The obvious context of this video seems to be boat lure fishing. When fishing from the shore longer rods can offer more lure and fish control by allowing the rod tip to reach past bankside vegetation. Even as a 10 year old kid I could use 9, 10 or 11 foot rods all day without fatigue. The trick with longer rods is having a longer handle to balance them.
Female viewer here and I appreciate your videos. I’ve fished my whole life but now I’m learning HOW to fish. I truly appreciate all you do to give easy-to-understand coaching. At the moment I’m most comfortable with a 6’8’ med/heavy rod on most everything I throw. I’ll grow, but I want to master one thing before I take on too many new things.
I like short 5-6 footers for some reason. Casting feels fine on all size rods for me. I think my lacrosse skills are to thank for that 😂 and I mostly fish from the bank so the smaller rods are easier to cast in tight bushy areas where the fish are usually at
Couldn't tell ya all the bass I have caught over the years using a 5'6" rod. I fished spinnerbaits and for me it's the easiest to throw under limbs and under docks. Still using them to this day. So I would say it is so much relevant to what lure you are throwing and which length rod you are most comfortable throwing that lure on, specific to the cover you are fishing.
I professionally Bass fish for over 30 years. Back in the 60s and 70s. The rod length was about 5‘6“ about 10 years later the average rod was 6‘,6“ now everybody’s talking about rods that are 7 feet to 8 foot in my opinion, you should fish with a rod length that is comfortable for you to maneuver and manipulate.
Randy, I don’t have Tellagram. I ment no dis respect to you. Your opinion is your opinion. My opinion is mine. Bass fishing to be successful is hard work as you know. I love your channel very much. I also respect you as well. The sad thing is most fishing channels don’t talk about how hard bass fishing is or how much work you have to put in. I’ll continue to watch your channel and enjoy it. Best of luck to you and your family. God bless!
Loved this!! Thanks so much, Randy....as a 5'6" guy I was always told "you need a shorter rod". Turns out my instinct was correct. Really appreciate the confirmation.
Three different 7' rods with different actions are basically all I use. A medium light, medium and medium heavy all graphite Ugly Stiks have been awesome since I got them. I'd like a 7'6" for super long casts on the flats for spooky redfish. And maybe a shorter one would help me like topwaters more. But I use jigs or weedless hooks and soft plastics mostly and 7' works well for them. Good stuff Randy. This is one of the videos that helps me even though I fish in a different world.
Solid advice. I have rods from 21 inches to 12 ft and they all have a place. 7 to 7 1/2 is most often my go to for the majority of the fish and conditions I find myself in.
The logic for the rod lengths seems to infer bait casting. What about spinning rods and desired lengths for them? In other words, What length rods are needed in each category - Spin and Bt Cast?
i always did with a six foot rod spinning and bait. I buy six and a half foot rods and soon after a few inches break off from trying to dislodge lures. the result is a perfectly spined rod with a strong tip. Never broke one twice . 😂
In my 45 years of fishing, I’ve found balance is the most important thing, especially for spinning outfits. I build my own rods and put Tennessee handles on all the spinning rods I build for myself. It allows me to balance any reel I put on it. Yes, electrical taping every reel is annoying, but I have a perfectly balanced combo as a result. You’d be shocked how big of a difference one ounce reel weight makes in where it balances. Though spinning rods I tend to like 6’7” to 7’ and casting rods I like 7’ and longer.
I tried bass fishing with a 12 foot surf rod and absolutely loved the distance. Problem is it will wear you out. I dont recommend it. Randy hit it spot on. Totally agree
There is a major difference in how easy a 6”6ish vs a 7 foot rod fits in a standard car or short bed truck….. translates to fewer broken tips! Beginners are better served if they can reach out and touch/untangle the rod tip when they set the butt of the rod down at their feet. For these reasons I feel 6’6-7 is the best beginner rod length.
In Europe from the age of 6, the freshwater rods start at 11 feet! The longest one I owned (I bought it to America in 1983) is 21 feet. Competition rods are now over 30 feet. When I started bass fishing, I was told I had to use smaller poles, so I bought a bunch. Over the years, I’ve seen an increase in rod length on the tournament trails, with talk of a one piece 10 feet rod (we are going to need a bigger boat!!) I’d buy it for sure… Personal preferences are all one piece rods, with a 6’6” for finesse and smaller crankbaits, however, the majority of my rods are now 6’10” to 7’10”.
My bass rods are all between 5'4" and 7'6", and the lures and techniques I'm employing will determine which rod I select. My steelhead & salmon rods are 8'6" and 9' and my fly rods range from 8' to 9'6", covering line weights from 5 to 10. They all have a place and a purpose in my fishing.
