Kayak rod length

[trick worms]

Do y'all use longer rods when fishing in yaks? Seems like it might be helpful.

[Darren.]

Not me. Totally up to you what size you want to fish.
I prefer short rods because I'm often in very close 
quarters and would be unable to cast a long rod, but
can do so with a shorter rod (5'9 - 6'3").

Longest I like to use is 6'6". May change some day,
but for now, I don't want anything longer.

[MIbassyaker]

I think this is one of those things where your mileage may vary. Some people like longer rods to help cast farther so close to the water, or for reaching over the bow when fighting fish. But I Iike shorter rods for the same reason Darren says -- close quarters casting and pitching. I also find it easier to land fish with a shorter rod. And I definitely prefer rods with a short butt. My shortest rod is 5"6", and I have only one over 7'; most are within a few inches of 6'6".

[Frenchman83]

I have a  few rods over 7 but most are between 6'3" and 6'7"  river fishing limits length.  If I was on lakes or ocean might be different. 

[Turtle135]

One thing to consider fishing from a kayak, you do not have the same hook setting power seated as you do standing up. A longer rod moves more line, hits em harder and sticks em better. I do like a shorter rod for handling and casting accuracy so I have settled on rods that are 7'.

[Jrob78]

I fish with rods anywhere from 6'6" to 7'11" from a kayak.  Length doesn't factor in for me.

[DCales84]

I have more trouble with the butt length than anything else as I currently have a sit in kayak. Anything from about 14 to 14.5" I start banging into the side of my kayak. I prefer longer rod's for jigs and tx rigs for extra leverage.

[WI_Angler1989]

I don't have a kayak but I do have a canoe. Same theory applies. I like longer rods in general but that's a product of the ease of use here. I typically don't have overhead issues but I have a 6'6" Avid that has always been short enough if space dictates.  

Also I don't have handle length issues because of the more vertical seating as opposed to a yak, but I get how that can be an issue. 

[DogBone_384]

I use 6'10" to 7'1" with few exceptions.  I've only been 'yakking since '14, so I either don't know any better, or it just doesn't bother me. Thinking about it, I'll stick with the former.... 

Like many factors in fishing, a lot of it is subjective.  

Start with what you currently own and let the Tackle Monkey do the rest!

[buzzed bait]

i prefer the "shorter" rods, mine are between 6' and 7'.  but i also think the length of the butt is about as important as overall length. 

[rawjuice]

I fish in kayak bass tournaments here and use rods from 6'6" to 7'1". I have realized that the butt length of my rod is what makes or breaks it for me on the yak, my 7'1" is an Abu villain MH and it is an amazing rod but the butt length is a hair too long for me, if I'm fishing from a boat standing then the issue is nonexistent. So whenever I buy a new rod, I start choosing first by how long that butt end is. Hope this helps!

[THE_Vue's]

3 hours ago, Jrob78 said:

I fish with rods anywhere from 6'6" to 7'11" from a kayak.  Length doesn't factor in for me.

Same here, until I start to fish streams then I move down to shorter rods. I really want to try a 5' rod this year for those really close quarter

[flyfisher]

i have used or currently use rods from 6'6" up to 9' fly rods with no issues

[RB 77]

Well, the longer rods certainly are nicer for casting and setting the hook, however once the fish is on... that's a whole other story. The short rod definitely gives an advantage. The fine line for me is using a rod just long enough to get a fish around the bow under load if need be.

[Montanaro]

My 7'7" always catches branches...

[Master Bait'r]

I think it's not so much total rod length as it is butt length.  I prefer a shorter butt length in the kayak so I don't get in my own way.  

[Janderson45]

Mine are 6'6 thru 7'2 at the moment, I have had them hit branches before, but I've been able to combat that issue by paying closer attention around low limbs, bridges etc. and also by adding the zooka tube holders and angling my rods backwards a certain degree.  

As far as actually fishing with them I've never had any issues or complaints- I do typically fish while standing up out in my kayak though.  Planning on adding a 7'4 rod to the lineup this year... I don't really for see any issues the extra 2" of length will make.  

For what it's worth I also don't fish too many rivers, so tight quarters and low hanging limbs is admittedly less of an issue for me than it could be for others.

[0119]

Rod length was my worst enemy on the yak. With length came too long a butt which is always in the way when sitting. Tip length was bad when landing the fish. To get the bass close enough to lip at your side meant you were high sticking the rod begging for trouble. If the fish lunges under the yak you risk snapping the rod. Only enough length to pass the line around the ends of the yak is needed. Remember you spend tons more time working the lure than fighting fish. Comfort working the lure well should come before what works in fighting the fish. Especially compared to a rod designed to work for a guy standing on the deck of a glittery bass boat. Yak anglers are ignored by the industry.

[cottny27]

I like rods no longer than 6'9", but I do seem to miss a lot of fish.  Its more just for fun when I take the kayak out and catching a fish is just  a bonus.

[Murrica]

All of my rods range from 6'11" to 7'11".  Next year I am going to go with all custom rods.  Shorter butt length on all but my swimbait rods.