Jerkbait rod length

[bass wrangler569]

This winter I plan on building a new jerkbait casting rod but I can't decide whether I think a 6'6" or a 6' would be better. I'm leaning toward the 6'6" but I've been thinking that a 6' might be a little easier to manipulate a jerkbait with. What length do you guys prefer for your jerkbait rod?

[roadwarrior]

Although my general preference is for 7' rods,

my Avid AC66MF is just about perfect for working

topwater and jerkbaits.

8-)

[Muddy]

WELL;  :-X MY MOUTH

I was gonna add something here, based on the Thread Title, but I don't wanna give the mods any heartburn or Glenn an ulcer

[J Francho]

I think this really comes down to you mechanics and physical height.  I'm only 5'8", so I prefer the 6' length.  I generally pump the rod straight down, or a down and a bit to the right, depending on the retrieve.  If was building my own though, I'd make it 6'2".  That would be perrrrfect for me.

[detroit1]

7 sometimes 7-6.

[Shadcranker]

I've got two JB rods- one 6'6" and one 6'8".

Any longer and I'd be slapping the gunnel of the boat. I think a 6' rod is too short to cast a light JB effectively, plus the extra length helps play the fish down, which is critical with trebles.

So, I think 6'6" or so is ideal. Just make sure te rod has enough tip action to give it the propper action and the rod isn't too stiff (trebles).

[adclem]

I really like my 6'6" St Croix for top water and jerk baits.

Later,

[cart7t]

I have 2 rods I use for jerkbaits. Both are 6'6", light/extra fast action. One is an All Star Platinum and the other an All Star Titanium Zell Rowland topwater special. Don't let the light power rating fool you, these rods are pretty stiff and have just the right tip action to both work a jerkbait properly and set the hooks.

[Pantera61]

1 in 6'3" for tight spots and close targets

1 in 6'8" if you're casting over long weedbeds or along riprap

[Matt 825]

I am 6' tall and I use a 7' fast action medium power spinning rod for my jerkbaits.  I use Braid line with a 12' 10# Flurocarbon leader.  I like the longer rod with the soft tip in combination with the braid line.  Feel every weed, rock, stump and every bite.  

[BigBrotherThunda]

i use the 7'2 MF allstar asr jerkbait/topwater rod

[Munkin]

I think this really comes down to you mechanics and physical height. I'm only 5'8", so I prefer the 6' length. I generally pump the rod straight down, or a down and a bit to the right, depending on the retrieve. If was building my own though, I'd make it 6'2". That would be perrrrfect for me.

Couldn't have said it any better? I am 6' and I use a 6'3" Crucial and it is the perfect lenght for me.

Allen

[J Francho]

All you guys using 7'+ rods, are you jerking to the side?

[Matt 825]

I do it 1/2 to the side and 1/2 down.  Sounds a bit strange.   lol.  

[Lucky Craft Man]

My JB rod is 6'9" long.  I used to use a 6'6" rod, but I wanted to cast a little further, so I switched to a 7'0" rod.  I didn't like how the longer rod felt, so I found what turned out to be a perfect compromise - 6'9".

[lubina]

This winter I plan on building a new jerkbait casting rod but I can't decide whether I think a 6'6" or a 6' would be better. ?

I prefer 6.0

[fishntime]

Im pretty short a mere 5'7" and I prefer a 6'6 rod.  Youve got to be able to toss thoose light JBs.

[J Francho]

I don't think 6" would really have any effect on the length of the cast.  Obviously, a 7'6" rod generates a ton more tip velocity than a 4'6" rod, but it is not nearly as important as the taper and power.  It would also make a difference if you are using spinning or baitcasting gear.  Personally, I prefer baitcasting.  Also, I don't consider most jerkbaits "light" - what are you guys using that you consider "light"?

[lubina]

- what are you guys using that you consider "light"?

Pointer 65

River2Sea Spirit 65

[flatbass]

Being somewhat horizontaly challenged I like the 6ft. Its just a lot easier to work the bait.

[J Francho]

- what are you guys using that you consider "light"?

Pointer 65

River2Sea Spirit 65

Ahhh, "sissy baits."  ;D  Just kidding!  With the right reel and line, you shouldn't have any trouble tossing those with a BC.  Obviously, not as far as a Pointer 100, but I really don't think you gain with a longer rod.

Consider this.  I have two MH Team All Stars, one 6', and another 6'6".  The handle on the 6'6", is longer, so you're really only gaining about 2-1/2" in length starting at the reel seat.  Go to 7', and there might be more gains, but then again, If I were throwing Pointer 65s, I'd be using a medium power rod, not a MH.

The ideal rod for me, would be the handle on the 6' rod, with the front end length of the 6'6".  The larger handle gets in the way, and the extra weight adds to fatigue.

Its very interesting how wildly different everyone's preferences are for this.