I mostly fish open, cold, clear water for smallies. 98% of the time I’m making the longest casts I can. Generally I have of 7’3”-7’6” spinning rod in hand. 6’10” for wrist action baits. Thanks!
interesting discussion, Randy, but not in line with some limitations I face and which make rod length critical. I’m 6’ and find it best to use a 6’ - 6’3” max rod for jerkbaits. I fish jerkbaits standing in the back of a square stern canoe with my feet at or below water level. I keep a drift sock or partially submerged anchor (3’-5’ beneath surface) on a pull rope at the front of the canoe to minimize the effect of wind spinning the canoe. I keep a 36” shaft trolling motor directly in front of me at the stern of the canoe submerged as deep as it will comfortably allow me to use it, and also to steady the canoe and minimize wind twirling of the vessel. I’ve reversed the head on my trolling motor, so the canoe technically moves backward while I operate it and fish standing facing the stern in the direction the boat is moving with the motor running. This positioning gives me maximum balance and casting direction options, an absolute requirement in a canoe that can be parallel to shore at the start of a cast and perpendicular to shore at the end if there’s wind. To fish all day, I have to be able to use downward jerks without hitting the water from all angles, including angles that change in the course of a cast & retrieve from a spinning vessel. A rod that’s too long would force me to jerk left or right, or to move my feet excessively to reposition my body to fish comfortably. In a good jerkbait wind, everything works great with the shorter rod. And yes, braid to fluoro on spinning reels is a must for casting distance with such short rods. I use the lightest test sinking braid I can find (YGK SS 112 10 Lb or Sunline Defier D-Braid 7 Lb), and a 4 - 6 Lb fluoro leader. We obviously fish differently 🙂 in some ways, but I do enjoy listening to your angles and opinions.
I had some 7ft 11 rods but I did not like em I got rid of em on eBay , way too long to set the hook fast , I don’t own a rod now over 7”6 and I really like the 7 ft to 7”3 inch , I tried fishing a 7” 11 with a jig I think it moves the jig too far during hops on the bottom and I bought it thinking it might help me take up the slack faster when one bites the jig but I found out I was not getting near the bites on a jig that I once was so I sold em and I only have high priced rods
Hey Randy Im relatively short...5'3 ...Can I use a longer rod 7 ft+ to flip and pitch with? it seems I have trouble skipping with a longer rod as well.
Strictly talking about bass fishing. I use 12 ft rods for surf casting. Tried them all. Different lengths /different brands/ different actions. I know the longer rod has been in favor the last 5-10 years. I know I to should want to use them. I have tried them. I can’t cast as accurately. I started with a 6.6 for many years that was perfect. Now that feels like a club. I have landed on 6 ft. I change the action and line weight based on the lure. I fish from a kayak/ boat and from shore. For me the accuracy of the cast is one of the most important step to catching fish. I control the distance with the boat/kayak or where I stand. I can go down to 5.6 before it starts to feel too short.
Randy I know this isn’t the video to talk about this but I just seen that so called debate of you and Miliken. I just don’t understand his/follower of that belief. Where are we going with some of this high tech in the next few years; Drone fishing in tourneys? Listen if he thinks all this mess he’s talking about is correct and should be allowed, then it’s obvious he really doesn’t care about the real beauty of this sport, and certainly not the fish either! You are 100% correct and I appreciate you taking a strong stand on this. That guy is out to lunch as in the same way reminds me of this administration of liberals; no clue! Thanks brother, keep up the good fight and keep blessing us with your great expertise in fishing. God Bless..
Lets put it this way. a 7 foot tall person would be better with a 5' rod because they can manipulate with the extra length in there arms than a 5'. They always say the opposite. I thought Id point that out.
The obvious context of this video seems to be boat lure fishing. When fishing from the shore longer rods can offer more lure and fish control by allowing the rod tip to reach past bankside vegetation. Even as a 10 year old kid I could use 9, 10 or 11 foot rods all day without fatigue. The trick with longer rods is having a longer handle to balance them.
Female viewer here and I appreciate your videos. I’ve fished my whole life but now I’m learning HOW to fish. I truly appreciate all you do to give easy-to-understand coaching.
At the moment I’m most comfortable with a 6’8’ med/heavy rod on most everything I throw. I’ll grow, but I want to master one thing before I take on too many new things.
I like short 5-6 footers for some reason. Casting feels fine on all size rods for me. I think my lacrosse skills are to thank for that 😂 and I mostly fish from the bank so the smaller rods are easier to cast in tight bushy areas where the fish are usually at
Couldn't tell ya all the bass I have caught over the years using a 5'6" rod. I fished spinnerbaits and for me it's the easiest to throw under limbs and under docks. Still using them to this day. So I would say it is so much relevant to what lure you are throwing and which length rod you are most comfortable throwing that lure on, specific to the cover you are fishing.
