Rod Choice?

[Jason Morris]

What rod do you think would work better while C-Rigging from a kayak?

6'10" MH fast action or 7'4" MH fast action?

[Stephen B]

While I don't kayak fish, so I don't know what length constraints you have being in a kayak regarding to the ability to comfortability of having longer rods. I would go with the 7'4 from the given information for Carolina rigs.

[J Francho]

I'd want the longer rod for C-rigging. Not sure what the kayak has to do with it, I use the same rods whether in my bass boat, on shore, or in a kayak.

[Stephen B]

15 minutes ago, J Francho said:

I'd want the longer rod for C-rigging. Not sure what the kayak has to do with it, I use the same rods whether in my bass boat, on shore, or in a kayak.

Being in a kayak would greatly impact the desired length of rod and handle length especially when sitting. This is why some company are introducing kayak rods focused on kayak anglers as they typically (not all) prefer shorter rod and shorter handles for certain applications. This was the thought behind the St Croix Yak Series.

 

Read a few of these comments in the topic for kayaks on the forum. However, these are only preferences, it all boils down to conformability which is different for everyone. 

 

[NHBull]

My buddy does a lot of kayak fishing and prefers shorter rods 

[SMITTY0045]

I’d generally say the longer rod, but from a kayak it’s going to be up to how you feel. I would see how long the handle is, a shorter handle may be more comfortable from a yak

[J Francho]

16 hours ago, Stephen B said:

Being in a kayak would greatly impact the desired length of rod and handle length especially when sitting.

Been fishing from a kayak for over a dozen years.  Unless you're in a SINK, it has zero impact.  In fact, longer is sometimes required, if you're fishing deep and/or vertical, to get around the bow of the vessel if the fish runs.  Alternatively, you can use the power of the fish to turn the boat, if your using a heavier line.  You lock down on the fish, if it runs away from the boat, let the drag fly if the fish runs straight down.  We do this when fishing northern pike, or salmon fishing.  Not so much bass.  Lastly, a note on handle length.  Many say they'd prefer a shorter rear grip.  Another common complaint is poor hooksets from a sitting position.  A longer rear grip, tucked under your elbow, just as you'd be doing standing on shore or from the front of a bass boat, is proper technique.  Fishing with the rod and reel centered, in front of you is both awkward, and will lead to poor hooksets.  The longer handle, locked and loaded under your elbow will provide all the hookset power you need.  Look at this, around the 4:00 minute mark, for a hookset.

 

 

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard! I'll leave the rod length choice up to those

who use the technique more than I do. I don't use rods over

6'6"...just how I roll.

[ArticWolf]

I imagine a 7 footer would be perfect for this application. I do a lot of bank fishing and enjoy a shorter rod, but when I am on a boat i dont mind a longer rod, i have a yak and should use it more than i do but i seem to prefer my 7 foot rod when on it