I'm 5'7 and only fish from the shore. i'm wondering if a 6'6 rod will be to small for cranks.

I don't think so.  I've got a 5'8" St Croix Pro Glass crankbait rod that works great.

Not necessarily, shorter rods are easier to use from the shore, but the drawback is that it will also shorten your casting distance and therefore how long the crankbait is at it's maximum diving depth.

1 hour ago, IndianaFinesse said:

Not necessarily, shorter rods are easier to use from the shore, but the drawback is that it will also shorten your casting distance and therefore how long the crankbait is at it's maximum diving depth.

Yup.  Shorter rods can sure come in handy on occasion fishing from shore.  Once I got into baitcast reels, I came to prefer 7 foot or longer rods.  However, a 6'6" MLM Aetos has quickly become a favorite.  I really don't see what your height has to do with the length of the rod for most techniques.

I remember when 6'6" was considered a "long" rod. It really comes down to the type of cranks you are using and whether it is a crankbait specific rod. I'm assuming you are just using a 6'6" medium power, fast action rod and that is fine as long as you aren't using cranks that run deeper than 6' or 7'. I use the same Aetos 6'6" Medium light power, moderate fast action like new2BC4bass does, for me it is the best shallow crank rod for baits in the 1/4oz to 3/8oz range, but because of the moderate action it flings the cranks a pretty decent distance.

You will be fine. That size rod, is a good all around choice.

66 is a perfect cranking rod if your a bank fisherman you can make more acurate cast and you can get under trees and tight spots.

I like a 6'6" for side arm casting square bills and stuff that require more accuracy like undercut banks, over hanging trees and behind docks and such. Every thing is a comprimise it seems. For those patterns I would prefer to sacrifice distance for accuracy.

8 hours ago, smalljaw67 said:

I remember when 6'6" was considered a "long" rod. It really comes down to the type of cranks you are using and whether it is a crankbait specific rod. I'm assuming you are just using a 6'6" medium power, fast action rod and that is fine as long as you aren't using cranks that run deeper than 6' or 7'. I use the same Aetos 6'6" Medium light power, moderate fast action like new2BC4bass does, for me it is the best shallow crank rod for baits in the 1/4oz to 3/8oz range, but because of the moderate action it flings the cranks a pretty decent distance.

Just remember.....I bought mine because of the high praise you had for the rod after getting yours.    Probably the best $75 I ever spent.  I also get pretty decent distance.  Right now I have a tuned and upgraded TD-Z 105H on mine, but probably will put the PXL Type R on it now that I have an Airy Red that can go on my Expert Light.