@@arciefanplus in my jon (with no deck) long rods can be a problem.
I professionally Bass fish for over 30 years. Back in the 60s and 70s. The rod length was about 5‘6“ about 10 years later the average rod was 6‘,6“ now everybody’s talking about rods that are 7 feet to 8 foot in my opinion, you should fish with a rod length that is comfortable for you to maneuver and manipulate.
Randy, I don’t have Tellagram. I ment no dis respect to you. Your opinion is your opinion. My opinion is mine. Bass fishing to be successful is hard work as you know. I love your channel very much. I also respect you as well. The sad thing is most fishing channels don’t talk about how hard bass fishing is or how much work you have to put in. I’ll continue to watch your channel and enjoy it. Best of luck to you and your family. God bless!
Loved this!! Thanks so much, Randy....as a 5'6" guy I was always told "you need a shorter rod". Turns out my instinct was correct. Really appreciate the confirmation.
Thx man!
IMO your best instructional video / topic to date, (and I've watched nearly all of your content). Will be hard for even the haters to knock this one.
Pre school bass fishing lessons for a newbies like myself to manifest the tools needed. Thanks for your advice RANDY the best teacher on RUclips 👍
Thx man!
Three different 7' rods with different actions are basically all I use. A medium light, medium and medium heavy all graphite Ugly Stiks have been awesome since I got them. I'd like a 7'6" for super long casts on the flats for spooky redfish. And maybe a shorter one would help me like topwaters more. But I use jigs or weedless hooks and soft plastics mostly and 7' works well for them.
Good stuff Randy. This is one of the videos that helps me even though I fish in a different world.
Solid advice. I have rods from 21 inches to 12 ft and they all have a place. 7 to 7 1/2 is most often my go to for the majority of the fish and conditions I find myself in.
The logic for the rod lengths seems to infer bait casting. What about spinning rods and desired lengths for them? In other words, What length rods are needed in each category - Spin and Bt Cast?
I jig for Walleyes with a 6'3" fast action. Perfect.
i always did with a six foot rod spinning and bait. I buy six and a half foot rods and soon after a few inches break off from trying to dislodge lures. the result is a perfectly spined rod with a strong tip. Never broke one twice . 😂
Thanks Randy GREAT info. It is so kind of you to share this info that you have learned over the years.
Stunning video as always!! Makes a lot of sense. Thanks Randy.
Great info as always. Thanks Randy.
Loving the hat!!! 🤠 Bust the New Tackle Room tour!!! 😜🤪 Loving the tips Randy👍
In my 45 years of fishing, I’ve found balance is the most important thing, especially for spinning outfits. I build my own rods and put Tennessee handles on all the spinning rods I build for myself. It allows me to balance any reel I put on it. Yes, electrical taping every reel is annoying, but I have a perfectly balanced combo as a result. You’d be shocked how big of a difference one ounce reel weight makes in where it balances.
Though spinning rods I tend to like 6’7” to 7’ and casting rods I like 7’ and longer.
I tried bass fishing with a 12 foot surf rod and absolutely loved the distance. Problem is it will wear you out. I dont recommend it. Randy hit it spot on. Totally agree
There is a major difference in how easy a 6”6ish vs a 7 foot rod fits in a standard car or short bed truck….. translates to fewer broken tips! Beginners are better served if they can reach out and touch/untangle the rod tip when they set the butt of the rod down at their feet. For these reasons I feel 6’6-7 is the best beginner rod length.
Good information. Thanks.
In Europe from the age of 6, the freshwater rods start at 11 feet! The longest one I owned (I bought it to America in 1983) is 21 feet. Competition rods are now over 30 feet.
When I started bass fishing, I was told I had to use smaller poles, so I bought a bunch. Over the years, I’ve seen an increase in rod length on the tournament trails, with talk of a one piece 10 feet rod (we are going to need a bigger boat!!) I’d buy it for sure…
Personal preferences are all one piece rods, with a 6’6” for finesse and smaller crankbaits, however, the majority of my rods are now 6’10” to 7’10”.
I have to say though, ad someone who is 5'8, shorter rods do help me flip lures better.
Always appreciate all the tips Randy!
Oh damn, i guess i have to get rid of my 17 rod combos now 😅
My bass rods are all between 5'4" and 7'6", and the lures and techniques I'm employing will determine which rod I select. My steelhead & salmon rods are 8'6" and 9' and my fly rods range from 8' to 9'6", covering line weights from 5 to 10. They all have a place and a purpose in my fishing.
Ya know, sometimes I use a 12 oz PBR can to wrap my line around and sometimes I use the 16 oz Ice House can if I need more casting distance.
