Finally some love for the not so loved sub-seven foot rods. I use and love 6’6” rods as a bank fishermen. It’s nice to hear someone be realistic for a change.
I have been fishing for over 50 years. I started fishing ponds as a small child. I used my fathers 6.6 spinning rod. Later my first Rod was a 6.6 ugly stick. As I got a job and then a car I was able to add rods, I bought a 6.6 ugly stick big water. I could cast very far heavy lures for strippers, and blue fish. My collection grew to a 6.6 bait casting ugly stick for musky. The graphite rod came all 6.6. Many of which broke. Surf casting rods10 ft. Fly rods 7 ft. Today I have over 30 rods. Many are ugly sticks. I started kayak fishing. My rod got shorter 5 ft . 5.10 and 4.8. I now love a 6 ft rod for bass fishing off my bass boat and kayak. I had 2 graphite rods 7.6. I never really felt comfortable with a rod over 6.6. Surf fishing being the exception. I am 5.8 the 6 ft ugly stik gx2 is a perfect bait casting rod for me. The timing and loading of this ride fits me for most bass lures. For me the longer rods just don’t work.
I use 4 baitcatsters. One is a 6'6 heavy action for flipping and topwaters, a 6'10 medium heavy for flipping craws, 7' medium for swim jigs and chatterbaits, and a 7' medium for casting texas rigged worms.
I started fishing with 6' ft rods, but have since moved up to 6'6" or 7 ft. I have longer ones and shorter, but the 7 ft rod is the sweet spot for me as well. All of my newer rods are 7ft. for the same reason.
What size rod would you recommend in my scenario. I'll be targeting halibut and striped bass in SF Bay from shore. I can't decide between 7'6" rod or an 8' rod (both heavy power)
I fish from a kayak, I use almost all 6'6'' rods, just because theyll fit in my car diagonally! I'd love to have some longer ones for stuff, but it's gonna be hard to fit them in there comfortably on long trips.
I’m glad to hear other kayak anglers go with under 7ft rods. It is easier for transport and it is less fuss with tree lines and low bridges that I go under a lot.
There's gonna be haters on here but I totally agree with you 100%. The longest rod on my deck is 7'6 and its for a heavy jig or punching. God Bless and Fish On🎣🎣🐟 🐟
Hopped up on Bass I have different size rods for different applications. If I’m going after Trophy Size fish with a 6oz swim bait, I’m using an 8” foot swim bait rod !!! No way I’m using my flipping stick for that bait
Outstanding insight on rod length. I use all 6'6" rods. Works great for all the kayak and bank angling I do. The shorter rods are more maneuverable in these applications.
I’m in my 3rd year of kayak fishing and my 5th year of bass fishing and I am obsessed with it. My newest challenge is finding a heavy action rod under 7ft that I can punch mats and fish heavy grassy cover is. As I’m newer to fishing applications I’m learning that this type of rod doesn’t exist. (I’m spinning rod only). Any advice I can get I’m thankful for...
I do very similar. my rod taste is changing and im starting to go sub 7 foot...but all my rods are within a few inches of each other and different powers and brands to specialize the rod for a certain action/bait I also....have the working theory that sub 7 foot rods, even the lighter action ones tend to have a better back bone since they are stouter/shorter than the same model a few inches longer. Im a short guy too....so the sub 7 foot rods are better for me for roll casting and other specialized casts. good stuff....do what works for you, most importantly
Because each rod loads differently during a cast with different weight lures and because line stretch at the tip is also different -- the claim that a release point is the same on all 7 foot rods is totally inaccurate. The release point on a 7 foot rod with a topwater plug on mono is drastically different from the release point of a 7 foot rod with a weightless worm on braid and a flourocarbon leader -- even more so if the rod actions are adjusted to match the presentation. Rod length preference is more a factor of individual height, power, lure weight, lure presentation, treble or single hooks, and standing height above the waterline when casting/retrieving.
Walker Smith has eliminated one of the many variables in casting (maybe the simplest variable to control) by using only 7 foot length rods -- and it works well for him. It may also work well for others -- and I certainly don't dispute that. His advice is something to consider if you want to narrow the wide range of variables in all your casting options and make your casting more predictable and consistent. No slam on Walker -- he rocks!
