Fishing rods are very personal and user dependent. However, one of the most overlooked things in a fishing rod is the rod length.
Of course materials and others are important. But the rod length plays a huge role here.
You might want to ask,” Which length should I pick between 6’6 vs 7’ rod?”
For starters, 6’6 rods are for shorter persons who are below 6 feet in height. Also, they offer more accuracy and easy fitting for all heights. However, they lack the distance coverage and leverage of a 7’ fishing rod. But, do keep in mind that, 7’ rods are particularly fitted for tall people.
That will be the summary of the topic. Stick along to know about the in-depth comparison. Hopefully, it will help with your decision-making.
Let’s begin.
6’6 Vs 7′ Rod: Quick Comparison
Before we start the battle of the rods, let’s look at this table for a clear view.
Aspect | 6’6’ Fishing Rod | 7’ Fishing Rod |
Accuracy | More | Relatively Less |
Distance | Less Coverage | More Coverage |
Leverage | Less | More |
Comfort | Easy Fit | Little Difficulty |
Now, let’s jump into the head-on battle.
6’6 Vs 7′ Rod: Detailed Comparison
To each his own when it comes to fishing rods. When fishing, most people pay attention to the motion and construction of their rods.
That’s a good start, but it won’t suffice. The length of the rods must be taken into account as well.
There’s no denying the significance of rod materials. A fishing rod’s length is an essential but often overlooked factor.
However, picking the right fishing rod length can be as confusing as choosing between Fluval 407 and 406.
Worry not, we have compared the major key aspects to make things easier for you. Hopefully, this will clear out all confusion.
Accuracy
Basically, casting accuracy improves with shorter rods. But this happens only up to a certain point and not over very far distances.
A rod that is shorter is easier to handle and move around with. Less effort is needed to move it and flex it for the cast except for heavy-action models.
When casting short distances with precision, a rod that is 6 feet or fewer in length is recommended.
It’s best to use a long rod more than 7 feet when pinpoint precision isn’t absolutely necessary. Shorter fishing rods excel in murky or muddy water.
They are also good in circumstances with high cover, where pinpoint precision is essential.
Distance
Casting great distances is significantly simpler with a longer rod. Your rod should be at least 7 feet long and the reel should be smooth.
Your line should have a tiny diameter if a 40-yard cast is large. deep-diving crankbait like the Berkley Dredger is essential to your catch.
Keep in mind that as you increase your distance, your accuracy will decrease.
When the water is clear, the fishing pressure is great. Otherwise, you will need some extra depth from a crankbait. Here, big casts and long poles are the way to go.
However, no one is as accurate at 120 feet as they are at 30 feet.
Leverage
More leverage can be attained using longer, heavier action rods as opposed to their shorter, lighter counterparts.
A longer rod may move more lines faster than a shorter rod. A heavy-action rod loses less energy because it flexes less than a softer rod. Both of which are particularly important on the hook-set.
Keeping the tension on a hooked fish is sometimes more critical than hook penetration. Thus, a long rod with a mild or medium action is frequently preferable for treble-hooked baits.
In this case, the action usually outweighs rod length. A sledgehammer hookset with a long, heavy-action rod can be useful.
Especially, for driving a single hook deep into the jaw of lunker bass. Even while flipping, pitching, or fishing with a plastic worm or jig.
However, a light rod action is typically more important than a powerful hookset. This is for holding a fish on the line when casting a crankbait. This is also applicable for jerk bait with numerous treble hooks.
So, once a fish is on the line, a longer rod is usually preferable.
Comfort
This is where the question of rod length becomes deeply personal. You must be completely forthright with yourself.
There’s no guarantee that an 8-foot pitching rod is the best choice. Just because it was suggested by your local bass pro shop, it may not suit you.
The expert might be 6-foot-four and as powerful in the upper body as an NFL linebacker. Otherwise, you might face problems like the Ranger RT-178.
Perhaps you’ve lost some muscle mass and height and now have a height lower than 6 feet. Be selective when picking a rod.
If you’re tall, you can probably use a longer rod than someone who is shorter.
Most bass fishermen won’t have any trouble with a 7-foot rod. Whether it’s a Flippin’ and pitchin’ rod, a deep crankin’ rod, or something else entirely.
If you’re short of stature, you may have difficulty handling rods longer than 7 feet. Keep to what you know works for you. In the long run, this means more fish for everyone.
So, Which One Is Better?
Both fishing rods are goods and used by amateurs are pros alike. The 6’6” rods have more accuracy than the 7’ rods. Hence, if accuracy is your concern, you should pick the 6’6” one.
However, the 7’ rods have more coverage than the 6’6” ones. These are particularly suitable for open-water fishing. If you intend to do the same, you should pick this one.
In terms of leverage, the 7’ rods outclass the 6’6” rods. They have better handling and control as well. This should be your priority if you want more leverage as a fisherman.
Last but not least, the comfort level depends totally on yourself. You should pick the rod depending on your body structure and height. If you are a tall guy with a fit body, pick the 7’ rods. Otherwise, you should pick the 6’6” rods.
FAQs
What Is A 6’6 Rod Best For?
We recommend looking at our medium or medium-heavy casting rods. They should be between 6’6″ and 7′ in length if you are just getting started. These are all decent all-around type rods. The versatility of these rods means they may be used with a wide variety of bass fishing methods.
What Are Shorter Rods Better For?
When fishing in a tiny creek or a forest area, a short rod is particularly necessary. You should keep in mind that longer rods are more effective for long-distance casting. Consequently, a lengthy rod is unnecessary if you don’t intend to cast a great distance.
How Does Rod Length Affect Piston Speed?
Rod length has no effect on the overall average piston speed. There is a noticeable variation between the two at different stages of the stroke. A shorter rod will get you through the middle of the stroke and top dead center faster. A longer rod will get you through the bottom of the stroke faster.
Conclusion
That will be all on, 6’6 vs 7’ rods. Hopefully, you now know which rod to pick for your purpose.
Do keep in mind that, rod length is as important as any other factor in fishing. You should pick based on your fitting rather than seeing pros.
See you soon.
I’m Cindy, a free-spirited outdoor enthusiast. Since childhood, Our family frequently goes on weekend camps and my father, who was a skilled hunter, used to teach my siblings and me valuable things about wildlife survival. I made this blog to share my knowledge, experiences, and tips.