For a general purpose rod, how much difference does 6 inches make in the length of a Fishing rod?  

In my particular case, I'm thinking about a St. Croix Premier Medium action (2 pc).  Most of my time will be spent casting from shore on open water.  I was thinking about 7 feet to get a bit more casting distance, but the guys at the shop made 7 feet sound unwieldy.  Thanks!

Leon

It's really more about personal preference than anything else. I like 7' rods.

What are the shores like you're fishing from?  If the lake(s) you're fishing from are fairly clear of trees and brush a 7 footer would be fine.  If not, a 6 1/2 or 7 footer can be a real hinderance.  If I'm fishing from a typical bank in a pond with brush and trees I prefer a 6 footer myself.

This year, most of my fishing will be done from an open area, or maybe a canoe.  The town pond where I will spend most of my "casual" time has no brush or trees around it.  I guess a coupe a details I'm trying to determine is the any "realistic" benefits gained by going to 7 feet from 6 1/2 feet for the Premier.  Besides the extra 6 inches I'd get another guide.

Casting Distance

Sensitivity

Ability to throw small baits

Ability to handle lighter line (probably 6#)

Casting Technique

Other Fishing Techniques that I have not practiced yet

Fun factor with smaller fish

Originally I was thinking 7', but if there is no "meaningful" difference, I'm now leaning towards 6'6" as a compromise.

Thanks to everyone who shares their experience here at BassResource  

If I were fishing from a canoe, I'd definately want a 6' rod. If fishing from shore with plenty of open area around me I'd probably want a longer rod for increased casting distance. It all depends though, I'd prefer to take two rods along rigged with different lures. I think the shorter rods are natually more sensitive, it just stand to reason. All lengths have their advantages, and disadvantages  depending on conditions and presentations.

I think what he is asking is how much longer cast he can make with a 7' rod vs. a 6'6" or a 6' rod ? :-? :-?

shoter the rod the better control,the longer the rod more distance.the difference between a 6' to a 6 1/2 ' isnt that great and the difference from a 6 1/2' to a 7' isnt that great ,but the difference from a 6' to a 7' is.so i would opt for a 6 1/2 fter .

Yes, I am thinking about casting distance vs control. And its funny, the 1 foot difference seens so large, yet 6 inches seems so small :-? So, the 6'6" has been my compromize. Plus, it's $10 cheaper less expensive for the Premier

Hot n Tot - it's interesting you said the shorter rods were more sensitive. It makes sense in the that vibrations have less distance to go. I'd been thinking that longer might be more sensitive due to some kind of leverage factor. Wish I'd paid more attention in Physics

I love the multiple rod idea, it's but hard to justify for only a a couple hours of fishing per week. However, I've met the bait monkey ;D My budget has gone from about $60 to double that (or more)

I would go with either the 6'6" of the 7' M to MH they are going to be your best general purpose rods in my opinion, I personally throw mostly 7 ft rods for my bait casters but use a 6'6" MH for my spinning outfit for senkos and a 6' M for skipping, and a 6'4" rod for spinnerbaits. When you go to the store ask the associate to let u try the reel on the rod and pick the one that feels best for you, personally i would get one with a little backbone and a fast tip that feels comfortable, and 7' rods honestly arent that bad to throw they arent that long and with a little practice you can control the rod well. Take a look at the Falcon Lowrider series I beleive they are in your price range and have a very good feel, that or a Castaway which use G-Loomis blanks.

I personally throw mostly 7 ft rods for my bait casters but use a 6'6" MH for my spinning outfit for senkos and a 6' M for skipping, and a 6'4" rod for spinnerbaits.

