Shopping for a fishing rod will not offer you a one-size-fits-all solution. Before investing in a quality rod that you will enjoy for years to come, be sure it is the right one for your needs. A longer rod will have a completely different purpose than a shorter rod, and there are many factors you might not even be aware of that will change the entire sport for you.

When is a longer fishing rod better? A longer fishing rod is preferred when you need to cast heavier lures and baits while also casting the line further distances. A shorter fishing rod may be better suited to lighter lures and casting shorter distances.

We want you one step closer to catching your dream trophy-fish, and that will require some quick reading to become a genuine fishing-expert. Everything worthwhile takes some self-education to use your tools to their highest capabilities and get the most out of them for years to come. Use this guide to be your comprehensive look at everything from rod length, how to shop, comparing action ranges, and even some recommendations for each rod type!

When A Longer Fishing Rod is Better and When It Isn’t

When referring to the length of the rod, it is measured from the tip of the rod to the butt, including the handle grips.

Most rods are between 6 feet to 12 feet but will range from 4 feet all the way up to 15 feet! There are major differences between each fishing rod that can make or break your fishing trip.

You will need to consider factors such as:

Where you are fishing (freshwater, saltwater, near rocks or trees that could catch your line, or in open waters)
The depths you are fishing in
What you are seeking to hunt, catch, and eat

The length of your rod, as measured from tip to base of handle will absolutely impact the fluidity and success of your casting ability. A fisherman is only as good as his tools, even if those tools are his hands, so being ill-prepared can set you up for failure from the start.

Having the right fishing rod will make a difference in how many fish you will catch, but also the ease at which you will be able to reel them in.

What You Need to Know for Each Rod Length

In general, the core basics you need to know and understand are that –

Longer Rods are better for:

Casting longer distances/ open waters
If your casts usually require two hands
Luring heavier bait (instead of using worms you may use a small fish)
If you’re trying to catch larger fish (like freshwater fish: Salmon, Walleye, Whitefish, Bass, or Carp)
If you’re fishing at deeper depths
Moving the line quicker
Speed

Shorter rods are better for:

Casting shorter distances
Tight quarters
If there is vegetation, lush trees, or branches around that will tangle your rod or line
If you can usually cast with one hand
Luring smaller bait
Shallower waters like a creek, canal, or stream
Fishing off of a dock
Fighting the fish in close combat. Perhaps you need to be up-close in a boat to the fish and reel him in a shorter distance. A longer rod may hinder your ability to do this if you are working a river or shallow waters.

A larger rod will be able to reach its target with less effort required than a smaller rod, so if you are out on open waters and catching medium to large-sized fish, we highly recommend that you use a longer rod.

If you are fishing along the Amazon for the Tucanare Peacock Bass or a close-combat fish, you absolutely need a short rod.

What Impacts Your Rod?

The major things that impact your rod quality and capabilities are:

The Rod Length – With rod lengths varying from 4 foot 6 inches, all the way up to 15 feet in some cases – there are some huge differences in these products that will alter their capabilities.
Casting versus spinning – related to length.
Materials – modern rods are usually made of fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastic, wood, or metal.
Weight – this will influence the strength of your line and what type of line you require. It will also influence what kind of lure you can use.
Guides – these are the metal or ceramic rings that the line slides through. The line starts through the reel (what you wind up) then the line moves through the guides, which loop in circles around the rod, coming out the end towards the ocean. The guides keep everything connected and make the fishing rod functional, and a longer fishing rod will typically have more guides.
Taper – the diameter of your grip or the butt of the rod. The taper influences the action (bend) of the rod because the thickest part at the bottom will offer thin or strong support.
The Action (flexibility)– this is the bend of your rod. A longer rod will usually have a larger bend that is nearer to the tip of the rod, while a shorter rod may have a bend which sits in the middle.

