7’1” vs 7’3” Casting Rod

[OwenDR11]

Hey all. I fish out farm pond (size of a small lake) all the time for largemouth. Most days I can hook up with a 4lb and there are bigger fish in the pond.  I occasionally fish Lake Erie for pike and largemouth as well.

Right now I just have 2 rods; a M-F spinning rod and a MH-F casting rod, both 7’1” Legend Tournament Bass rods.  I mainly use spinnerbaits, frogs, and Texas rigs and occasionally jigs. I’m thinking about getting another casting rod because I’m constantly cutting knots on my rod and retrying.
Would a longer 7’3” MH-F be better suited to some of these techniques? Maybe a 7’5”?  Or am I set up perfectly the way I am?  I would go with another Legend Tournament Bass rod.

 

Owen

[Fishin Dad]

If you have room to cast, I would go longer with a second rod.  You can cast farther and take up more line on hook sets.  You might be a little less accurate, but I like a longer rod.  I am 6’3” and fish from a bass boat, so it works well for me.  I have a few rods, both spinning and casting, at 7’6” and like those for certain techniques.  

[JN94]

I think length is largely based on preference, but there are some benefits to going longer (more casting distance being the main one, but at the expense of accuracy). I personally don't like much beyond 7'2"

[T2DM]

Both length should serve you well as far as bank fishing. it all depends on the handle length in relation to the blank, some 7'1" rod have the same handle length as a 7'3". IMO make sure you check the handle length on the rod that you're after and choose from there. I hope it makes sense.

[Hulkster]

I like longer rods, over the last few years I have slowly upgraded all my rods to longer rods. My main baitcasting rod is 7'6 and my spinning rods are now 7'6 and 7'5. 

 

you can really notice the difference in casting distance as compared to standard 7 foot rods. 

[Captain Phil]

I own bass fishing rods from 6' 6" to 7'6".  Each length has advantages and disadvantages.  Casting accuracy is something that seems to have fallen out of favor with young anglers.  Shorter casting rods are more accurate. Longer rods cast farther and take up more line on the hook set.  My longest rods are used for frogs, flipping and spinnerbaits.  Everyone is different.  You won't know until you try each one.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I like 7'3s for all purpose rods.  I really favor them over 7's if for moving baits.  I like the slightly longer tip section.

[OwenDR11]

Thanks for the replies everyone. It seems like the general consensus is that a longer rod would suit my needs a bit better. Would the 7’3” or the 7’5” be better for me?  What would these rods be better at than my 7’1” technique wise?  

[JackstrawIII]

1 hour ago, OwenDR11 said:

Thanks for the replies everyone. It seems like the general consensus is that a longer rod would suit my needs a bit better. Would the 7’3” or the 7’5” be better for me?  What would these rods be better at than my 7’1” technique wise?  

I like longer rods (around 7'3) for moving baits, as has been mentioned previously. That includes most of the techniques you mentioned, such as your spinnerbaits, frogs, and jigs, to some extent. 

The only techniques that I really like shorter rods for are: skipping, walking topwaters (including frogs), finesse baits like ned rigs and shaky heads. Also dropshots. 

[OwenDR11]

Thanks. I’ll look into a 7’3” because it sounds a bit more versatile. Would a Texas rig be better on the shorter or longer rod? 

[BrianMDTX]

I see differences between a 7’0” and a 7’6”. I don’t really see that much of a difference in 2”. 

[OwenDR11]

Thanks for your input.  If I go 7’5” they would average the 7’3”?