Rod Length

[TAZ]

Hey guys. I have been fishing for a couple years so am basically a newbie. I'm setting up my first casting rig and am trying to pair a pole with a Curado. I was in Gander Mtn the other day and picked up a St Croix AVC66MHF on clearance for $149 out the door. Good deal, but I am wondering if I would prefer a 7'. I have 2 6'6" spinning. I know it is somewhat preference, but my preferences are undeveloped. For soft baits, is there a length, power, action that is "typically" preferred?

[Grey Wolf]

You actually answered your own question. I personally like the 6'6" rods.

[TAZ]

I have used a 7' spinning a few times. I liked it better than mine primarily, I think, because it had more backbone than mine. Hook sets were great, distance casting was a little easier. I am not sure what I liked about it. The action/power, or its length. Most rods will feel better than what I have, so I don't know if I'll be missing out on anything by not going with what "seems" to be the more commonly liked 7'.

[00 mod]

6'6'' is way too short...send it to me and Ill give you your money back!

Jeff

[Big-B_2579]

I actually prefer a 6'6" for things like plastics and spinnerbaits . They seem to be a little more accurate on the cast. I like 7+ footers for flipping/pitching , and cranking . It's just personal preference , if you ask me.

[bear7625]

You actually answered your own question. I personally like the 6'6" rods.

I agree. With all the choices we have, exspecially one-piece rods, it comes down to your own preferance. I still use an older 6'6" for topwater, but most of my newer rods are 7' or better.

[roadwarrior]

It's all about preference. When making a recommendation here

at BassResource, I always say " 6 1/2" or 7' ". I have an Avid

AVS66MLF and AVC66MF (for jerkbaits). All my other rods are

7' or longer.

8-)

[TAZ]

I have an Avid

AVS66MLF and AVC66MF (for jerkbaits). All my other rods are

7' or longer.

A few votes for 6'6" and a few for 7'. :-/ How about action/power. I need to learn some new techniques but soft baits (primarily TX rig) is easy and I always catch stuff. So this will be my soft bait set up.

[scbassin]

If you fish open water use the longer rod, it gives you better leverage & moves more line on a hook set. M/H for your plastics.

[roadwarrior]

Most people prefer MHF, but I prefer spinning tackle,

MF for weightless presentations. Specifically, St. Croix

ES70MF. For weighed techniques I fish a baitcaster, HF,

specifically, G.Loomis GLX MBR844C.

8-)

[von]

7' rods will give you more distance cast. 6'6" will be shorter cast but more accurate.

I like MHF/MHXF for the majority of techniques. Anything weightless or less than 1/4oz., I prefer a MF spinning setup.

[TAZ]

I usually fish within 50' of the boat. Is this normal? When do people usually want to make longer casts?

[Stasher1]

I usually fish within 50' of the boat. Is this normal? When do people usually want to make longer casts?

Casting cranks and fishing from the shore.

[bigbill]

I use 5',  5'5'', 6', 6'6'' and 7' rods all the time.  My shorter rods are for light line and smaller inline spinners(1/4oz) and small spinnerbaits (1/8oz).  My next rods 6' to 6'6'' are for heavier spinnerbaits, cranks and worm/plastics. My 7' rod is for my topwater lures.  I fish from shore with no boat but i do cast out there farther than most fisherman.  I look silly carrying all the rods when shore fishing but each reel, each rod and lure requires a different line weight and rod action to get the best results. You can't put an ultra light lure on a 6' rod.    Bill