The sizes for the action which are listed on the side of each rod, usually engrained or embossed in a small font will specify an action of:

Ultra-Light
Light
Medium Light
Medium
Medium-Heavy
Heavy
Extra-Heavy

Rod Power – similarly to the action, it is measured and quantified for each rod. The rod power can be more about the strength of the line as it concerns how much weight the rod can lift (only possible with the line). Written on the side oftentimes, the power will range from:
- Light
- Medium
- Heavy

2 Major Types – Casting Rods Vs. Spinning Rods

This is another major influence in your rod-shopping process that will influence the size is the type of rod it is.

Casting Fishing Rods (see on Amazon) – these rods will usually have a larger trigger which means it can offer more precision and accuracy as you cast them. They are usually the larger rods of the two classifications.

You can get a spin-casting model or baitcasting for lighter weight fishing. If you are using a larger rod and looking for a heavier catch such as marlin, you may consider a trolling rod. These are commonly used for deep-sea fishing.

Another key difference is that the casting rods will have a smaller lead guide where the line goes through, leading into the reel.

Spinning Fishing Rods – this category will usually host smaller and shorter fishing rods for freshwater and shallow purposes. It will have a larger lead guide but won’t usually have a trigger button because you have more control over a shorter rod.

These are recommended for beginners and when you want a lightweight rod.

Choosing between these two options will be your best starting place to determine the right rod to get the most out of your bait!

How Action (Bend) and Rod Length Work Together

Where it bends will also be an impactful factor, meaning where you pull the tip down, notice where the curve occurs on the rod.

The action is similar to the rod’s power, which is related to the taper, so truly, it all works together in a fluid connectedness, all of which are impacted by length.

Some common possibilities to keep in mind while shopping are:

If you have a rod with fast-action (basically a fast reaction time), it will bend in the top half or third of the rod when you pull the tip of the rod downwards.
If you are hunting bass or a larger fish, you will need a medium to a long-length rod (8-12-foot rod) with an action of at least Medium-Light.
If you pull the tip of the rod downwards and it all seems to bend evenly, or with slow reaction time, this is called ‘parabolic.’ This comes from the word ‘parabola’ and refers to the curve of two points. This is more of a ‘C’ curve that is slower to cast out.
If you have a longer rod, you want the curve as a ‘J’ in the bottom half, which will be faster to cast out.

Think of it this way – if you need to cast a far distance, you need a long rod and fast action. If you want to cast a short distance, you need a shorter rod and slower action.

How to Read the ‘Action’ on the Rod

Your action, rod length, and power range will be written on the side of the rod, often engraved or carved into it in small font:

It will look something like this:

MDO10292 (model) | 6’6” (measurement) | Action: Medium | Power: Heavy

The action ranges with the appropriate fish that you’ll be hunting are:

Ultra-light: fishing for bait and tiny fish
Light: fishing for Drums
Medium-Light: fishing for Bass or Trout
Medium: fishing for Catfish or Redfish
Medium-Heavy: fishing for Salmon or Pikes
Heavy: fishing for Salmon or Tuna
Extra-Heavy: fishing for sharks, barracudas, or spearfish

If you want a strong support near the base at the point that the grip meets the rod, you will need a stronger and thicker spine of the rod, which will require a Heavy-Action.

Your bait/lure will also impact the action. This is because if it’s too weak, it won’t be able to hook that fish securely enough to reel it above the surface.

Aim for at least a medium-action rod as this will balance with the length that you’re casting and add some distance to your cast. It will also help you with a variety of fish types and bait weights.

Now that you understand how action, power, and the rod’s length all work together, you understand that a rod’s length is not the only thing impacting your technique.

Measuring the amount of influence that the length has outside of all of these other factors, does a longer rod really make you a better fisherman? Another common question that is asked by new and expert fisherman alike is the century-old debate –

Debate – Do Longer Rods Offer Improved Casting?

Many people are led to believe that a longer fishing rod will offer the best casting possible.

This is true and not true. Yes, a longer rod is better if you are utilizing it for the purposes listed above, such as open waters and larger fish. And no, it is not the right choice if you are in shallow waters or casting in intimate distances.

The reason it goes further is because the tip of it is able to reach higher speeds when being cast. This speed and lack of friction working against the tip of the fishing rod allow it to reach further distances with greater ease.

