Like a longer driver in gulf the longer rod has higher tip speed if the rod is traveling arc at the same speed. It takes more energy to swing the longer rod so there are trade offs. If the goal is casting a 1/2 jig a 7’ rod works to cast 50 yards. Casting a 4 oz swimbaits the longer 8’ rod is ideal casting over 60 yards.

My point is this you don’t need a 7’ 4” rod to cast a 1/2 jig 50 yards, 6’10” is ideal for me. A 7’ crankbait rod is what I prefer and 7’5” frog rod, the longer frog rod helps to keep the line off the water and better angler to fight bass is the grass.

Since I use a reel hook set 95% of the time with the rod tip point at the lure a longer rod isn’t necessary to move more line, the reel is much faster.

Tom

Seems 7'3" is the "new" 7' in bait cast rods .

2 minutes ago, ChrisD46 said:

Seems 7'3" is the "new" 7' in bait cast rods .

Speak for yourself - I'm very happy sticking with 7' rods.

So, what I have with my old stuff that is still in good shape is:   

2-Quantum' 6" BC

    Med  10-20lbs  3/8-1oz
    Quantum Pro 2 5:1
1- Shimano 7' 6" BC
    Heavy 17-40lbs 3/8-2oz
    Shimano 5:1
    Bantam Black Magnum

I'm looking to purchase 4 Dobyns Fury rods.

 1-FR702SF Medium/Light Fast Spinning for my lighter stuff

1-FR705CB Medium/Heavy Mod Fast for my crankbaits

 2-FR703C Medium/Heavy Fast for general purpose for spinnerbaits, dragging jigs, texas rigs, etc.

If I get a faster reel for the Shimano rod, that should be good for frogging, pitching, and flippin.  Where, if anywhere would the 2 Quantum 5'6" rods for in? Please give me your thoughts and any changes you would make.

 

 

 

5 minutes ago, JeffD said:

So, what I have with my old stuff that is still in good shape is:   

2-Quantum' 6" BC

    Med  10-20lbs  3/8-1oz
    Quantum Pro 2 5:1
1- Shimano 7' 6" BC
    Heavy 17-40lbs 3/8-2oz
    Shimano 5:1
    Bantam Black Magnum

 

If you do shore-fishing - set these aside for that. I have three 6'6" rods that I'm doing just that with.

 

6 minutes ago, JeffD said:

I'm looking to purchase 4 Dobyns Fury rods.

 1-FR702SF Medium/Light Fast Spinning for my lighter stuff

This is my general finesse rod.

6 minutes ago, JeffD said:

1-FR705CB Medium/Heavy Mod Fast for my crankbaits

Cranks, jerks, treble topwaters (WP-90, Spooks) - any treble lure really...yes, I have one

7 minutes ago, JeffD said:

2-FR703C Medium/Heavy Fast for general purpose for spinnerbaits, dragging jigs, texas rigs, etc.

I would personally go (and I am) 1-FR703C and 1-FR704C. The 703 may be named 'medium-heavy', but it's lure ratings are what others call a 'medium'. If you're tossing 1/2oz spinners/chatters - with a trailer on them, they'll top out the 703

Yes, I'm getting a 703C and a 704C this year...as well as a 703SF for my wacky and skipping needs.

The vast majority of my rods are 7' to 7'6", but I have been considering building a few shorter rods. Based on the other posts in this thread it seems like there isn't a reason against building a 6' ML for Ned rigs specifically.

17 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

Speak for yourself - I'm very happy sticking with 7' rods.

*Thanks I will speak for myself :

Dobyns Sierra 733C. , 734C. & 735C. open water reservoir where I am bombing casts -I don't need to be super accurate . That said , much love for 6'6" and 7' rod lengths (depending on cover and applications in waters you fish) .