rod length question for baitcaster...

[sowl323]

I just purchased a BPS Extreme Lite baitcaster and was wondering if anyone can give me advice on what length rod to get. I am thinking about going with a 6' M 1-piece, or possibly a 6'6". Do you think the 6' would be too short? I will most likely be using 10 lb. line, possibly 12 lb. Also are there distinct pros/cons to 1-piece vs. 2-piece rods?

[ww2farmer]

You should tell us what techniques you plan on using the 6 foot rod for. A 6' would be a good choice for top waters, jerkbaits, shallow cranks, spinnerbaits, and tight spot jig and wormin' (under docks/trees etc...) The 6'6" is probably the most versatile rod length, it's a great choice for a GP jig/worm rod, and will work pretty good for topwaters, cranks, jerks, spinnerbaits. Th only thing a 6'6" rod would be a poor choice for would be  c-rigs (just my opinion, others may like it) I like longer 7' rods for that. I cant speak on the 1 vs 2 piece thing........all my bass fishing rods are 1 piece

[Bluecraw]

I'm with Farmer on this.  I have two 6' M rods; one for topwaters and one for shallow cranks/spinners.  I use 6'6" M for medium diving cranks/spinners and 7' MH for jigs, t-rigs, and deep diving lures.  But you're gonna get a lot of different answers.

All around, 6'6" M is a good choice for most anything.

[sowl323]

cool, thanks guys...  i guess i am leaning towards the 6' just to keep things smaller for travelling, packing etc.; i just don't want to sacrifice casting distance... i mostly use worms and spinners but will probably explore other options this year as well... this will also be my first time with the baitcaster. i mostly fish from a kayak, so tight spots aren't an issue (plus i have a smaller setup for fishing trout streams). well, thanks for the help!

[Crabcakes]

If transportability is not an issue a 1 piece rod will be a  more sensitive and you won't have to deal with the pieces coming undone/pulling them apart. I've had very good two piece rods and very bad ones. With a quality two piece rod the issues aren't as big a deal.

If in a kayak I'd get a 6'6" its more versatile, casts farther and you won't have to deal with overhanging brush /cramped conditions so the accuracy advantages of a 6' rod are made less useful. 6' rods have their place but not as your one overall rod imo.

In the end it is personal preference but for a general purpose rod 6'6" M is hard to beat.

[sal669]

I would go for a 6-6 medium or medium-heavy. I fish out of a canoe and all my rods are 6-6 or longer. I have 2 medium powered, 3 med-heavy and a heavy flipping rod(7-6)

[NBR]

Shorter rods are more accurate, longer rods longer casts and they give you a better hook set since you can pick up more line. Much depends on how and where you fish. I use a 7'6" for crigs, 7' for crank baits, 6' to 6'6"for surface, jigs and soft plastics.