In this way, the longer rod will offer you a mechanical advantage in many situations that are certainly preferable to many fisherman. Everyone wants a great cast with the least amount of effort, but a longer rod won’t always get you there.

What Rod Length is Best for Beginners?

If you are a novice to the sport, I wouldn’t recommend investing in the 15-foot beauty right out the gate.

If the rod is twice the size of your body and you’re new to the sport, it won’t feel as simple as it should.

The recommended size for a beginner is around 7-10 feet (7 being the recommendation, 10 being the furthest you should take it if you are seeking a very large rod or if you are considerably taller than the average fisherman).

Using a rod longer than the recommended may throw off your entire ability to work up to an optimal size or overcomplicate the process. Baby steps will get you the results you want, so start small and work your way up.

Keeping it around 7-10 feet will allow you to balance out the cast, aim it, and control the cast more easily.

Understanding Guides with Different Rod Lengths

The reason you should care about guides is because they will add more or less friction to the line.

If your line has high friction, it will not go as far. Less friction results in a casted line that goes further with less effort and less heat. This is good! This is what you want! Heat will slow your roll and impact the reeling-in process as well.

By using the wrong rod length for the fish, such as when you use a tiny rod try to catch 30+-pound fish, your guides are much more likely to break, especially if made of stainless steel.

These can be annoying to repair repeatedly, so you will want to know that the guide material that is best suited to the weight of the fish you are fishing for, as well as being suited to the rod you are using. If you’re planning to fish for heavy fish, you absolutely need to read about your guides or suffer many repairs and failed days on the water.

Everything needs to be balanced like a beautiful symphony, and if one note is off, the audience will notice. In your case, if one design-aspect of the rod is faulty, you will suffer the empty-handed results.

In the modern age of consumerism, most rods are made to support their proper guide type. But spending more might make a difference. A cheaper rod might be made of plastic and alumni materials that will deteriorate much faster than a quality-rod.

Keep in mind that the more guides on a rod, the better usually. It will cast more smoothly, but it may cost more than a rod with fewer guides attached. The extra guides will be worth a few more pennies for the action flexibility alone, making your rod much more optimally bendable.

If you are unsure how many guides you need for the fish you wish to catch or the rod you are using – ask a professional salesclerk at a fishing store or bait shop. They will be able to steer you in the right direction, or you can check forums for that fish-type online.

Fishing Rod Recommendations

As a real lover of fishing, you should probably have a few different rods for a few different purposes!

Get yourself one of each, but here are a few recommendations based on top-ratings and verified reviews for both long and short-length fishing rods:

Long Fishing Rods (Over 8 feet)

BERRYPRO Surf Spinning Fishing Rod Graphite Spinning Rod 9-13 feet (see price on Amazon) – Besides the fact that you’re given a range of large sizes from 9 to 13’3”, some of the key features of this include 36-ton X-carbon technology which will allow your moves to offer greater impact with less force. With a good rod, the movement will translate naturally through the rod and you won’t have that feeling like when a video game robs you. This high performing rod offers a strong reel-seat, low friction on the guides and line, A fast-action and great line weight. Along with a 5-star rating and price under $75, It’s a hot commodity in the long-fishing rod pool.
Fiblink 4-piece Spinning Carbon Fiber Travel Rod 10-15Ft (link to Amazon) – another with options in size and price, this is a sensitive model that will offer great transitions in movement. There’s also a one-year warranty attached to this one. So if you are unsure about committing, this gives you the freedom of low-risk. If you hate it, simply return it. But the positive reviews may indicate it is a quality worth holding on to.
Daiwa Beefstick Surf Rod 12Ft Medium-Heavy XF (check out on Amazon) – the perfect price and the perfect starter long-rod. It’s a bit longer than the recommended length we discussed for a beginner, but with its sleek design, budget-friendly price tag, and top-ratings, it’s a rare gem. Reviewers mention it is well built for surf and has great flexibility.

