Its all you need...

 

 

1 hour ago, FryDog62 said:

Its all you need...

Then why do you have that arsenal?

 

I actually had one of those back in the day.

I fish from a kayak or the bank. Always liked shorter rods. Only in the last few years have I fished with a 7' rod. I find 6'10" the ideal all around length for my use. But I use 6'8"-7' rod regularly. 

 

One thing I learned over the years is that handle length needs to be considered in the equation. I like handle lengths around 14", some rods I have used had handle lengths of 17", which is 3" less usable rod length. I have a buddy who has a 7'1" rod that has the same usable rod length as my 6'10", his having a longer handle length. But handle to tip is the same length. 

Thanks for all the replies, everyone! It's been interesting to read what others consider a short rod. Some of the "short" ones are longer than what I consider long!

 

 The best thing that I got out of this thread is something that I never really noticed before- casting accuracy. While my short rods don't cast as far as some of my longer rods, I did realize that the short ones put it where I want more often than the longer ones. I rigged up my favorite UL short rod yesterday evening with some new 6lb test, a split shot and one of @looking45 3 inch weenie worms with a #6 EWG hook to see what will bite this weekend. Can't wait to get out there now. 

I like a 6’7” to 6’9” rod length for  jerk bait and top water … The shorter rod allows me to work the lure in a specific area longer without moving it too far . 

On 2/14/2024 at 5:12 PM, MN Fisher said:

Then why do you have that arsenal?

 

I actually had one of those back in the day.

Yes, I have 4 pocket fisherman laid out on each side of my front deck… you never know when you’ll need to cast a variety of different lures - or maybe rattle off a bunch of julienne-cut fries!! 

On 2/5/2024 at 7:12 PM, RRocket said:

People are shocked when they see how small my micro guides are.

 

And those aren't big Red Bird matches either. 

What size are your micro guides and what size line do you use? This for regular size lures or finesse?

And I'll add that I definitely like 6'6/6'9 rods when bank fishing in thick areas where I'm squeezing between trees.

I also think that they might be more sensitive all else being equal.

Outside of the obvious, like what's already mentioned in this thread, i used to like short rods because the feel of a fish fighting is way stronger on a shorter stick. Used to have a 5.9" and a 6' rod that i used a bunch for jerkbaits, and fishing smallies was awesome. Now that i think of it, i might grab one for next year just for this reason because it has been a while since i've had anything under 6.8'.

On 2/5/2024 at 9:54 AM, Catt said:

 

I'm 73 so I remember that's all we had!

On 2/7/2024 at 5:36 PM, crypt said:

I use a couple 6 foot pistol grip older TeamDaiwa Larry Nixon rods for spinnerbait and worms when in close quarters, bank fishing.

I'm 78. 6 foot was a long rod. Bought a 4'8" MH spinning rod in my teens. It was a broomstick.

No one has mentioned any disadvantages to a short rod (other than distance). I purchased a 6' MH Lightning for my oldest grandson to learn using a baitcast reel. He had no interest in trying it. I made it my short range spinnerbait rod. Very uncomfortable to fish. Not only does the whole rod shake with a 1/2 oz. spinnerbait with Colorado blades, but so does my hand and wrist. As you can image, it tires you out quickly.

I mostly use 6'6" and 6'10" rods. I have a 6'0" inch use, and I feel that it gives me better target placement. I mostly bank fish, and a shorter rod helps with tip down techniques too.

I have a 7'3" that I use, but its more conditional for me.

If I was fishing from a boat, standing, I might bump up to longer rods. I haven't crossed that bridge yet.

I use many 6’ rods. Cause to me accuracy triumphs all. And a shorter rod is more accurate. I can stick my bait within a baseball sized area on every cast. I can skip as far as anyone, and more accurate than most with them. The only disadvantage to me is casting distance but I don’t even see that as being that much of a difference if you have a quality reel. To me, the BPS Pro Qualifier 6’ Medium is the best rod I’ve ever used. So light and sensitive and casting is a breeze.

I'll agree that short rods can be more accurate, but why can't practice make a longer rod accurate? I used to practice in the fall at a local river targeting leaves flowing by on the current...7'-7'3" rods. Even managed to hit the leaf occasionally.

15 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

but why can't practice make a longer rod accurate?

I suppose you can putt well with a 9 iron if you practice enough.

4 hours ago, Glenn said:

I suppose you can putt well with a 9 iron if you practice enough.

What's a putt?

So I was made fun of for suggesting practice should improve your accuracy with longer rods. I prefer 7' or longer. Currently strictly a shore fisherman. Previous to 2022 I fished from a Gheenoe with my B-I-L when visiting Florida. Even then at least 97% of my casts were for distance as he often cast in front of me. If my target is short, I almost always cast past it and retrieve into the desired target area.

As a result, my short range casting sucks. I am more accurate at distance. No way could I ever win a target competition but I can usually get reasonably close. All but 2 of my casting rods and reels were purchased while still living in PA. All were tested from shore at a local river. All were cast for distance. The newest haven't been used yet but when I do take them out, I'll be casting for distance. I try to reach places other shore fishermen may not be reaching.

I honestly couldn't tell you if I'm more accurate at short distances with a 6'6" rod than a 7'3" rod because it's something I have never practiced. I take others words that I should be.