Shorter Anglers

[BassCats]

What rod sizes for what techniques would you guys suggest?

I am only 5'6 and have a h@## of a time trying to flip on a 7ft rod

please give examples for different techniques if you could

Thanks

[islandbass]

Call me strange, but I think you're worrying over nothing. The only thing you need to do is have, quality, focused practice. I pitch with a 7' rod all the time and will flip when I need to. I am also shorebound and still do both.

Your height should not be an issue. All you need is practice with the timing. I tell you this as some one speaking from experience and more importantly as someone who is shorter than you.

[CWB]

I can't offer much advise as I am 6'3". But keep in mind you are already a couple of feet above the waters surface on the deck of your boat. Maybe you can measure from the waterline to the deck and if it is 2 feet, stand on something 2 feet in your back yard and practice, practice, practice. As Islandbass suggested, maybe a 7' rod would work.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

You need to PM LBH, Roadwarrior and RobbieZ.

They will be able to give firsthand accounts of how they do it.   ;D

[roadwarrior]

You need to PM LBH, Roadwarrior and RobbieZ.

They will be able to give firsthand accounts of how they do it. ;D

Yeah, yeah, yeah... ;D ;D

Fish what you are comfortable with. I prefer 7' rods for the most part,

but my dedicated jerkbait/ topwater rod is 6 1/2' (Avid AVC66MF). Shorter

rods are easier "to work", but longer rods add distance to your cast and

may be of some advantage in setting the hook.

8-)

[senile1]

RW wears platform shoes when he pitches and flips.  

[RobbyZ5001]

You need to PM LBH, Roadwarrior and RobbieZ.

They will be able to give firsthand accounts of how they do it. ;D

lol oh boy now I am on the list.

I use mostly 7' rods and my flipping stick is 7'6. I am also 5'6. What problem are you having?

[fishfordollars]

I'm 5'11" and I prefer the shorter rods. I use a 7' flippin stick, but also have a 6'6" when I get in tight to cover. Just seems to give me a little more control. JMO..

[J Francho]

I'm about 5-7 and the only time my height is a factor is when using topwater and jerkbaits or other "tip down" presentations.  I have a short handle, 6-2 rod for that.  Flipping is generally a "tip up" presentation.  I've been eying 8' heavy cover rods, and currently use a 7-6 for flipping mats and such.

For trout fishing in streams, rod lengths start at about 7', and we use them up to about 15'.

As with all things, it may take time and practice, and some people just don't have the same coordination as others.  I know I was downright goofy with my flipping stick when I first got it.  It takes time.

[Raul]

I 'm 5'8", I can fish with a 7 ft rod with no problem at all even though I prefer 6' and 6'6" rods, not cuz I 'm short, it 's cuz they are 6-12 inches" farther away from my compadre and I 'd rather not hook the largest animal on the lake.

[Btech]

I am also pretty short a 5'8 and dont seem to have problems with a 7ft rod . The idea mentioned above about a 2ft platform is good thats what i do stand on a Egg Crate when practicing.

[BassCats]

My biggest problem with pitching and flipping is having the rod tip so low when doing these techniques.  Sometimes I even hit the water with the rod tips.  I am unable to practice unless I am on a platform at least 2 feet or higher.

[J Francho]

For flipping, you only need to drop the rod tip long enough to get the bait moving.  See this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBZ2rJqfnOs.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

I'm 5'7", 142lbs and I use a 7"11" Crucial for 90% of my fishing.

"Speak softly and carry a big stick"

                              -Theodore Roosevelt

[LAO162]

I'm 5'7 and prefer shorter rods because I fish from the shore in brushy areas.  I think the smaller rod gives me more control when working through a 2 or 3 foot open space or when fishing over tall grass on the edge or structure sticking up in the air at the water's edge.

However, one of the main reasons that I don't like 7' rods is that I don't care for rear grips approaching 11 inches.  Since I seldom use or need 2 hands in my fishing situations, the extra grip feels awkward to me.

[drmnbig]

I'm 6'5" and prefer to fish with 6 1/2' rods.  It's just what's comfortable.

Are some of you guys overcompensating for something?     ;D

[CWB]

I actually *** shorter people. Several advantages. You can shop for clothes in the kids section, you don't have to bend over when going through a doorway, you can fit into any car and not have you knees in your chin.

I could go on and on. ;D ;D ;D

No angry PM's please. Just kidding.

[Raul]

I actually *** shorter people. Several advantages. You can shop for clothes in the kids section

True !

Jeans are a good example, the only problem would be if you want color jeans, at the kids section I can only find blue or black, want something else in color ? you got to move to the men 's section, you may or not find your size and the price is twice as much. $20-22 in the kids section, $40-45 in the men 's section and I 'm not always able to find 28x28.

Man I don 't mind wearing blue or black jeans all the time.

[grimlin]

I'm 5'3-5'4 and i fish with mostly 7' rods.

Shore bound too.I stand on big rocks,boulders,picnic tables ect,ect, when using a twitching bait that requires a downward technique.

You are only limited on what you can do if you choose to be limited...otherwise the options are open.  

[I.rar]

im about 5'7.

latly ive been using my 5'6" UL rig becuase it is easier to bring with me and it weighs next to nothing. also , the areas i fish have alot of brush/trees , so it is easier to cast with a shorter rod.

i do own a 7' M spinning rog that i like and i can cast much further, but when it comes down to it , i grab the 6' or 6'6" rods first.

so for me , 5'6 to 6'6 rods is where its at.

[Randall]

I am 5'8" and have no problem with eight foot rods. My daughter is 4 foot something and used a seven foot rod as a ten year old. She don't like it when I get extra casting distance with longer rods and she can't with shorter rods so she prefers a seven foot rod. Looks funny but she can use it.

[LAO162]

I actually *** shorter people. Several advantages. You can shop for clothes in the kids section, quote]

The other problem with mens clothing is that when when they do offer a 29" length, its usually with a very large waist.  For some reason store buyers assume short men are also "solidly" built  What about those of us with slender to normal waists?  Guess I'm headed to the kids section  

[Eddie Munster]

Anyone under 6' 1" is a midget and anyone over 6' 1" is a freak.

Guess my height...................

j/k. I don't care for the 7' rods. Even the 6'6" take some adjusting for me. I've been so used to using a 6' one that when using a 7' one I feel like I'm using a telephone pole.  

[Daniel A.]

I'm 5'6" and have no problem using a 7' rod. Once you get used to it, no problemos.

[burleytog]

Use what you are comfortable using.  Do not listen to what someone thinks you should use.  Use what works for you.