Need input on rod length for jig rod!

[JustBassinThru]

I'm primarily a bank fishermen and am buying a new rod primarily for throwing 3/8 Oz jigs. I will be buying a new Tatula in 6'10MHF or 7'3"MHF. Most of my rods are 6'6" with a few 7'. I'm trying to understand the pros and cons in the 5" difference. I appreciate any input or advice. I should add, won't be flipping or pitching much....mostly casting. 

[Columbia Craw]

Pros:  Additional length provides longer casts.  Length translates into more line take up during hook sets.

 

Cons:  Lengthy  rods may make it more difficult in very tight conditions.  
 

Outside of skipping a jig, longer rods are beneficial, at least in my experience.

[JustBassinThru]

7 minutes ago, Columbia Craw said:

Pros:  Additional length provides longer casts.  Length translates into more line take up during hook sets.

 

Cons:  Lengthy  rods may make it more difficult in very tight conditions.  
 

Outside of skipping a jig, longer rods are beneficial, at least in my experience.

I like the thought of longer casts with the longer rod  but I'm wondering if I will be giving up much accuracy. 

[PBBrandon]

I personally use a 7’2” and a 6’10” for jigging depending on how many tree limbs I have to fight around me on the bank. I’d recommend going for the 7’3” as an all around jig rod. Especially from the bank, you are gonna appreciate that extra few feet of casting distance you will get. There’s been a handful of times where when using the 6’10”, there is a dock that’s juuust out of reach. That longer Tatula would make a great jiggin stick and you  won’t be disappointed.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

7'3

[Lead Head]

If you're not regularly fishing from overgrown banks where bushes and overhanging tree limbs are a concern, get the 7'3". After you get comfortable with it any lost accuracy will be negligible, and added distance is always welcome from the bank.

[MidwestBassAttack]

7’3” without a doubt. I’m a bank banger and I find this is the sweet spot for distance and accuracy. Me and a 7’3” go together like peas and carrots.

[JustBassinThru]

I really appreciate the feedback everyone. 

[Deephaven]

I use a 7'10" rod for jigs unless dock skipping and then I drop to a 7'2".  I find the longer rod allows better pitches, more sensitivity, and allows me to peg the fish more easily.

[dodgeguy]

7 hours ago, JustBassinThru said:

I like the thought of longer casts with the longer rod  but I'm wondering if I will be giving up much accuracy. 

Over a 6-6 a 7-3 takes a lot of adjustment . It's doable so 7-3 is my suggestion.

[gim]

2 minutes ago, Deephaven said:

I use a 7'10" rod for jigs unless dock skipping and then I drop to a 7'2".  I find the longer rod allows better pitches, more sensitivity, and allows me to peg the fish more easily.

Ya, but you're significantly taller than the average bear here.  If only people knew you're like 6'5" lol

[Deephaven]

Hey now, I am not that short.  6'7"....although I have no idea how you know what height I am.

[JustJames]

My main jig rod are 6’10 and 7’2”. I can use either one in place of other. I don’t see much of distance difference nor accuracy. The 7’2” might have a little bit longer handle length so that offset the advantage. 
The only exception, I only use 6’10 when I’m on float tube, kayak and fishing with braid. 
Just a side note I also have Tatula MH in 6’10 and 7’1. I feel both the tip a little bit soft for 3/8oz jig and up.

[Randy Price]

My problem with longer rods is transportation.  Do others have that issue?

[MN Fisher]

20 minutes ago, Randy Price said:

My problem with longer rods is transportation.  Do others have that issue?

Nope - if I'm bank fishing, I can fit my 7'6" rods in the bed of the truck or crosswise in the cab (extended cab Silverado)...if I had 8' rods...bed only corner to corner (6.5' bed)

[Deephaven]

1 hour ago, Randy Price said:

My problem with longer rods is transportation.  Do others have that issue?

I built mine to 7'10" when I had 8' rod lockers.  

[gim]

4 minutes ago, Deephaven said:

8' rod lockers

That's what mine is too.  I have a couple muskie rods that are 8 feet.

[JustBassinThru]

"Just a side note I also have Tatula MH in 6’10 and 7’1. I feel both the tip a little bit soft for 3/8oz jig and up."                                                       Hmmmm, didn'texpect to hear that. Not sure what to think. Thanks for the feedback. 

[Choporoz]

When I'm on the bank, accuracy is occasionally important.   Distance is important far more often.

 

As to which you will prefer, it is hard to predict. 

I bought multiple rods between 7 and 7'4", intending them for jig/worm rods.  Some turned out to be great for jigs.  Some are used for other things now. 

 

I like around  7'-7'1" for most pitching and casting into cover.  I prefer 7'4" to 7'6" for working bottom any deeper than about 12 feet deep.

 

 

[Big Hands]

I have the 7'3" Tatula MH/F and although I'm not much of a jig fisherman, it is my favorite casting rod that I own. It is listed as an "All Around". It will cast a Carolina rig with a 4' leader a country mile. I have it paired with a Daiwa SV TW 103 filled with Seaguar 40 lb Smackdown. If I could only keep one casting rod, that would be the one.

 

If I had any criticisms, they would be:

• I'm not sure I love full cork handles, but this one isn't uncomfortable, I am sort of a minimalist and would like to have seen it being a split grip.
• I usually tie an Alberto knot to attach leader to braid, and when using heavier leader, I have had the knot hang up on the tip top guide more than once in the 2+ years I have owned it.

[Jrob78]

I use jig rods from 7’-7’6” but I really like 7’2”-7’3” for most t rig and jig applications. For me it’s a perfect size for long casts and good hook sets while still maintaining casting accuracy. 

[Deleted account]

3 hours ago, Deephaven said:

....although I have no idea how you know what height I am.

COVID chip...

[gim]

3 hours ago, Deleted account said:

COVID chip...

Lol a while ago he posted that someone of his height has no leg room on a plane.