Man, i have multiple rods, like too many. I only use 2 of them the majority of the time. 7' medium and 7' light depending on the target. The other rod ill use is a heavy and its exclusively for big cats and pike/muskie. 9 footer. In my area, theres no need for any less or any more length. If youre a creek fisherman, go for a 6 foot rod if you find youre getting choked by brush, otherwise, get a longer rod for the distance as you can cast near or far with a longer rod.
I like a 6’8ish for casting/reaction around shoreline, top water and weightless flukes. Feel like I’m more accurate and not hitting the water with my tip. 7ft for Texas Rigs and jigs. What rods are those, please sir? Like the theory of same release point! 👍🏼
You go to, to long of a rod and if you are using a bait you hop or move with the rod. The rod moves your bait to far. Agree with keeping most of your workhorse rods similar lengths for casting
Yes I use mostly 6'6" rods I have four 7 ' but have seven 6'6" . And though this is a year old I've seen lately people having issues getting 7+ rods delivered to their homes with damaged to the tips broken off.
If im standing up on a bank like 4 ft anove the water, longer 7’6 + rod. If im on a small pond and im standing right on the water, 7ft rod. If im on a boat, youre up an extra few inches from the water (and im already tall as it is) so 7’2 is for me.
Power is important too. I'm on a little Pond Prowler. I need more power sitting and just using my arms. Perfect cranking rod at a medium isnt helping me...
@@youtubecomments5951 You can pretty much fish any technique you want with a 7 foot. It will cast further then a 6' and it's easier to handle then some of the longer rods.
I really couldnt agree more. Im so comfortable with a 7' rod. Of course jigging and using larger swimbaits I'll go to a longer rod up to about 7'6, and on bank downize to 6'6 or even a 6 footer. Preferably with a light action on the 6 ft. Gotta have one with a fiberglass tip for finesse, and cranks, then a straight graphite blank for a more solid hookset on single hook baits.
Most people would cast way better and have a better time fishing with less fatigue if they used a rod under 7 feet. These 8 foot monstrosities are gimickie. Most recreational anglers have no need for something that big. Then Again though, one of the best parts of this hobby is buying new and cool equipment. 👍🏻
@@joseduran7368 I don’t know man. I don’t have any experience with Halibut. They can get huge though, right? So my guess is, if you have room to cast the longer rod would be better. Should be able to cast a little further and it would give you more leverage to fight the fish. When I first made this comment I was talking about bass fishing out of a boat. Salt water is a different deal so I’d probably grab the 8 footer.
Finally some love for the not so loved sub-seven foot rods. I use and love 6’6” rods as a bank fishermen. It’s nice to hear someone be realistic for a change.
I’m only able to fish banks on ponds and a few reservoirs. My casting and spinning rods are under 7’. 6’7” and 6’9” work just fine for me.
I have been fishing for over 50 years. I started fishing ponds as a small child. I used my fathers 6.6 spinning rod. Later my first Rod was a 6.6 ugly stick. As I got a job and then a car I was able to add rods, I bought a 6.6 ugly stick big water. I could cast very far heavy lures for strippers, and blue fish. My collection grew to a 6.6 bait casting ugly stick for musky. The graphite rod came all 6.6. Many of which broke. Surf casting rods10 ft. Fly rods 7 ft. Today I have over 30 rods. Many are ugly sticks. I started kayak fishing. My rod got shorter 5 ft . 5.10 and 4.8. I now love a 6 ft rod for bass fishing off my bass boat and kayak. I had 2 graphite rods 7.6. I never really felt comfortable with a rod over 6.6. Surf fishing being the exception. I am 5.8 the 6 ft ugly stik gx2 is a perfect bait casting rod for me. The timing and loading of this ride fits me for most bass lures. For me the longer rods just don’t work.
I use 4 baitcatsters. One is a 6'6 heavy action for flipping and topwaters, a 6'10 medium heavy for flipping craws, 7' medium for swim jigs and chatterbaits, and a 7' medium for casting texas rigged worms.
Well said. Consistently consistent with perfect practice for achieving Top Performance.
I started fishing with 6' ft rods, but have since moved up to 6'6" or 7 ft. I have longer ones and shorter, but the 7 ft rod is the sweet spot for me as well. All of my newer rods are 7ft. for the same reason.
What size rod would you recommend in my scenario. I'll be targeting halibut and striped bass in SF Bay from shore. I can't decide between 7'6" rod or an 8' rod (both heavy power)
6ft med/hvy ugly stick elite with penn 2500 battle ii bank fisherman’s dream setup trust me on this lol
Agreed
Dustin Fox
Naw. 6ft Med-Lt G-Loomis NRX w/ Shimano Ci4 is better.
