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By George J. Roth

(Published in Bass Anglers Guide - 2007 edition)

            Debates abound around this topic in many angling circles.  It is often discussed on various website forums as well as the boat dock.  Everyone has an opinion on whether the rod for a certain technique should be long, short, or something in between.  I’ll shed some light on blank characteristics that should help the angler select the correct rod for their specific situation.

            First of all, let me say that what is right for one angler isn’t necessarily going to fit another.  Anglers come in all shapes, sizes and skill levels.  Common techniques may be employed in a number of ways, each one requiring a different tool.  Professional anglers and weekend warriors may pursue the same quarry, but some will be more successful than others because of the tools that they select.

You’d expect that a 5’8” angler would be more comfortable when fishing a shorter rod.  Some anglers of shorter stature prefer to use longer rods to give them a perceived casting advantage as seen when flipping.  Other anglers of a more towering height refer a short 6’3” spinning rod when fishing a drop shot.  Some of those clients may also prefer a 5’6” pistol grip rod for working jerk baits.

Long rods have their greatest advantage when making long casts, moving line to set the hook or when trying to flip along heavy cover.  Except for the flipping / pitching technique, a long rod is going to be a hindrance when attempting to present the bait in tight quarters.

When using a longer rod, there is more blank available to unload its energy, thus resulting in longer casts.  This can be beneficial for a number of techniques.  One we don’t often think of is the crank bait.   As we all know, the crank bait requires a certain amount of forward motion for the lure to dive to its effective zone.  It is therefore important to obtain the longest casts possible so the lure will be in the strike zone as long as possible.  Thus, a 7’6” – 8’0’ moderate action rod will work very well for this technique.

The long rod is an advantage when employing the Carolina-rig.  Most will shoot a ¾-1 oz. weight an incredible distance.  It also allows more line to be moved when sweeping the rod, once a fish makes contact with the bait.  While searching for fish, the increased casting distance will allow you to comb more water.  Not only will you be looking to catch fish with this technique, but you will also become aware of the bottom structure.  This could include secluded rock piles that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.  You may then refine your pattern by fishing these secluded areas with a variety of finesse techniques.

A long rod will also allow the angler to make longer presentations when using the flipping technique.  That small amount of extra distance may be the difference between putting the bait in the fish’s face versus getting too close with the boat and spooking it.  The longer rod will also assist in fighting the fish, once you have it hooked.

The other extreme of rod length would be the short 5’6” – 6’0” rods for presenting baits around boat docks.  The primary disadvantage of the shorter blank length is that you will not achieve the distances that are possible with the longer rods.  There is less blank available to load, thus less energy to be released. 

These short rods could include the pistol grip and short spinning / casting rods.  These rods have an advantage when casting around boat docks and other cover, where accurate presentations are a must.  These allow you to delicately lay a spinner bait or tube at the back of the boat dock, where that secret submerged brush pile lies. 

 A number of anglers prefer a short rod with a short handle when working jerk baits.  Yes, they can be worked effectively with a longer rod, but some of us cringe at the sound of the rod smacking into the side of the boat.  I’ve found that this is much less likely to happen when using a shorter blank.  Thus, I spend more time fishing productively and less time cringing.  In most instances, I’ll use a 5’6” – 6’3” rod for this application.  The reason for the short handle is to prevent the butt section from striking your forearm with each stroke of the rod as you work your bait.

Most anglers will find the ideal rod length to be somewhere in the middle, but that is strictly up to the angler behind the rod.  As I stated at the beginning of this article, what is a correct length for one angler may not be right for another.  Evaluate your technique and decide what the most important characteristic is…distance or accuracy.  That alone will get you close to the rod length that will best fill your needs.  I’d suggest that before you purchase a rod for a particular technique, fish with rods of varying lengths, so you will know which will work best for you.

Brown Trout on a Fly...Poland.