Looking at buying a Dobyns Sierra 733C mostly for lighter moving baits, Jerkbaits, lipless/squarebill cranks, and topwaters.

Im 5'11" and im curious if there are any of you who are my height that use a rod longer than 7' for topwaters. I fish the bank alot too if that helps. I just dont want the tip slapping the water all the time but I feel like 3 more inches of rod would help with working walking baits better.

 

 

5'10" and also a bank angler

 

To me, I feel that 7' to 7'3" is a comfortable length for any application (especially for topwater and bottom baits).  However, if I know that I'm going to fish under trees or around bushes then I'll use a shorter rod, longer rods can be a hassle. 

Buzzbaits, frogs, wakebaits and WPs are the only topwater baits I would consider using anything longer than 6'6" or so. Also shore fishing and long rods can be tricky in tight quarters. 

 

It's a personal preference thing.  If you fish a lot of waters with open access on the banks, then a longer rod will help you cast it out there further.  If you fish a lot of waters with lots of trees and bushes along the banks, then a shorter rod will get hung up less often.  If the waters you fish have steep hills along the banks then you can use a longer topwater rod without having to worry about the rod tip hitting the water.  If you fish waters where the bank slopes up gradually so you're basically standing an inch or two above the water line, then a shorter rod will help prevent the rod tip from hitting the water.  If you fish all kinds of different situations, then you're going to have to make some decision on which compromises you feel most comfortable making.  The perfect scenario would be to own a bunch of different rods in a bunch of different lengths so that you'd be ready for anything, and to hire a caddy to carry all of that equipment around for you.  

15 minutes ago, Bankc said:

The perfect scenario would be to own a bunch of different rods...

Duh!...  

Sometimes, especially in bank fishing, a shorter rod can be better for topwaters. The shorter length helps with not jerking the lure away from the bass too early on the strike. A shorter handle length can help also.

I use a 7' MH for most topwaters, especially the heavier ones like WP and Spook. I know it gives me better casting distance. I use a 6'6" M for lighter ones. But I'll eventually replace that with a 7 footer as well. I don't think I need anything longer. But I can't really know that unless I try, right? One reason I prefer a longer topwater rod is the line angle is better from a kayak. You're so close to the water sometimes you start your retrieve off by pulling the topwater under.

When working a top water that requires a downward rod snap the shorter 6’8” rod is easier to use. Lures like frogs, buzzers that it’s better to keep line off the water a longer rod is ideal.

Tom

I can work walking baits and poppers with a 6'6" or a 7'0" rod.  It just takes me a little while to get use to the length difference.