I am going to build on a CTS SD Elite Series blank and they can make it any length I want.

My first inclination would be to make it 7 foot, but I cannot help but ask - is there any advantage to an 8 foot spinning or casting rod?

I will be casting mostly from a boat.

Thanks,

Tony

A few years ago I might have said no advantage to the 8 footer in freshwater, but now I'm not so sure. On a rod that light you could cast further if that's important to you. Other than that it would depend on the technique you plan to use and whether that length is going to work for that technique.

You will certainly have more leverage with a seven footer. However, with an eight footer you have more rod to clear the boat or the motor assuming you have a big fish on and it decides to swim around or under your boat.

I asked that question to a couple musky anglers. A year ago it was 8' rods did the job. Now 9' I asked if this a fad thing or what and they said that when you have a follow you can do wide figure eights with the longer rod. And like Ellis said if the fish goes under the boat you have the advantage to get around the boat. Just thought I would add my 2 cents. As a Bass angler you want leverage to get them out of the thick stuff.

Lone Wolf Rods
"Keep your powder dry and your lines wet"
God Bless

My favorite top water rod is built on an 8' blank.
Makes long casts with less energy needed.
Next one will be either 81/2' or 9' long, same reason, longer casts with less effort.

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

Ron -

Did you build it as a casting rod or spinning rod?

If you built as a casting rod, did you use spiral wrap or guides on top?

Thanks,

Tony

When spey fishing I use a 13-14' rod so moving to an 8' rod in the boat for the summer seems almost short. It is all about your comfort zone. I have no issue rocking an 8 or 9' rod on the boat, though it is a little easier without the kids on it for obvious reasons! leverage, casting and a multitide of other factors all go into it boils down to what you feel is important and what you are comfortable with.

The current top water rod is a spinner, using 6# or 8# test line for smaller lures.
Our lakes do not have much cover, and the fish tend to be line shy.
Some of the biggest fish come on lures in the 3-4" range, the prevelant size of Shad in our area.
I usually use a 7' in casting style, and have both "all on top" and "turnover" style,
I feel they are a little lighter and long casts are not as important when fishing other than shallow or topwater.
The water here is very clear and the longer casts are a big advantage when the fish are "on top"
All of my trolling and live bait rods are "turnover".

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381