Rod length for pitching from a yak? Looking to maybe upgrade.

[TBAG]

I currently do 90% of my fishing from my yak and this summer have been mainly fishing creeks, rivers and on occasion small lakes. I'm constantly close to shore and sometimes have to deal with trees to get in spots to fish.

 

My setup now for jigs/texas rigs is a St. Croix Avid 6'8" MH paired with a Curado K. I'm still fairly new to pitching, especially from a sitting position in a kayak. I've been practicing as much as possible, even sitting on a stool in the yard with a practice plug to get better.  Well the rod/reel Gorilla has been tapping me on the shoulder and with TW BF sale on the horizon I have the itch for a new setup. I'm considering a longer rod, and looking at either a Legend Tournament or a Loomis IMX pro or maybe even splurging for a Legend X or GLX. 

 

So, those who have experience with a longer rod for pitching what do you think? Should I upgrade to a 7' - 7'-5" length rod? Or should I spend the money elsewhere and be happy with my current setup? Also, for pitching what is your preference, full cork or split grip?

 

For a reel, would you stick with the Curado K or would my technique be improved by going with a different reel? I'm open to Shimano or Daiwa when it comes to my reel choice but prefer Shimano.

[LCG]

I have a st Croix avid x 6'6 Mh-f casting rod that I use for pitching around trees and laydowns. I prefer shorter rods for maneuvering and accuracy. Pitching is 20-30ft at most so I would think what you have should be perfect. I have it matched with a daiwa fuego ct and have no complaints. I also prefer split grips. 

 

It's all personal preference. But I think you have a solid set up as is. But that monkey is hard to get off your back sometimes

 

[Brad Reid]

If you will buy a 5'6" St. Croix, Medium power, spinning rod, your accuracy will improve dramatically. That, and less worry about overhead obstacles (trees, bridges, etc.). You'll be able to float up on low tree canopies, boardwalks, boathouses, get much farther underneath them to find fish.

 

And, since a shorter lever gives you more power over the fish, that's a bit of an extra.

 

I rarely make long casts from my kayak. Its greatest advantage, as you know, is how very close we can get up on our targets.

 

Brad

[Choporoz]

Seated in my kayak I never flip and really don't pitch all that often.  I've just gotten so much more accurate and confident in my roll cast that I don't often find the need.  Sometimes, in close quarters, depending on overhang, etc., I will still pitch, but I won't claim to be very good.  I generally use a 7'MHF and/or 7'4"HF.  I will say that the shorter is a little easier to pitch, but that may be more because the handle is split and shorter, than due to differences in overall lengths. 

[bigfruits]

i like 6'8" rods for pitching whether im standing or sitting in a kayak. that being said, most of my jig/worm rods are 7'+ but i pretty much pitch any type of bait, not just jigs and plastics.

 

pitching while sitting down in a kayak is a lot different than when standing. i dont get the same low trajectory but quiet enough in most cases. you can pitch with a spinning rod too.

 

cork or split doesnt matter IMO. keep practicing with your current set up. just takes a little time.

[fishwizzard]

13 hours ago, TBAG said:

I currently do 90% of my fishing from my yak and this summer have been mainly fishing creeks, rivers and on occasion small lakes. I'm constantly close to shore and sometimes have to deal with trees to get in spots to fish.

 I fish very close to shore as well and most all of my kayak rods are 6' to 6'6".  I will bring a longer one if I think it will be useful or I can't find a short rod for a given application, but I have a core group of 3-5 rods that come along most every trip and the longest is 6'6".   

[WRB]

I would think a side arm loop cast would be ideal for a kayak angler to keep the lure low to the water with accurate casts. The casting motion is all in the wrist sitting or standing.

Tom

[Angry John]

Spent most of my time pitching from a nucanoe.  The seat may be higher than what you have now but i am very fond of a legend elite 7' mh.  I like the full handle and i feel they ballance a lot better than the split handle.  I am a daiwa guy but on my elite sits an original steez 100.  This setup is unbelievably and my pick for the search for the one. It cant do everything as it sucks as a cbr but anything with a single hook its money.  In a three rod combo i pick this a 66mf for squarebills jerkbaits and topwater and a 610mlxf for finesse. I did not have rod holders in the classic like i do in the new hobie 12 so three rods is how i rolled the most often.