Looking to get a spinning rod primarily for fishing lightweight baits (3/16 and less) and trying to determine if I would be better off with a short or long rod.  I fish a lot around docks and other close quarters environments...a lot of pitching to dock corners and running baits parallel to docks.

 

Any experience or suggestions appreciated!  Whatever I get, like to keep it below $100.

Close quarters usually calls for a shorter rod.  The Fenwick HMG line at $100 has 6'0" Light and Medium-light spinning models that would work for this. 

Basic rule of thumb.

 

Shorter rods for more accuracy.

Longer rods for more distance.

 

St Croix Triumph also  has 6' ML and L rods at $100

   You said that you fish close quarters a lot. What @MN Fisher said is correct; shorter rods are more accurate. Where long rods really excel is fighting the fish. You need to find a compromise rod, one that is short(er) yet takes command of the fish and controls it efficiently. I wouldn't take a L or ML power rod; you need to get that fish out of there, and get him out of there pronto. I would use a medium power rod as minimum.

   As to the action: dock fishing is short distance fishing. If you use braid, get a more forgiving rod with a softer tip. If you're going to use mono, get a faster action with a stiffer tip.

   I can't give you more specific recommendations.       jj

42 minutes ago, jimmyjoe said:

   You said that you fish close quarters a lot. What @MN Fisher said is correct; shorter rods are more accurate. Where long rods really excel is fighting the fish. You need to find a compromise rod, one that is short(er) yet takes command of the fish and controls it efficiently. I wouldn't take a L or ML power rod; you need to get that fish out of there, and get him out of there pronto. I would use a medium power rod as minimum.

   As to the action: dock fishing is short distance fishing. If you use braid, get a more forgiving rod with a softer tip. If you're going to use mono, get a faster action with a stiffer tip.

   I can't give you more specific recommendations.       jj

Will be using braid.

Personally, I wouldn't go 7', but I also wouldn't go much shorter than 6'6" - maybe down to a 6'3" at best. A little length to help pitch and maneuver your baits and line around corners and such would probably be beneficial. 

one foot six inches

40 minutes ago, r3825 said:

one foot six inches

Haha I have caught bass on one of those old pocket fisherman outfits!  Be good for skipping way up under docks!

1 minute ago, mheichelbech said:

Haha I have caught bass on one of those old pocket fisherman outfits!  Be good for skipping way up under docks!

Thank you for getting the joke and not having a fit,  that's what makes this site great

1 minute ago, r3825 said:

Thank you for getting the joke and not having a fit,  that's what makes this site great

It actually brought back good memories!