I mostly fish open, cold, clear water for smallies. 98% of the time I’m making the longest casts I can. Generally I have of 7’3”-7’6” spinning rod in hand. 6’10” for wrist action baits. Thanks!
interesting discussion, Randy, but not in line with some limitations I face and which make rod length critical. I’m 6’ and find it best to use a 6’ - 6’3” max rod for jerkbaits. I fish jerkbaits standing in the back of a square stern canoe with my feet at or below water level. I keep a drift sock or partially submerged anchor (3’-5’ beneath surface) on a pull rope at the front of the canoe to minimize the effect of wind spinning the canoe. I keep a 36” shaft trolling motor directly in front of me at the stern of the canoe submerged as deep as it will comfortably allow me to use it, and also to steady the canoe and minimize wind twirling of the vessel. I’ve reversed the head on my trolling motor, so the canoe technically moves backward while I operate it and fish standing facing the stern in the direction the boat is moving with the motor running. This positioning gives me maximum balance and casting direction options, an absolute requirement in a canoe that can be parallel to shore at the start of a cast and perpendicular to shore at the end if there’s wind. To fish all day, I have to be able to use downward jerks without hitting the water from all angles, including angles that change in the course of a cast & retrieve from a spinning vessel. A rod that’s too long would force me to jerk left or right, or to move my feet excessively to reposition my body to fish comfortably. In a good jerkbait wind, everything works great with the shorter rod. And yes, braid to fluoro on spinning reels is a must for casting distance with such short rods. I use the lightest test sinking braid I can find (YGK SS 112 10 Lb or Sunline Defier D-Braid 7 Lb), and a 4 - 6 Lb fluoro leader. We obviously fish differently 🙂 in some ways, but I do enjoy listening to your angles and opinions.
Great info. Thanks
Still use my 6-6 medium heavy for jig pitchin and I do great with it
I had some 7ft 11 rods but I did not like em I got rid of em on eBay , way too long to set the hook fast , I don’t own a rod now over 7”6 and I really like the 7 ft to 7”3 inch , I tried fishing a 7” 11 with a jig I think it moves the jig too far during hops on the bottom and I bought it thinking it might help me take up the slack faster when one bites the jig but I found out I was not getting near the bites on a jig that I once was so I sold em and I only have high priced rods
Great video Great tip
Great tips
I prefer a shorter handle length for baits I need to manipulate. Makes it easier to control with the rod tip down.
Hey Randy Im relatively short...5'3 ...Can I use a longer rod 7 ft+ to flip and pitch with? it seems I have trouble skipping with a longer rod as well.
I am most effective with 7'0' MH. I got caught up in long rods now I need another 7' I can pitch just as far with 7' and more accurate than 7'6''s +
what rod length is best for Texas rig?
I learned , it's not suppose to feel good it's to get use to the feel.
You better wait till 13th of december 23 for the BF-sale 😅😅😊
What sort of taper do you recommend for pitching jigs?
Strictly talking about bass fishing. I use 12 ft rods for surf casting. Tried them all. Different lengths /different brands/ different actions. I know the longer rod has been in favor the last 5-10 years. I know I to should want to use them. I have tried them. I can’t cast as accurately. I started with a 6.6 for many years that was perfect. Now that feels like a club. I have landed on 6 ft. I change the action and line weight based on the lure. I fish from a kayak/ boat and from shore. For me the accuracy of the cast is one of the most important step to catching fish. I control the distance with the boat/kayak or where I stand. I can go down to 5.6 before it starts to feel too short.
That's what she said !!
I’m glad it’s not based on height because I would never qualify for surf fishing.
Looks like I gotta cut some of my rods down.
ok, gottit now... 😊
Randy I know this isn’t the video to talk about this but I just seen that so called debate of you and Miliken. I just don’t understand his/follower of that belief. Where are we going with some of this high tech in the next few years; Drone fishing in tourneys? Listen if he thinks all this mess he’s talking about is correct and should be allowed, then it’s obvious he really doesn’t care about the real beauty of this sport, and certainly not the fish either! You are 100% correct and I appreciate you taking a strong stand on this. That guy is out to lunch as in the same way reminds me of this administration of liberals; no clue!
Thanks brother, keep up the good fight and keep blessing us with your great expertise in fishing. God Bless..
no sound? 😮
Lets put it this way. a 7 foot tall person would be better with a 5' rod because they can manipulate with the extra length in there arms than a 5'. They always say the opposite. I thought Id point that out.
But maybe im wrong all together. But the 7' guy ccan make up for a short rod in some ways than a short person.
nevermind...you literally just answered my question
Mantap❤
When are you and your friends gonna start your own bass tournaments where there's no electronics allowed.
Im the first viewer. Do I get a prize?? Lol
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.