6'6 Or 7'0 For Spinning Rod

[toddwchandler]

Dick's has a good sale this week on some of their Abu Garcia spinning combos and I was thinking of picking one up. I am debating between the 6'6 or 7'0 rod. Would you guys mind giving me the pros and cons of one over the other?

Also, for the sake of clarity, generally these spinning setups are used for soft plastics t-rigged, c-rigged, and weightless and for drop shutting, correct? Any other applications for this setup that I am overlooking?

[HookdUP]

7-0 ... If I wanna get technical ill use a 6-6 casting mh... I use 6-6 spinning reels for crappie though

[LunkerFisher]

To me there's not going to be a lot of difference except possibly with the butt section. Pick both up and go by which one feels better. Since these are combos I would personally pick whichever one balances better.

[Darren.]

Todd, as a fan of shorter rods, I'd opt for the 6'6"

model. I'm a kayak fisherman who prefers the 

shorter models for the areas I fish. I don't need 

the length for greater casting distance, etc., and

I prefer the accuracy -- in my experience -- of

shorter rods.

 

But that's me. If you're bank-bound, those extra 

inches in the 7' will give you a little more sling to

your bait, not sure how much, but physics....

 

If you're looking for a do-it-all, MH.

[Poolshark]

I like the seven footers for casting instance, hook setting leverage and I find a little more control when fighting bigger bass on the lighter line with spinning tackle. Just my preference.

[ThatFishin'Guy]

I've always gone with a 7ft, but I mainly fish from the bank and need all the casting distance I can get.

[bigfishbk86]

Without a doubt I'd go with 7' model. Only time I ever use less than a 7' spinning rod is for skipping, and even then it's 6'10" for me.

[ClackerBuzz]

you can also think of the length in terms of water clarity.  clear home water means longer casts are needed.  if ur water is usually stained/murky you can get away with a 6' rod b/c you can literally get on top of the fish.

[Stingray23]

6'10" would make the perfect compromise.

[Fishes in trees]

I made a list of the different techniques I currently use spinning gear for:  Ned Rig  -  Slider finesse rig  - finesse drop shot rig  -   jerk bait rig  -  deep diving cranking  -  standard shaky heads  (mostly 3/16 & 1/4)  -  carolina rig  -  weightless soft plastic rig/skipping rig  (tx rigged senkos/flukes & fluke types, soft magic swimmers/tubes).  Plus I have 3 or 4 all purpose spinning rigs, borrower rods, if you will,  that I use to lend to anyone that fishes with me.

 

  Each one of those rigs is a different length and action, varying from 5'9" to 7'2".  It turns out that I'm no help deciding which is better, 6'6" or 7'.

 

The passage of time continues to amaze me.  Back when I was a hippie meat fisherman, I carried one rod, one reel and two spare spools an extra 6 lb test and one with 8 lb for really heavy cover.  My tastes have changed over the last 30 years.  
Funny what having a job and disposable income will do.

 

My only advice is to pick the  one you will like the best.  Most likely, it won't be the last rod that you buy.

[ibobpeb]

Personal preference, I like 6'6" over the 7'. Try them both and keep the one you like best. I have rods that vary in length from 6' all the way up to 8' and find myself using the 6'6" medium light St Croix the most.

[Bankbeater]

If you are walking the shore then a 6'6" is a lot easier to get through the brush and trees.

[DTack]

7' between the two.  

[WIGuide]

I say get what feels good in your hand. Personally I like the shorter rods, but I know some feel the opposite way. Go to the store and handle both, get whichever one feels better to you.

[Steveo-1969]

I say get what feels good in your hand. Personally I like the shorter rods, but I know some feel the opposite way. Go to the store and handle both, get whichever one feels better to you.

 

Good advice here, this is definitely personal choice.  When I use my son's 6'6" rod it feels too short for me.  When he uses my 7' rod it feels too long for him.