Now that I have your attention.

I'm comparing two rods.

Both have IDENTICAL specs (power, action, line and lure recommendations), the only difference is one is 7'0" and the other is 7'6".

Does it just boil down to casting? The shorter the more accurate and the longer more distance?

What are the advantages or disadvantages?

Looking for a spinnerbait/bladed jig/swim jig rod.

THANKS

I’d say the advantage would be a farther cast from the longer rod. I used to use a 7’ rod for jackhammers, then went to 7’3 and now I use a 7’6 and it bombs them by a significantly good amount. For pinpointing them in tight spots I will use a 6’10.

I can show you 9 different rods in the Falcon lineup (across the Cara, expert, and bucoo lines) that range from 6’8” to 7’3” that are all rated 1/4-3/4 oz and have basically the same line rating. If falcon didn’t have two different numerical ratings for ‘H’, they would all be considered MH. I have experience with 6 of them and own 5. Even the ones with the same action and power ratings have very different actions and feels. Action and power are entirely subjective from the maker. Line and lure weight generally will get you closer to what the rod can do, but even then there is a lot of variation possible. While you can logic that if everything was exactly the same except for the length that the longer rod would give better casting distance (and that CAN be true), you’re not going to get two rods that are identical in a lineup aside from length. The best bet is to ask on a place where people are knowledgeable about the rods in question (like here) and can speak to the specific rods.

Specific to your usage, I would caution against a 7’6” rod for spinnerbaits and vibrating jigs unless you’ve fished one that long before and like it. While they can bomb a cast and sometimes that is useful, it gets to be a handful as much as you are casting and cranking, especially if you’re going up over a half ounce bait a lot.

Since a cast is a ballistic shot, every 20% increase in release velocity doubles cast distance. All things being equal, that should mean every 20% increase in rod length doubles cast distance.

The problem is all things aren't equal. You tend to not swing a longer rod as fast as a shorter rod.

A rod is also a spring that stores energy, and is released as the rod rebounds - that's the rod loading.

The amount of rod that springs depends on the rod taper.

Progressive rods load the rod in a band that moves progressively down the rod length as you are casting more weight.

Para-taper rods load more of the total rod length as you are casting more weight.

I can give you plenty examples of shorter para rods that will out-distance longer progressive rods. FWIW, progressive rods tend to be more forgiving, accurate, and will cast a wider weight range than para rods. For the same length and power, progressive also gives more leverage and butt power for turning fish.

The two rods I picked for this comparison have nominally the same weight range. For the same length, the para rod will out-distance the progressive rod.

I also like to use the example of J. Kennedy Fisher Combo fly rods. They include 2 handles that make a 4-pc 9' rod, or a 6'9" 3-pc. The shorter para rod will cast every bit the distance of the longer progressive rod.

An additional 6" can make a huge difference in how a rod performs and feels.

6'6 to 7' you notice a difference, but both rods are still fairly similar.

IMO going from 7'-7'6 is a much more noticeable difference in the balance and action.

Rods over 7'2 start to get tip heavy. Youre goign to have a lonnger handle length to counteract that. The longer handle length gives more leverage in the cast. Coupled with the longer overall blank, it can really increase casting distance, so long as the blank has sufficient power in the mid and lower section to handle the extra leverage you put into the cast. If not, that extra tip speed gained by the longer rod wont give any increase in distance.

The longer handle and overall length make 7'6 rods a little less ideal for baits you have to twitch or walk all day. I still use twitchbaits on my custom MagM 7'5 blank, but just for a couple hours or less.

Although its just a 6" increase, a 7'6 gives you the feeling like you can control depth better and move more line without using the reel,

I'd say 6 inches does matter when it comes to rod length.

But and this is the good part, it depends.

On the rod material, the taper and who's casting it and/or fishing with it.

I prefer parabolic rods for just about every moving bait.

My wiggle wagons and spinnerbaits are fished on a 7'3" or 7'4" stick.

When the rod loads properly on the cast, I'd say it can help with distance and allow less effort.

Casting a long pool cue is far more work.

I'm throwing a 3/4 oz spinnerbait on a 7'4" stick right here.

A-Jay

There are advantages to a plus 7 foot rod, but personally I feel like anything over 7' 3" becomes cumbersome. I feel like 7' gives you a good compromise on accuracy, cast distance, and ability fight fish easier.

Rods are tools. What do you want to achieve? If it’s casting distance, the maximization of a moderate actions and better line pickup on a hook set, longer has advantages. I don’t subscribe to a

7-6 rod being a problem in accuracy. Just practice more.

Yes.

Thanks all.

The rod I'm currently using is about 20 years old and only 6'6".

It gets the job done but figured it might be time for an upgrade.

My experience tells me that the longer rod gives you more casting distance, more flex to protect against losing fish when surging near the boat & quicker line pick up when needed.

Long rods may not always fit in tight spaces.

Especially skipping the cypress overhang

6” of extra butt section is nice for a firm hook set- 6” of extra tip is nice for casting and hook sets from far away.

They both have functional applications.

The only time I like a short rod by choice is when I’m bank fishing under low hanging trees.

I try to go as long as I can for everything.

3 hours ago, HawkeyeSmallie said:

Thanks all.

The rod I'm currently using is about 20 years old and only 6'6".

It gets the job done but figured it might be time for an upgrade.

In that case, would suggest you get some hands on with the rods you’re thinking about. Just going from what you have to a modern 7’ rod is going to be a huge change for you. Adding a foot of length from where you were is a big difference in feel.

about 10 years ago I slowly started migrating to longer rods, 7'5 and 7'6 from 6'6 and 7'0 ones.

They definitely cast farther and as a bank fisherman thats a real plus for me. The shortest rod I own now is 6'7.