Rod length

[Mjl5043]

Trying to decide between a 7’6” or an 8’ rod. Will be a multi purpose rod. I need a decent frog and heavy cover bass rod and will also use this for like/Muskie. I only pike Muskie fish a few times a year but I weekly fish for bass. Both rods are rated for 1/2 to 2 oz and a very similar price. Trying to decide if the longer length will be worth it for a few pile/Muskie days a year. Welcome some others insight on this, I’m new to the pike/Muskie fishing scene. Located in PA with some trips to NY so not dealing with monster sizes but respectable ones are around. 
Thanks,

Matt

[roadwarrior]

7'6" is long. I don't think 8' is the right option.

[Fishin Dad]

I know musky rods go up to 8’6” and beyond and XXXh, but they are brutal to fish with for a day.  If you are going to bass fish most of the time, I would for sure go with the 7’6” heavy rod.   Wielding that for a day can be tiring on your hands, wrists, etc.  I catch musky and pike on 7’6” rods with no problem.  I am going pike fishing tomorrow and we will be throwing little spoons on medium spinning rods and should hook up a 40”+ pike or two.  No problems.  I know that sounds weird, but it works.  

[Deephaven]

For those presentations I had my bass rods all built to 7'10" to fit in an 8' rod locker.  I would pick the longer one for sure.

[T-Billy]

For what you're wanting to do with it, I'd go 7'6" for sure.

[Pogues2300]

I accidentally catch plenty of pike and Muskie here in Minnesota and I own one rod that’s7’6” all the rest are shorter. I’d make the choice based on bass myself. 7’6” is plenty long. 

[Hulkster]

my main bass rod is a 7'6 MH and my musky(pike because thats all ive caught on it so far lol) rod is 8 feet. 

 

I prefer the longer length so I would get the 8 footer

[FishTank]

Not sure what the budget is but the Megabass Valkyrie 7'6" XXH would do it. I have the 7'4" H+ and use it for A-rigs, frogs, swimbaits, and some heavy jigs. The XXH will go upto 4oz but these rods have a nice soft tip and the XXH has spiral wrapped guides. They also have adjustable grips so if you need to adjust the balance or want to shorten it, these rods are capable of it. 

 

I would check a few of the JDM sites for the best price. 

[WRB]

What power rating do these rods have?

If you plan to use treble hook big Musky lures a Heavy power rod is needed to get a hook set because of their teeth.

Double cow bell inline Musky spinners lures it’s nice to have the longer rod, hard baits the 7’6” Heavy Fast is a better all around rod.

Irod IRG 754F Gen 3*is a good choice for 7’5” or IRG 804 SB for the Heavy 8’ rod, both are under $150 plus 15% off this sale.

For under $300 get both!

Tom

* excellent all around rod.

[Bankbeater]

Unless you are trying for casting distance, I would get the shorter rod.

[JediAmoeba]

Everyone says an 8' rod is long but I fish an 8' H Tatula all the time - I take it because I fish jigs and up to 3 oz swimbaits with it. I have been known to frog with it and the length never causes me to miss fish. 

 

I am not a tall guy (5'10") but an 8' rod is comfortable in my hands for hours a day.

[JN94]

Shorter rod for sure with working a frog. 8' is pretty unwieldy imo, and 7'6" is long for a frog rod as is. Especially if you're only fishing muskie a few times a year 

[casts_by_fly]

For once or twice a year musky fishing, I would pick the best frog and heavy cover rod for bass you would like. I don’t prefer long rods for frogs so my choice is a 6’11” heavy. Then for muskies I’d pick up a cheaper inshore angler for $50 or an ugly stick for similar money. You don’t need sensitive for a musky rod, you need tough. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

By multi purpose do you mean multi species or multi technique? If you’re chucking and winding to cover water, you’ll get max casting distance with the longer rod. If you’re doing some jigging or something the 7-6 might be more comfortable 

[Further North]

On 7/1/2023 at 1:24 PM, Mjl5043 said:

Trying to decide if the longer length will be worth it for a few pile/Muskie days a year. Welcome some others insight on this, I’m new to the pike/Muskie fishing scene.

The longer rod has no benefit for pike or musky fishing - if everything else is equal - if that's the only reason you're considering it.

On 7/2/2023 at 6:16 AM, Pogues2300 said:

I accidentally catch plenty of pike and Muskie here in Minnesota and I own one rod that’s7’6” all the rest are shorter. I’d make the choice based on bass myself. 7’6” is plenty long. 

FWIW, accidentally catching pike and musky isn't the same as pursuing them.

That said, there's no benefit to a longer rod for pursuing them either.

On 7/2/2023 at 2:27 PM, Bankbeater said:

Unless you are trying for casting distance, I would get the shorter rod.

Yep.

Accuracy with the shorter rod is more important.