MH fast casing rod length selection criteria

[snake95]

Considering an MHF graphite baitcasting as perhaps the most fundamental bass rod... and lengths ranging from 7 to 7'-6."

 

All of these things being equal: MHF graphite baitcasting, same manufacturer, product line, blank modulus, etc.

 

What are the main considerations that go into picking a length?

 

Is it simply casting distance vs accuracy?

 

Anything else?

 

 

 

 

 

[Darth-Baiter]

Vessel.   Car and kayak. 
 

7 footer fits in my truck easily for transport. 
 

7 footer works for my kayak.  I can coax a fish from one side of my kayak around the nose.   Almost bare minimum. Longer gets entertaining to run the line thru the eyelets.

[jimmyjoe]

  It can be leverage, although it doesn't need to be. Some cheaper rods are heavier, both in construction material and guide weight, and length works against the fisherman. This is most obvious on one-handed casts.

   Another consideration is whether you are in a boat or not. If you are, the correct length for working jerkbaits and twitchbaits will depend on both your height and the boat's freeboard.

   And naturally, if you're a shorecaster, a longer rod can be awkward if you hit limbs and brush.  (Ask me how I know.   ??  )

   OTOH, length isn't all bad. Traditionally, jigging rods have been shorter rods, and "snapping" rods for flutter spoons have been longer. Also, longer rods let you fight the fish more efficiently. I doubt that the difference between 7' and 7'-06" is going to make much difference, though. Maybe 6'-06" and 7'-06", yes, but not 7' and 7'-06".

   But ...... I could be wrong.

   Only one way for you to find out!   ?       jj

  

[FishTank]

I think it just depends on what you want to use it for.   For soft plastic 6'6'' - 7' works fine.  For jigs 7'2'' - 7'10'' (depending on weight of the lure and if I want to cast it or flip/pitch).  I like a 7' rod for topwater and spinnerbaits.  

 

I can cast more accurately with a rod under 7' but it's marginally more accurate and the same goes for distance.  Longer rods give you a slightly longer cast but if the rod loads well and the reel is a good caster, length is not so much a big deal. 

 

This all changes the above when you get into crankbait rods (moderate) or X-fast rods.