Fishing rod length

[Quest4GiantBlue]

Ok keep off the "rod" jokes PLEASE.....I understand that the "size of your rod" is an individual thing. I usually fish short rods, 5 foot, off a private boat and slightly larger 6 foot on party boats. I've see guys with rods up to 10 foot on a party boat (a bit extreme if you ask me) I'm thinking its a leverage thing whereby your height should determine the appropriate length of your rod (easy there buddy!!!!!!!) for maximum leverage without back strain. I'm fixin on a tile trip in early May. Usually I would go short and stout, 6 footer, but was thinking longer may be easier on the back. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[RJ]

what are you fishing for and how..that is what determines rod length

[Quest4GiantBlue]

In this case its Tile fish. But while on the subject, for inshore bottom fishing would there be any advantage to using an 8 foot rod for fluke as opposed to a 6 footer? In generally will use as longer rod on a bigger boat.

[RJ]

Most of my rods for fluke and sea bass or blackfish are all 6-1/2 to 7 foot and no more. Eight foot is good for cod

[CaptGM]

If you are Tile fishing, I would recommend a rod aound 6-1/2 ft, 30 lb class with a in a medium or Heavy with a fast taper. The fast taper will allow you to feel the pick up better at 600-700ft and the stiffer butt will give you the back bone to get heavier fish off of the bottom with less strain on you.
Every one has a prefference and coud differ from ine of course.

I like to see rods on the party boat no longer than 7ft - 7-1/2 ft as longer ones are harder to handle, get in the way and hit the overhangs. My personal rods (fishing that is) are 6-1/2 for the blues and 7ft with the fast taper and stiff mid & butt for Tog. Dont fluke much so I can't be much of a help there.

What ever you decide to use, make sure it is light and comfortable. Heavy long rods will fatigue most anglers during a long trip.

Hope that helps.
Greg

[Quest4GiantBlue]

Tks for the input

[suilleabhain]

Partyboat rule of thumb was 6" longer than you are tall for the best underhand casting of jigs & sinkers. From there you see what feels better and have a custom stick measured and tailored for you. Also depends on where you fish on a partyboat. The bow you go longer and get better results casting. Midship and stern you stay in the 6-6 1/2 because you don't have the extra freeboard and flair of the hull for your underhand swing

[Jaye43b]

This is the best explanation I have had for this ever challenging question. Having learned to bottom fish with Charlie Kennedy out of Captree, I have simply patterned after him with 6 1/2ft to 7ft rods but never understood why. I just never bothered to ask him but now I know why he used different rods in midship versus the bow. Thanks!!!!!

[suilleabhain]

It gets stupid after a while. At one point I had 45 rods and reels. Right now after selling off a load I still have three codfish sticks of different lengths, bluefish, blackfish, fluke, flounder and snapper sticks, three Jigmasters, 3 Squidders, various Penn 4500's, 6500's, couple of Ambassaduers. Rods go from 4 to 12'. There must be 20 down stairs. I have one set of 5 rods, all the same blank from the late 60's, all cut to different lengths, all mounted with Penn 155's and 160's for fluke, sea bass and porgies. And I'm still buying like a dope!

[Jaye43b]

I have to show my wife your post. She has never understood why I have so many rods and reels. I tried placing them on one of my garage walls and I still have some left over. Now you made my day. Think I could get away with that????

[suilleabhain]

Worked for me. Tell her that for bluefishing alone you need a conventional bait rod with a Squidder or Jigmaster. You need a conventional jigging stick with a Jigmaster or hi-speed Ambassaduer. You need a 7' spinner if the fish are on small jigs and can't go in August & September without a conventional medium-light outfit for bonita & albacore.

And have to have spare spools for the quick take-down Penns ... Squidder, Jigmaster and Beachmasters so you can change from mono to braid, or heavy to light at will.

Tell her they are tools and no job can be done right with just one tool.

I have half of my rods in the rafters & am running out of space. Need to build a rack for the garage.

I don't really surf fish, just getting into it and I have threes rods and half a dozen reels already, plugs and rubber out the ying-yang.

[Jaye43b]

I think according to the rules I should have started a new thread. Apologies to all.!!!