Uses For Longer/shorter Rods

[RoryO]

Hey guys, this is my second account on here, lost the old one after the forum switch. Either way I'm only up to about 10 posts total

I fished all the time with my dad when I was able to walk 'til I was about 12 and just did what he told me pretty much. I stopped fishing completely for a couple years, before picking it up when I was 16 again and getting addicted last year, when I was 17. I don't know much yet, but I'm learning all I can through reading up here, TV, magazines, DVDs, etc.

I just bought my first baitcasting reel today, a Quantum KVD with the 6:3:1 gear ratio. I'm planning on using this reel for mainly jig fishing. I need a rod to go along with it now though. I'd mainly be fishing cover and structure, so I'd need to be able to pull fish out of cover and structure before playing with them a little bit. Would I want a longer rod for this, say a 7' M or MH? Or a 6' M or MH? Or somewhere in between?

Thanks,

Rory

[Marty]

I'd opt for a longer rod for longer casts and more control when playing the fish. A 6' rod could be good for a little more accurate casting and easier casting when you're impeded by trees, etc.,but for general fishing the longer rod is my preference.

[new2BC4bass]

Before getting into baitcasting my longest rod (with one exception) was 6'. Now I generally prefer 7' or longer although I do have 3 that range from 6'6" to 6'9". I fish from shore except when visiting Florida. I definitely like the longer distances I can get with 7' vs 6'6". I got a 7'6" last year in time to use it once before the season ended. Really tosses a lure out there quite a ways.

Been using my 7 footers so far this year, but will be getting the longer one out this weekend. My personal opinion is to go with a 7' MH. I don't have a Heavy rod yet, so I can't offer any suggestions in that direction, although in your case I think I would be looking at MH or H instead of M or MH. The Heavy not being a broomstick type. You didn't mention how nasty the cover and structure are so maybe a Heavy would be too much power.

I'm sure you will be getting some better answers from those with much more experience than I. I'd go with their suggestions.

[dmac14]

Generally longer rod = longer casts, it is just more leverage. For jigs I would defiantly consider something over 7', and for sure a mh, unless you plan on fishing some really thick stuff then in that case a heavy would work well.

[BobP]

A longer rod pitches easier and casts longer, and takes up line faster on the hook set to get fish out of cover faster. If by cover you mean heavy grass, I'd go with an H power rod but if you mean typical wood and vegetation, I'd go MH. The MH is easier and more accurate to cast, and can do double duty as a Carolina rig and big Texas rig worm rod. It will also be less tip-heavy than the typical H power rod.

[RoryO]

Thanks for the input. Any opinions on this rod 7' MH? Reviews look good on it.

Abu Garcia Veritas

Thanks.

[RoryO]

Any more opinions?

[dude loves to fish]

I would go with the longer rod. Even go longer if this rod will be used mainly for jigs and probably go with the heavy. I have a 7'-8" Heavy Kistler rod that I use for my jigs. I like the longer rod for flipping and the heavy for pulling pigs out of heavy cover. This rod is awesome for that application. That's just me though, I just like longer rods for jigs.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

A 7' MH/F is the best choice for an all purpose bass rod. Compliment it with a 7' MH/Mod and a M/F spinning rod when you can, and you'll cover pretty much all the bases.