Interesting, I normally use 7' rods for frogging and C-rigging and often when spinning for tossing lighter baits more distance. I think for worming, the 6' length is more sensitive, easier to cast accurately and helps me slow down my presentation due to not moving as much line as I work my worm. But I sometimes use a longer rod for worming as well, depending on conditions and what I feel like doing. Rod length is definately a personal preference, with no right and no wrong. Whatever you find that works for you, but if you are like me you'll soon have all lengths in your boat  

Since I will spend a lot of time going for panfish with my daughter (9yo), I suspect I will be throwing baits on the light side.  Also, a lot of time with slip bobber.  Would 7' have much of an advantage with light baits?  Thanks

Since I will spend a lot of time going for panfish with my daughter (9yo), I suspect I will be throwing baits on the light side. Also, a lot of time with slip bobber. Would 7' have much of an advantage with light baits? Thanks

Well, that changes everything for me. I'd definately go with a 7' rod for panfishing as it will be much easier to toss ultalight baits and slip bobbers. Also a soft tip for baited hooks is in order. I personally wouldn't get anything lmore powerful than a Medium Light St. Croix....something rated for 4-10 lb line max. Actually, for panfishing a light or ultra-light would be the way to go and you could handle the occasional bass, it just wouldn't be the best for heavier lures. There just isn't an all around rod when it comes to multi-species fishing...in my opinion. Determine your primary need, and adapt as necessary. But panfishing and bass fishing are not normally conducive to the same tackle. Sorry for the ramble.

Coming from an old fart if control and accuracy is what you are looking for the shorter the rod, if you want distance the longer the rod, my personal experience says so, with a 5 '6" I can drop a bait in a teacup 30 yards away, with a 7 feeter .... no way jos é and I practice every day, the more I increase the length the more accuracy I loose, it 's a give take situation where you sacrifice accuracy vs distance.

Thanks for your thoughts.  Compromise is so hard  Since I have a 5' Ultra Light and 5'6" light setup, my excuse has been the need for a real bass setup- a reel with anti-reverse and a rod with enough backbone to set the hook, should I be fortunate enough to find a lunker.

I figure while my daughter is watching her bobble, I might have time to cast some lures.  Back in the day (1985 or so) I did mostly T-Rigs.  Now, I have lot's of new techniques to try.

Guess I'm back at 6'6" for the dreaded general purpose compromise.  Next year, when I have more experience, I'll have an excuse for the specialized setup  ;D

Of course, I'll probably change my mind many more times

I personally wouldn't get anything lmore powerful than a Medium Light St. Croix....something rated for 4-10 lb line max.

I would second that.  St. Croix are typically underrated.  So a St. Croix ML is more like a M.  I have the 7 foot MLF St. Croix Triumph and really like it.  I fish out of a canoe with it and have no problems.  However, I also have a 5'6' UL spinning  setup that is easier to use when seated in a canoe.  I paired up my St. Croix with a Daiwa Laguna.  I recently saw it on sale at Tackle Warehouse:

http://www.***.com/descpageRLSDAIWA-DALSR.html

I have used a lot of light baits with the 7' St. Croix.  What I do enjoy is that it can handle some bigger lures (1/2 oz) too.  When I am with my kids from the shore, I usually rig both my 5'6" setup and 7' setup.  I will usually put a 1/4 rattletrap or spinnerbait on the shorter rod and t-rig the 7'.  Thus, the lighter setup has the heavier weight and I can cast further.  And my longer rod can cast the plastic further.  

One other tip if you are fishing with your daughter, rig her rod with a Johnson Silver minnow (1/8 oz).  Add a grub (of her favorite color, probably pink like my duaghter likes).  With the Johnson, you won't be spending time worrying about picking debris off the hook and she can chuck it a distance.  My kids get bored with a bobber.  After I started rigging them with spinnerbaits and the Johnson minnow, they are into bass fishing now.  No more bluegills for them.

Thanks Lard_Bass

Do you find the MLF has enough backbone for decent sized bass?

I've been thinking about the Exceler since my local dealer has them.  What size Laguna are you using?

Do you like the Triumph?

Cheers!  Leon

It sounds like you should consider something 6'/med.  I do alot of pond fishing and this is the type of rod I use most often.  It is more accurate than the longer lengths, has enough backbone to land a big bass and not to mention the fun you will have landing that big bass.  I'd suggest a 6' Falcon original.

What Raul said.

I second Raul's sentiment.  I personally prefer 7' as well.

Thanks Everyone!  I think you've talked me down from 7'0" to a compromise at 6'6"  Since it will be my only rod (this year) I won't expect it to be perfect for every purpose.  

Leon

Good choice! I own several of each size mentioned,and I'd have to say the 6'6 rods are my favorites overall.