How Long Is Your Pitching Rod?

[paangler13]

Hey all,

 

I was wondering what size rod do you use for pitching? I have been using a 7', but am thinking of getting a shorter stick. I think a 6'6", but maybe as short as a 6'.  

 

I feel like I am losing some accuracy and "splash control" with the longer rod.  I am about 5'10"-5'11" and I feel  like  the 7' is just a little too long. 

 

I do some fishing for wild trout in little creeks and use a under hand pitch almost exclusively at these little streams. It seems like it's easier to do with the shorter trout rod ( 5').  I know I am using a baitcaster for Bass, and a spinning rod for trout,  but the mechanics of the pitch are the same. 

 

So what length rod do you guys use for pitching baits in close? Am I onto something, or should I stick with the 7?

 

Thanks,

 

Jim

[K_Mac]

I use a 6'8" MXF or a 7'2" HM depending on cover most of the time. Occasionally I will use a 7' MHF. I am also 5'11". I like the longer rods better for setting the hook and handling the fish. I am still a little better with the shorter rod, but with practice the difference is slight.

[LittleBob]

I just started teaching myself to pitch this year, I have been using a 7'6" heavy action micro magic. I'm still practicing but I've gotten a lot better, and I'm 5'6". I have used my 7' MH to pitch my t rigs when i cant make a overhead or sidearm cast work on occasion but if I'm gonna go out and pitch cover I'll use my Duckett. But I think it would come down to what you're comfortable leaving with.

[ww2farmer]

I pitch with any length. When I am around docks or laydowns and I need to put a bait in a tiny spot, I'll often use a  6'9" length, when I am out in the grass and make longer pitches to holes/pockets, I'll usually use a 7'3" length. But that means I won't use a 6'6", or 7', or 7'6"...etc, length.

[illinifan4152]

I have two rods I use for this technique, a 6'10" MH XF and a 7'3" MH F. I actually prefer the 6'10" more. Much easier to skip under laydowns and docks

[cbass12]

7'1" MH/XF and 7'1" MH/F

[Mike L]

7ft mh/f

Mike

[zell_pop1]

6'10" H mod-fast St Croix Premier.

[mjseverson24]

I pitch to tight cover like docks and wood with shorter rods (6'10" H/MF), I use a 7'-7'2" MH/F for moderate grass cover, and I use 7'6"-8' for heavy grass... the more accurate you need to be, typically the shorter rod I use and the nastier the cover the longer the rod I use...

 

Mitch

[Stingray23]

6'10" Heavy/Fast

[BrianinMD]

Anywhere from 6'6" to 7'6" depending on the situation. Its a cast which can be made with any rod, both spinning and baitcast. It is a matter of comfort and the situation not a specific setup.

[ClackerBuzz]

I agree that shorter rods fit the bill much better. i like pitching with my 6'7" far more than my 7'+ rods. I'm so much more accurate and the physics/fulcrum point feel better.

ultimately i load up my rods for the day depending on the body of water i'm fishing ie i know exactly when i'm taking my 6'7" vs vs 7' vs 7'6".  i have no problem pitching 10% of the time with the 7'6" if I know the majority of the day i'm going to be casting. and I won't leave the house w/o my 6'7" when going to my pitching/weedy/lily pad spots all day

[camo]

7'9" megabass orochii xx

7'7" Powell endurance

[BasshunterJGH]

7ft mh/f

Mike

X2.

[rippin-lips]

I can pitch with any of my rods but the rod that I use the most, any time I fish, would be a 7'2 mh

[Jrob78]

7' MHF for target pitching.

7'6" HF for heavy cover/punching.

[Bruce424]

Just bumped up to a 7 ft mh fast. Used to use a 6ft6in. My accuracy is about the same. I was worried about that. Not being as accurate. But getting used to 7ft Was easy.

[Big Swimbait]

I recently came across an All Star 6' MH Pitchin' Rod at an Academy in a town I was in for my job. It was marked down to $25.00 so I thought what the heck. It is now my go to rod for pitching. Being a pistol grip, my accuracy has improved considerably. Now back in the Dallas area, I can't find another one. All Star still lists in on their web site (ASTC726PN) so hopefully Academy will carry them again at some point.

[Bluebasser86]

7, 7' 3", and 7' 6". 

[Catt]

Comfortable!

Some of my students fell comfortable with a 6' 6", others with a 7', & some with a 7' 6".

Comfortable is more important to accuracy than rod length!

I cast/flip/pitch with the same rod, a 6' 10" Crucial M-Heavy X-Fast, this is my 2nd one in ten years. I see anglers change rods as often as 2-3 times a year & wonder why they struggle.

[olegs]

7'4" MHF and 7'1"HXF