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When I used to fish in my old U-toob-boat I often considered cutting off the butt end of my rods to make them easier to handle. I ended up using shorter rods a lot of times because they were easier to handle in my tube. Since I got my new tube, an ODC 420, I haven’t had any problem with that or the longer rod lengths. As a matter of fact my favorite rod now is an 8’ 6†ultra-lite BPS Microlite. I can cast tiny cranks and 1/16 oz grubs a country mile with it and the fight when a bass or big ole bluegill nails it is incredible. I prefer longer rods and of the 4 that I usually carry out in my float all are 7+ feet. The only exception is a 5’ 6†ultra-lite casting rod that I have a Zebco 11 platinum on. I can skip little baits with that like nothing else that I have ever owned. In certain places that is a BIG plus. When in a tube I can fish places that other people in boats can’t even see.
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I too typically carry longer rods in my ODC (two 7ft baitcasting rods for bass and one 6'6" spinning rod for everything in between). But, as you said, short rods definitely have their place. they are great from the tube when you want to get a low trajectory to shoot a lure into hard to reach places (i.e. under trees, docks, etc...)
Ultimately, it is good to have multiple rods for many different situations. I also like using a smaller, heavyweight rod for flipping & pitching tubes and jigs into pockets in pad fields. The shorter rod makes it easier to control from the tube. Just out of curiosity, what do the rest of you use for different techniques?
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FOR FRESHWATER I USUALLY CARRY FROM 2 TO 5 RODS DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION. DURING THE SPRING AND FALL I USUALLY FISH THE BIG 8" TO 10" TROUT SWIMBAITS AND ONLY TAKE 2 MED/HEAVY 7' AND 7.5' RODS WITH CALCUTTA 400 REELS. THE REST OF THE TIME I TAKE 2 OR 3 BAITCASTERS 6.5' TO 7' AND 1 OR 2 6.5' SPINNING OUTFITS.
FOR SALTWATER IT'S ONE 7' AND ONE 6.5' BAITCASTER AND 1 OR 2 6.5 SPINNING OUTFITS.
FOR WINTER TROUT FISHING IT'S THREE 6.5' SPINNING OUTFITS.
ATFISHING
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[cool][#0000ff]Rod length and handle length are good topics for discussion on a tubing board. I build most of my own rods and modify those I buy, win, find or trade for. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have always liked longer rods for tubing, simply because you have more line control while sitting on the water. They also provide more shock absorption when fighting larger fish...if used properly.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I first started using shorter handles on my rods while still using the old donut tubes. I sat in a confined area without much room to reach and operate tackle. As you have observed, with the open front craft there is more freedom and flexibility, so the shorter handles are not that big of an issue.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As a general rule, it is true that you can make more accurate casts with a shorter rod, but you will often get better hooksets with longer rods, simply because you can take out more slack and move the bait or lure more.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]After that it is a matter of feel and personal preference. There is no universal one size fits all situation. But, knowing your tackle and how to use it will make you better able to appreciate and take advantage of different rods under different circumstances.[/#0000ff]
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