@@Unspoke why? Because it cost more. Save money and learn how to fish. LOL
I fish from a kayak, I use almost all 6'6'' rods, just because theyll fit in my car diagonally! I'd love to have some longer ones for stuff, but it's gonna be hard to fit them in there comfortably on long trips.
CrashBomber I fish from a kayak too. I found the 6’9” rods are perfect for kayak fishing.
Agreed. Seems 6.6 is ideal for casting in a kayak or from the bank. Also helpful for landing fish in these applications.
I’m glad to hear other kayak anglers go with under 7ft rods. It is easier for transport and it is less fuss with tree lines and low bridges that I go under a lot.
You need to get a truck or a boat 1 or the other for real..
There's gonna be haters on here but I totally agree with you 100%. The longest rod on my deck is 7'6 and its for a heavy jig or punching. God Bless and Fish On🎣🎣🐟 🐟
Hopped up on Bass I have different size rods for different applications. If I’m going after Trophy Size fish with a 6oz swim bait, I’m using an 8” foot swim bait rod !!! No way I’m using my flipping stick for that bait
Nice to hear the 6’6 at the end lol just bought one but mainly use 7ft
Outstanding insight on rod length. I use all 6'6" rods. Works great for all the kayak and bank angling I do. The shorter rods are more maneuverable in these applications.
I’m in my 3rd year of kayak fishing and my 5th year of bass fishing and I am obsessed with it. My newest challenge is finding a heavy action rod under 7ft that I can punch mats and fish heavy grassy cover is. As I’m newer to fishing applications I’m learning that this type of rod doesn’t exist. (I’m spinning rod only). Any advice I can get I’m thankful for...
The skip under the dock was sweet. Skipping tutorial video coming soon?
They've got some good ones with jigs and stick baits. Gerald Swindle has good videos on dock work.
7” very versatile and the sweet spot for your all around
Yep love my 7-7’3 rods
I do very similar. my rod taste is changing and im starting to go sub 7 foot...but all my rods are within a few inches of each other and different powers and brands to specialize the rod for a certain action/bait
I also....have the working theory that sub 7 foot rods, even the lighter action ones tend to have a better back bone since they are stouter/shorter than the same model a few inches longer. Im a short guy too....so the sub 7 foot rods are better for me for roll casting and other specialized casts. good stuff....do what works for you, most importantly
Because each rod loads differently during a cast with different weight lures and because line stretch at the tip is also different -- the claim that a release point is the same on all 7 foot rods is totally inaccurate. The release point on a 7 foot rod with a topwater plug on mono is drastically different from the release point of a 7 foot rod with a weightless worm on braid and a flourocarbon leader -- even more so if the rod actions are adjusted to match the presentation. Rod length preference is more a factor of individual height, power, lure weight, lure presentation, treble or single hooks, and standing height above the waterline when casting/retrieving.
That is an accurate depiction, Jeffrey. This video was a matter of opinion and you make a compelling rebuttal. Thanks for commenting!
Walker Smith has eliminated one of the many variables in casting (maybe the simplest variable to control) by using only 7 foot length rods -- and it works well for him. It may also work well for others -- and I certainly don't dispute that. His advice is something to consider if you want to narrow the wide range of variables in all your casting options and make your casting more predictable and consistent. No slam on Walker -- he rocks!
*I like the way it feels **enjoyable.fishing** recommend and cast, time will tell I only used it once but it seems to work well....*
6’10 is my go to. I can use it for almost every application.
Man, i have multiple rods, like too many. I only use 2 of them the majority of the time. 7' medium and 7' light depending on the target. The other rod ill use is a heavy and its exclusively for big cats and pike/muskie. 9 footer. In my area, theres no need for any less or any more length. If youre a creek fisherman, go for a 6 foot rod if you find youre getting choked by brush, otherwise, get a longer rod for the distance as you can cast near or far with a longer rod.
I can remember people calling me crazy for using a 7' rod. Said you don't need a rod that long. Now people using 8'.
I'll be targeting halibut and striped bass from shore in sf Bay. Should I go with an 8ft over a 7ft 6? (Both heavy)
Couldn't agree more - that's my setup!