Short Fishing Rods (Under 10 Feet)

The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 (click to see on Amazon) – Between 4’8” at Ultra-light action and 7” in ultra-light to medium-heavy, you are awarded a beautiful amount of options and possibilities for action as well as length. Shakespeare is a very reputable brand that has a reputation of excellence, something of importance when you want to trust a new investment. This is a great rod to get started in a highly-vegetative or narrow creek, without breaking the bank.
Zebco Dock Demon Spinning Reel Combo (Amazon link) – At a price under $20 and one-day delivery, there’s really nothing to lose by purchasing this Zebco short rod that holds a 4-star review out of over 200 ratings.

It features a 6-pound capability in line weight that comes pre-spooled for you (a real blessing if you’re new to reeling the line) as well as a line that stretches out to 135 yards. As a newbie, this is a dream rod for the budget price. Practice with this one, and you’ll know what qualities to look for in a longer or more expensive rod.

Lew’s Fishing Mach Crush Speed SLP Combo (see on Amazon) – if you already know you love fishing and want a top-quality short rod, I would recommend this Lew’s Crush Speed with 32mm spool, a 10-bearing system which will offer you control at a variety of catches/environments/winds, and all the bells and whistles! The power is Medium-Heavy with a line that reaches 110 yards.

This is what a high-quality rod feels like, and you will feel the difference.

Is More Expensive Really Better?

This is a commonly asked question regarding shoppers or first-time-rod purchasers.

Let’s be honest–you usually get what you pay for. If you are serious and want a quality rod, I wouldn’t recommend choosing the cheapest option you can find. But don’t go crazy until you are fully committed and enamored with the sport.

Investing in a fishing rod can cost you $50 or $500, but which of the two do you think will last you longer?

The $50 rod may last you for years and be the perfect option to get you started! I am not trying to bash the $50 rod. Because any fishing rod is better than none!

Don’t get hung up on finding the perfect one. Get out to the water where you belong and just start.

The major point that answers everyone’s question regarding price is that – the expensive rod will not catch you more fish. That is completely dependent on your natural skill as a fisherman.

Only you can bring home the bacon, or the scales in this case, but having the right tool for the job certainly simplifies things.

Bait Needed for Longer Fishing Rods

If you are going to select a longer fishing rod (above 8 feet and up to 15 feet), you will need a larger variety of bait to make it worth your while!

A 30-pound bass doesn’t want a worm. He wants a tasty meal! Some freshwater favorite-bait (that will be best when using a larger rod to catch larger fish) are:

Mud Minnows
Fatheads
Chubs (Creek Chubs, Retailed Chubs)
Shiners (Common or Golden)
Crayfish
Suckers
Insects
Shrimp (yes, freshwater fish like a shrimp)
Mussels (You should use freshwater breeds of mussels or clam, not ocean-water)

The best bait to use for catching large fish with a large rod in saltwater environments are:

Mullets
Sardines
Ballyhoo
Herrings
Eels
Pilchards
Menhadens

Final Tips & Takeaways for Rod Shopping

When shopping for the right rod for your needs, remember the key highlights and takeaways of:

If you’re fishing in a lush or forested fishing hole, you will not need a long fishing rod, and it will only get in your way.
If you are on open waters in the ocean, fishing for large catches – purchase the long fishing rod (between 8-15 feet).
If you are on narrow rivers fighting catfish in close proximity – purchase the short fishing rod (between 5 to 10 feet).
That 8 to the 10-foot range is debatable and can be considered a medium-length rod that falls into both categories, depending on who you ask.
If you want to eat a hefty dinner off of a single catch – purchase a long fishing rod.
If you are just fishing off of your dock – purchase a short fishing rod.
If you are a novice to the sport and don’t want to slow your development by starting with too large of a rod for your level, keep it conservative at around 6-8 feet for your first rod. Work your way up when you are comfortable with this length.

The more you practice and get a feel for the hobby/sport (another debate), you will understand what rod is right for you. No one can tell you precisely because we all have different body types, muscular abilities, and athleticism.

Try a few out in the store and experiment with cheaper models before you invest in the real deal.

Fishing is about being out on the peaceful waters and savoring the present moment. Henry David Thoreau said it best in stating, “Everyone should believe in something. I believe I’ll go fishing.”