There are still alot of folks out there that haven't started using a long rod yet. Time and time again, folks who are still fishing with the old-school 7 1/2' rod will use my rods for a day and marvel and how much better it is. I'll often get an e-mail from the client a week or two later, telling me about the recent purchase of a 9-foot rod. Or, folks will fish with me again the following season and they'll have new rods.

The longer rod makes casting nearly effortless and the extra length is an incredible benefit on the figure-8. When the lure reaches boatside, the longer rods helps carve out a big figure-8 with wide, sweeping turns, and eliminates the need to bend or stoop. A long rod is also a better tool for battling fish, as the added length will help to "stear" the fish, and it's a better shock absorber when the fish is running, jumping or head-shaking. Best though, the longer rod will keep you fresher throughout the day, it'll make your fishing more enjoyable, and it will help you convert more follows into strikes.

Skip the 8' or 8 1/2' and go right to a rod that is 9 feet or longer. When I got my first 8 footer I thought it was the greatest rod ever. Then I got an 8 1/2' and it was remarkably better and I never wanted to use the 8-footer again. Then I got a 9' and never wanted to use the 8 1/2 footers. So, don't make the same mistake I did and inch your way to the 9-footers; skip the intermediate lengths and get a rod that's 9' or longer.