9ft Rods?

[muskiediller]

Hey! Does anyone here use 9ft rods for big heavy baits? I am trying to decide between an 8'6ft rod and a 9ft rod? The thing that i am worried about is that the 9ft being so long might become end heavy with a big bait on it and maybe more fatiguing. Thanks for any info!

[PDXFisher]

I just used an 8' heavy rod for the first time after using a St Croix 7'6" MH exclusively the past couple of years. I was far more sore from one day with that 8' than I had been from four days with the 7'6", so I can only imagine it gets more pronounced as you scale up. My 8' is a Lamiglas I picked up for half price as a factory second (no warranty, lest they hose their retailers) since I live about 30 minutes from the factory. The X-heavy rods are pool cues and come in 8'6" (http://www.lamiglas.com/prod_indiv.php?id=22). They are still rated down to 1oz, however.

I was very impressed with their ability to cast 9/16 and 3/4 oz bucktails even though rated at 1-8oz. I doubt a XH will do anywhere near as well with that light a weight, however. I assume talking big baits you would want an XH. I don't envy your arms and back (the twisting!). I thought I was pretty tough until last week.

[Random guy]

I have a custom 9 footer for bucktails that turned out a bit on the stiff side. I tried bigger baits on it that it handled fine but the handle tourqe was out of control, just to much length for the heavier stuff.

[RK]

Hiya -

Might depend on you height and size, but to me, I've always sort of thought that once you get much past 8', you're starting to get to the point of diminishing returns. 9' puts an awful lot of rod out in front of you, and there's a lot of pressure on your wrist and elbow. Some like 8'6" and 9 footers, but 8'2 is about as long as I care to get.

Cheers,

Rob Kimm

[rookie44]

aren't the 9 footers used more for trolling?

[Random guy]

For the most part the long rods are for trolling but I use 8'6" rods for running bucktails around weeds and increased casting range and accuracy.

[Professional Edge]

I just built myself a 9 foot Diamondback heavy and used it for the first time this week. I sold the rest of my 8 footers a couple days later. I know it seems long and out of control but the 9 footer is the most effortless stick I have ever used.

Still comes down to what you feel comfortable with.

Keith