I Need Some Help With A Flipping Rod I Already Purchased

[HookSetDon]

Go figure I need help with choosing a flipping rod when I already purchased one... Saturday was my birthday so I decided to treat myself to a new flipping stick as its primarily what I fish with 90% of the time on the water. I ended up purchasing the st.croix legend tournament big gulp- 7'11" heavy with mod fast tip. Paid 265 taxes in for it ( canadian)

Im starting to rethink my whole approach and after reading past threads on sensitivity and balance of rods im even more confused. Im also rethinking my choice of a stick so long. If someone would be helpful enough for me to figure this out id appreciate it.

Lets start with the length of a flipping stick to begin with. typically im flipping jigs anywhere from 1/2-3/4 ounce and recently 1 oz, most of my flips less than 20 ft from my boat not to say thats what i limit myself to, with more experience that may increase. I like flipping docks, cat tails, and weed clumps, i dont often toss my jig in extremely thick cover but its something i want to start doing more.

im not sure if the 7'11 is an appropriate length or what a rod that long is actually intended for or specialized for? maybe a 7'6 would be more appropriate, in which in that case would i switch the power of the rod to MH?

this post is kinda all over the place just like my thoughts on what i should use for a flipping stick-

Now as for the rod I purchased ( big gulp) I do find it very light considering its size although it is tip heavy. I just havent used a rod this size before so i dont know what to expect. balance it or not? switch to a shorter rod? why? these are the questions rolling through my mind. if someone can help shed some light id appreciate it.

[Hammer 4]

Never used a St Croix, I flip with either my 7'11" Shimano, or my 8' Dobyns 807. As for length, I like the longer rods, I think you get more leverage and I find that I'm more accurate with a longer rod vs a 7 footer for example. I flip mainly into thick reeds and weeds with a 1/2 oz to a 1 1/2 oz jig. I have even flipped with a 3oz swimbait..lol

IMHO, it's all personal and what works best for you.

[Bass_Fanatic]

That rod should work well for that technique. I prefer a 7'6" rod, but that is personal preference. The St. Croix rods are top notch and the "Big Gulp" should be a work horse for you for years to come. Go fishing with it and see.

[HookSetDon]

ive been out fishing with it once just not sure if id be better suited with a 7'6, i dont want to short change myself

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Don't let the "balance" debate cause undo concern.There is no right or wrong. A rod that long will have some tip to it but with the tip held high as is usual in jigging it wont be a problem unless you just prefer a different feel. The advantage of the added length is not leverage, but the ability to move a lot of line quickly.

[dave]

As an inexpensive test, buy a balancing kit. Put it on and test.