An Interesting Theory on Fishing Rod Lengths

Rod selection can be overwhelming at times. With all types of lengths, powers and actions from which to choose, a seemingly simple rod purchase can quickly turn into confusion.

Wired2fish staffer Walker Smith, however, has an affinity for keeping fishing as simple as possible. That thought process also spills over into his preferred rod length. Because he is primarily a shallow-water angler, he prefers the same length rod for the vast majority of applications. Whether he’s fishing a crankbait, jig, frog, topwater popper or Texas rig, he likes to use a 7-foot rod. Essentially, Walker believes it helps him keep a consistent release point when making complex casts to shallow cover. In his experience, when he sets down a 7-foot rod and quickly switches to a different length rod, he has a tendency to pull or push his casts because of the change in release point, which drastically affects the accuracy of his casts. Being consistent with his rod lengths has drastically improved his accuracy and decreased any wasted or reckless casts.

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[louquilici]

Finally some love for the not so loved sub-seven foot rods. I use and love 6’6” rods as a bank fishermen. It’s nice to hear someone be realistic for a change.

[stephenbeaver]

I have been fishing for over 50 years. I started fishing ponds as a small child. I used my fathers 6.6 spinning rod. Later my first Rod was a 6.6 ugly stick. As I got a job and then a car I was able to add rods, I bought a 6.6 ugly stick big water. I could cast very far heavy lures for strippers, and blue fish. My collection grew to a 6.6 bait casting ugly stick for musky. The graphite rod came all 6.6. Many of which broke. Surf casting rods10 ft. Fly rods 7 ft. Today I have over 30 rods. Many are ugly sticks. I started kayak fishing. My rod got shorter 5 ft . 5.10 and 4.8. I now love a 6 ft rod for bass fishing off my bass boat and kayak. I had 2 graphite rods 7.6. I never really felt comfortable with a rod over 6.6. Surf fishing being the exception. I am 5.8 the 6 ft ugly stik gx2 is a perfect bait casting rod for me. The timing and loading of this ride fits me for most bass lures. For me the longer rods just don’t work.

[davidhelmedrummer]

I use 4 baitcatsters. One is a 6'6 heavy action for flipping and topwaters, a 6'10 medium heavy for flipping craws, 7' medium for swim jigs and chatterbaits, and a 7' medium for casting texas rigged worms.

[muskietime]

Well said. Consistently consistent with perfect practice for achieving Top Performance.

[bodyeas]

I started fishing with 6' ft rods, but have since moved up to 6'6" or 7 ft. I have longer ones and shorter, but the 7 ft rod is the sweet spot for me as well. All of my newer rods are 7ft. for the same reason.

[Plague_Architect]

Anyone’s thoughts with kayak fishing? I have some 6’6” setups that feel great but once you get in a kayak they are cumbersome and because of that I tend to just bring my 4’6” ultralight spinning and my 5’6” baitcaster. The ultralight I prefer when I’m wading in the water on foot though.

[dylonharvey]

Nice to hear the 6’6 at the end lol just bought one but mainly use 7ft

[DustinFox.]

6ft med/hvy ugly stick elite with penn 2500 battle ii bank fisherman’s dream setup trust me on this lol

[crashbomber]

I fish from a kayak, I use almost all 6'6'' rods, just because theyll fit in my car diagonally! I'd love to have some longer ones for stuff, but it's gonna be hard to fit them in there comfortably on long trips.

[tunit]

The skip under the dock was sweet. Skipping tutorial video coming soon?

[ScottCooperOutdoors]

I can remember people calling me crazy for using a 7' rod. Said you don't need a rod that long. Now people using 8'.

[spaloslvnv]

I do very similar. my rod taste is changing and im starting to go sub 7 foot...but all my rods are within a few inches of each other and different powers and brands to specialize the rod for a certain action/bait

I also....have the working theory that sub 7 foot rods, even the lighter action ones tend to have a better back bone since they are stouter/shorter than the same model a few inches longer. Im a short guy too....so the sub 7 foot rods are better for me for roll casting and other specialized casts. good stuff....do what works for you, most importantly

[TwinCitiesOutdoors]

Outstanding insight on rod length. I use all 6'6" rods. Works great for all the kayak and bank angling I do. The shorter rods are more maneuverable in these applications.

[HoppedUpOnBass]

There's gonna be haters on here but I totally agree with you 100%. The longest rod on my deck is 7'6 and its for a heavy jig or punching. God Bless and Fish On🎣🎣🐟 🐟

[aneesmuktuni]

*I like the way it feels **enjoyable.fishing** recommend and cast, time will tell I only used it once but it seems to work well....*

[Glenn-wrtt]

Man, i have multiple rods, like too many. I only use 2 of them the majority of the time. 7' medium and 7' light depending on the target. The other rod ill use is a heavy and its exclusively for big cats and pike/muskie. 9 footer. In my area, theres no need for any less or any more length. If youre a creek fisherman, go for a 6 foot rod if you find youre getting choked by brush, otherwise, get a longer rod for the distance as you can cast near or far with a longer rod.

[jeffreymoore]

Because each rod loads differently during a cast with different weight lures and because line stretch at the tip is also different -- the claim that a release point is the same on all 7 foot rods is totally inaccurate. The release point on a 7 foot rod with a topwater plug on mono is drastically different from the release point of a 7 foot rod with a weightless worm on braid and a flourocarbon leader -- even more so if the rod actions are adjusted to match the presentation. Rod length preference is more a factor of individual height, power, lure weight, lure presentation, treble or single hooks,  and standing height above the waterline when casting/retrieving.

[beardedboysam]

7” very versatile and the sweet spot for your all around

[Eyesofthasouth]

I like a 6’8ish for casting/reaction around shoreline, top water and weightless flukes. Feel like I’m more accurate and not hitting the water with my tip. 7ft for Texas Rigs and jigs. What rods are those, please sir? Like the theory of same release point! 👍🏼

[Ryan-jxvh]

6’10 is my go to. I can use it for almost every application.