Love it...great video, thank you! 👍
I like a 6’8ish for casting/reaction around shoreline, top water and weightless flukes. Feel like I’m more accurate and not hitting the water with my tip. 7ft for Texas Rigs and jigs. What rods are those, please sir? Like the theory of same release point! 👍🏼
You go to, to long of a rod and if you are using a bait you hop or move with the rod. The rod moves your bait to far. Agree with keeping most of your workhorse rods similar lengths for casting
Yes I use mostly 6'6" rods I have four 7 ' but have seven 6'6" . And though this is a year old I've seen lately people having issues getting 7+ rods delivered to their homes with damaged to the tips broken off.
Good info it makes sense but like you said different baits may need a different rod length
If im standing up on a bank like 4 ft anove the water, longer 7’6 + rod. If im on a small pond and im standing right on the water, 7ft rod. If im on a boat, youre up an extra few inches from the water (and im already tall as it is) so 7’2 is for me.
I agree
That's what my thoughts are to I have 2 7foot rods one spinning and one casting and 2 6'6 rods spinning and casting
Power is important too. I'm on a little Pond Prowler. I need more power sitting and just using my arms. Perfect cranking rod at a medium isnt helping me...
I use primarily 7.6 almost always
I just got one for trout. Am I still gonna feel the bites on it ?
I agree 7ft rods are the ATV of fishing rods.
Fixin To Fish huh. Makes no sense
@@youtubecomments5951 You can pretty much fish any technique you want with a 7 foot. It will cast further then a 6' and it's easier to handle then some of the longer rods.
love my 6'8 rod
It's not the length of your rod that matters; it's knowing how to use it that does. LOL
I really couldnt agree more. Im so comfortable with a 7' rod. Of course jigging and using larger swimbaits I'll go to a longer rod up to about 7'6, and on bank downize to 6'6 or even a 6 footer. Preferably with a light action on the 6 ft. Gotta have one with a fiberglass tip for finesse, and cranks, then a straight graphite blank for a more solid hookset on single hook baits.
Whatever works for you. Not for me tho. Definitely like different length rods for different applications. You punch with a 7' as well??
All my rods are about 7 feet idk why I just like them lol. Once I get a boat Lord willing, maybe I’ll invest in some longer rods
9-11 ft is what we use. 8 and a half is the absolute shortest.
I do the exact same thing, all 7 footers
I only use 7’ rods as well.
I've only got one rod this isn't 7 ft and that's a 6'6 rod but I'm planning on replacing it with a 7 ft
Makes sense 👍
7’4 MH all day
Whats with bass fishermen and flip flops?
6'6 is the most accurate!
Agreed 🍻
I like to throw a 6" rod
I agree 💯
Even Mr. Skeptical agrees!
Came to see him describe different lengths
Says: I use all the same
7ft vs 7.6ft is like debating between pepsi and coke
I also used 6’6” rods a lot because I thought it’d be better for the bank fishing but after I bought a 7’ rod I literally hate my 6’6” rods
Said everyone ever that went to 7 footers 100% agree and the ones who disagree still throw 6’6 and don’t know the difference
I buy a bait
W2F: the best bait ~~
I buy a reel
W2F: The most all around reel ~~
I buy a rod
W2F:
On a kayak or bank seven foot. On a boat give me a 9 or ten.
Depends on the "bank" your fishing .
Idk man maybe I'm old school but I'm only using a 10 dipping for crappie
Definitely an interesting theory 😅 if it works well for him then awesome. But I couldn't disagree more with almost everything he said.
4'6 :)
seven foot dont work for 5 foot tall peeps
Most people would cast way better and have a better time fishing with less fatigue if they used a rod under 7 feet. These 8 foot monstrosities are gimickie. Most recreational anglers have no need for something that big. Then Again though, one of the best parts of this hobby is buying new and cool equipment. 👍🏻
Your wife says buying shoes and bags are her hobby. She said that’s what husbands are good for.
In my case I'll be fishing for halibut and striped bass from shore in SF Bay. Should I go with a 7ft 6 or an 8ft (both heavy)
@@joseduran7368 I don’t know man. I don’t have any experience with Halibut. They can get huge though, right? So my guess is, if you have room to cast the longer rod would be better. Should be able to cast a little further and it would give you more leverage to fight the fish.
When I first made this comment I was talking about bass fishing out of a boat. Salt water is a different deal so I’d probably grab the 8 footer.
@@jbjgibbons these halibut in the bay average at like 25-34 inches but yeah they can get bigger
If it works for you, OK, but there are so many things wrong with that.