod is only 6' 10"

The more you flip, the longer the Rod you will want. It increases distance the longer the Rod you have because you get more line out to flip with, a 8' heavy parabolic Rod is what I think you want and it's a good mix for both worlds

11 hours ago, Gundog said:

I just object to being called "vertically challenged". I prefer Short-American.

My wife is only 5' 1". She doesn't like being called short, so I call her "fun sized", like the mini candy bars  

10 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

When building a custom Rod physical stature is taken into consideration as far as handle design (length and diameter) but overall length is dictated by application. A 5' lady can fish a 9' fly rod and a 6'5 guy may want a 6' shooter for skipping under docks 

see above. they know what they're talking about. I have 4 flipping/pitching/punching rods. from 7-3 to 8 ft. each one has a different application. find what works for you.

What makes a good flipping/pitching stick is completely personal preference.

This is why I hate the term "technique specific", I don't need Gary Loomis telling me what my rod should feel like.

If you can live with a 7' rod I recommend the Lews Magnum One. The rod is a monster... I've hauled more 5 plus bass out of heavy cover with this rod than any of my others. Don't be fooled by the lure weight ratings. I have a rods rated to 2oz that aren't as much a stick as the Magnum One.

20 hours ago, Gundog said:

I just object to being called "vertically challenged". I prefer Short-American.

I prefer "concentrated"

10 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

My wife is only 5' 1". She doesn't like being called short, so I call her "fun sized", like the mini candy bars  

My wife has a shirt that says "I'm not short, I'm fun sized".  Not sure where she got it, probably one of those T-shirt sites online.

 

OK after being fussed by guys who fish with me I need to clarify something!

I don't really "flip" because of dense cover when I'm within flipping distance I've got a punch rod in my hand.

I use a 6' Team Diawa MHF for short casts into heavy cover. Usually with a 3/8-1/2oz punch jig.  For longer casts I use a Lews Custom Lite Magnum Grass with a 1/2oz or heavier punch jig. I always peg the head with a tooth pic. Old school, you know.

Irod Genesis I I Andy's Junk Rod if you want a parabolic action

Or

IROD Genesis I I Andy's X Heavy Flippin' Stick

Or 

IROD Crusher 764 if you prefer a faster more traditional action. 

I really like my Crusher. Very sensitive in my hands