Your Height vs. Rod Length... does it matter?

[Deleted account]

1 hour ago, new2BC4bass said:

and where you are fishing from (shore, bass boat, kayak, canoe, yacht, pontoon, destroyer, etc.) play a more important roll in rod length selection.

DD 974 and DD 988, thank you very much.

[Choporoz]

SpruCans!  

[Krux5506]

I mean, I do like 7' rods for the most part with bass fishing though I have some bigger and some shorter. I never considered my height having anything to do with it.

 

Ask anyone who would say otherwise how they determine rod length for something like a centerpin float rod. My setup for big water is 15ft....After using that a few times during winter, when I pick up my bass rods again they feel like a joke. 

[gilkeybr]

At 6'5 I rarely have an issue with rods being too long, although I definitely can see times where fishing jerkbaits from shore (instead of an elevated boat deck) a shorter rod is nice so as to not hit the water/shoreline.  So i could understand why someone on the shorter end of the spectrum might want a shorter rod, especially fishing from shore.

 

However, I find the opposite issue:  Rod handles being shorter than I would like.  Due to the length of my arms, the handle sometimes won't tuck up nicely under my arm.  Some rods are worse than others, but overall I wish rods had about an extra inch over normal between the reel and the rod butt.  Recently added a few inches to the handle of one of my more favorite rods and now I find I can't put it down!  Its awesome.

[boostr]

I'm 5'10", and from the bank I use 6'6" casting and spinning except for my frogging/ heavy cover rod which is 7'. On my boat I use anywhere from 6'6" to 7'6".

 

[WRB]

The rod length can affect the presentation you use, example jerk baits.

(I am aware of all the ways that sentence can be interpreted)

Tom

[MickD]

Did someone mention tip-down techniques, like hard jerkbaits?  Rods that are too long are a pain

[Yumeya]

Its not the length of the rod that matters, its how you use it....

 

 

?

[Deleted account]

3 hours ago, Choporoz said:

SpruCans!  

Yup, Tin Can for life. Was embarked on the Roosevelt when I was with a Fighter Squadron. Didn't care for it, but mission is mission, so....

[Mikeltee]

I think there is no correlation between height, hand size, race, or creed and rod size. As long as you are confident in your technique, you will catch fish.

[BassKicker42]

I say it doesn’t matter. A lot of guys will tell u that a topwater rod has to be under 7 to walk the dog but I say its just as easy to walk the dog with a side twitch instead of a downward twitch. 

[Shimano_1]

The only time it would matter would be something like a jerkbait rod. I tend to jerk down towards the water. I'm 6'3 and prefer a 6'9 rod for this technique.  I'd assume if I were 5'3 this would affect how I could effectively fish a jerkbait the way I fish it. Other than this I prefer all my other rods to be over 7'

[OkobojiEagle]

Considering all of the other commotion going on in and around the water, why would a rod tip slapping the surface be a deterrent to a bass watching a top water bait splashing around 20' - 60' away from the tip slapping???

 

oe

[DanielG]

If you don't consider height then you'll wipe-out and possibly break a leg or something.... wait... this isn't the skiing forum? How'd I get here?

Nevermind....

[Catt]

Same 7' rod standing on the bottom of a Jon Boat & flipping-n-pitching.

[Damien E Harris]

On 8/10/2019 at 10:01 AM, dodgeguy said:

Definately agree the type of boat and technique will make a difference if you're shorter than most ..Bottom line is wear shoes that fit and fish with what fits you. Don't fight your equipment.

 

[Damien E Harris]

I'm 5"5 and I have a ruff time using my 7" rod for frogging aka walking the dog on bank fishing I'm trying to figure out if it's the fast action of my rod or the height of my rod

[Sota]

Fishing isn’t Archery. In archery most start figuring out draw length like… wingspan divided by 2.5. That gets most people in the ballpark. Unless they are a knuckle dragger or NY Yankee. Then throw out the ballpark. 
 For fishing rod. I’d say go with what you’re comfortable with. If it’s not comfortable for you. You’re probably not going to like it. You probably won’t use it much. 
To me it doesn’t matter if you are 5’ or 7’. If a rod fits your hand, casting style, and feels good. By all means use that one.  

[FrnkNsteen]

I have to agree with a couple responses earlier in this old thread.

 

The only time rod length is a challenge if your shorter is when using downward motion to work the bait causing the tip of the rod to slap the water.

 

I prefer a shorter rod with a short handle for those techniques. Doesn't really matter for other techniques.

 

Walking the dog on a frog from shore might be easier with a shorter rod and a softer tip might help, even if it's fairly fast.

[Deephaven]

For techniques where you tuck the rod butt under your forearm the length of the grip matters.  Being 6'7" for those presentations I had my rods extended when I had them built.

As for too long that is determined by you on your boat and the technique.  Even I can't use an 8'er for jerk baits ...

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

On 8/10/2019 at 9:38 AM, roadwarrior said:

Your height has nothing to do with the rod length you choose.

 

Agree 100%. 

[MediumMouthBass]

Height has nothing to do with rod length.

Source - I fish from a kayak sitting.

 

If anything maybe arm length plays a part? But thats stretching it.

[Justbass11]

I personally like 7 footers or longer. I’m 6”2’ but I do not think it matters how tall you are. Its whatever your preferences is.

[Bankbeater]

Most of my rods are 6'6".  Those are easier to carry around fishing off of the bank, and they don't snag the tree limbs as much when casting.

[Damien E Harris]

On 11/1/2024 at 6:34 AM, FrnkNsteen said:

I have to agree with a couple responses earlier in this old thread.

 

The only time rod length is a challenge if your shorter is when using downward motion to work the bait causing the tip of the rod to slap the water.

 

I prefer a shorter rod with a short handle for those techniques. Doesn't really matter for other techniques.

 

Walking the dog on a frog from shore might be easier with a shorter rod and a softer tip might help, even if it's fairly fast.

Thanks my guy I was worried more about the water slap trying to walk the dog and wanted see if a moderate tip work or it would have to be fast