Longer Jerkbait Rod?

[gus666]

Was fishing out a boat wi a couple of guys 2 weeks ago and they both were using 2 piece jerkbait rods around 7-8 feet long.
I was using a 6ft rod and they were definitely getting a further cast than me. But the downside for me is the longer rod tip hitting the water on a retrieve of some lures.
There was no casting deck on the boat so they couldn't avoid this.
What's everyone's view and any recommendations for a longer rod? The guys were using Westin rods around the £350 mark but I'm not prepared to pay that!

[Stewlaws]

I had a 6'6 that I threw slightly bigger lures with Gus, went back to 8ft and the action was much nicer and didn't feel so stiff, not a lover of short rods.. however I'm bankside not boat.
Greys rods for most of my lure fishing... nothing fancy but does the job...

[Chico 48 PAC]

Rod length is very obviously situation dependent. The Americans who fish from boats 3'-4' above the water probably set the trend for longer jerkbait rods, that has continued into Europe. Using a longer rod from a flat bank would be disadvantageous over a shorter rod and visa versa. Distance isn't always everything. Take a well balanced jerkbait that you can chuck 50 yards and it behaves exactly how you wish then chuck it 70 yards and it will not, you will have and extra 20 yards of wet braid adding drag and weight to the bait, the action of the bait will not be the same. Use what suits the situation, your needs and style.

[andrew_nagel]

Longer rods seem to have been introduced together with the trend towards soft swimbaits that just need to be cranked back and not worked. Of course anglers will still fish jerks off them. The extra casting distance can be an advantage if you're fishing deeper lures so as to have the lure down at the desired length that bit longer. I use 7´Axioms for all my lure casting. If I feel I need more distance I move the boat closer, if I want the lure to stay deeper longer I fish a heavier/bigger lipped lure that doesn't begin to rise towards the boat as quickly. It's always a compromise if you don't want dedicated rods for particular lure types.

[Steve Dennington]

Was fishing out a boat wi a couple of guys 2 weeks ago and they both were using 2 piece jerkbait rods around 7-8 feet long.
I was using a 6ft rod and they were definitely getting a further cast than me. But the downside for me is the longer rod tip hitting the water on a retrieve of some lures.
There was no casting deck on the boat so they couldn't avoid this.
What's everyone's view and any recommendations for a longer rod? The guys were using Westin rods around the £350 mark but I'm not prepared to pay that!

I like using longer rods. Most of mine are 7ft+ now and it's easy enough to make your inputs to the side, but does take a bit of getting used to. I have an 8ft Loomis musky rod and am nearly done building a 9ft Xzoga for launching big lures (6-12oz sort of size). I think it's going to need a bit of weight in the butt end for balance though, or it's going to end up pretty tip heavy. We'll see...

[andrew_nagel]

I'll add that a big advantage of shorter rods comes when boating or landing fish by hand. I fish alone mostly so I have to bring the fish to myself and shorter rods does this MUCH better. I try to hand-land fish as much as possible, avoid netting where possible.

[DaveGreenwood]

Been using 7 ft + rods for Jerkbaiting and general lures for years from boat and bank, cast further and better control, I never got on with short rods

[CraigG]

Was fishing out a boat wi a couple of guys 2 weeks ago and they both were using 2 piece jerkbait rods around 7-8 feet long.
I was using a 6ft rod and they were definitely getting a further cast than me. But the downside for me is the longer rod tip hitting the water on a retrieve of some lures.
There was no casting deck on the boat so they couldn't avoid this.
What's everyone's view and any recommendations for a longer rod? The guys were using Westin rods around the £350 mark but I'm not prepared to pay that!

Hey Gus, like people have already highlighted, casting distance is a bonus but the main pros for me are line pick up on the strike and reduced fatigue from casting.

As for working these rods, you don't need to impart the action in jerks with a downward motion, you can do it by tapping the rod to the side.

I prefer rods in the 7"6 to 8' 6" range for most lure applications. I also differ slightly as I don't use the trigger grip, I hold the rod by the cork handle that is located in front of the reel for better striking control and grip.

[gus666]

Was fishing out a boat wi a couple of guys 2 weeks ago and they both were using 2 piece jerkbait rods around 7-8 feet long.
I was using a 6ft rod and they were definitely getting a further cast than me. But the downside for me is the longer rod tip hitting the water on a retrieve of some lures.
There was no casting deck on the boat so they couldn't avoid this.
What's everyone's view and any recommendations for a longer rod? The guys were using Westin rods around the £350 mark but I'm not prepared to pay that!

Hey Gus, like people have already highlighted, casting distance is a bonus but the main pros for me are line pick up on the strike and reduced fatigue from casting.

As for working these rods, you don't need to impart the action in jerks with a downward motion, you can do it by tapping the rod to the side.

I prefer rods in the 7"6 to 8' 6" range for most lure applications. I also differ slightly as I don't use the trigger grip, I hold the rod by the cork handle that is located in front of the reel for better striking control and grip.

Thanks Craig!

[gus666]

This is all very interesting guys, thanks for all the replies.
I think I'll get a longer rod and also keep the 6ft one I've got. Take both when I go.

[Jimk2]

About 5 years back Gus, I was partnered with a random guy on a lure day at Menteith.
I had the 6' sledgehammer with a double handled 6501 C3.
Chucking lures about as you do, my boat partner had an 8' western rod similar reel with the power handle.
He gave me a go, it was effortless, much easier to cast further and retrieve.
Sometimes it takes fishing with other anglers to get new ideas.

[gus666]

About 5 years back Gus, I was partnered with a random guy on a lure day at Menteith.
I had the 6' sledgehammer with a double handled 6501 C3.
Chucking lures about as you do, my boat partner had an 8' western rod similar reel with the power handle.
He gave me a go, it was effortless, much easier to cast further and retrieve.
Sometimes it takes fishing with other anglers to get new ideas.

That's what's happened here Jim. I've not lure fished seriously for pike for years and I think techniques/tackle/tactics have left me behind!
I'd been thinking about getting rid of my 6501 C3 as well, and after having a go with their Daiwa Tatula low profile reel I'm going to bite the bullet and go for the longer rod and the Daiwa reel.
The plus side was that the guys were blagging nearly every lure off me coz they were all so good looking in the water, so I'm OK for the lures I feel!
I think I'll keep the 6' rod and 6501 for trolling though.

[Jimk2]

About 5 years back Gus, I was partnered with a random guy on a lure day at Menteith.
I had the 6' sledgehammer with a double handled 6501 C3.
Chucking lures about as you do, my boat partner had an 8' western rod similar reel with the power handle.
He gave me a go, it was effortless, much easier to cast further and retrieve.
Sometimes it takes fishing with other anglers to get new ideas.

That's what's happened here Jim. I've not lure fished seriously for pike for years and I think techniques/tackle/tactics have left me behind!
I'd been thinking about getting rid of my 6501 C3 as well, and after having a go with their Daiwa Tatula low profile reel I'm going to bite the bullet and go for the longer rod and the Daiwa reel.
The plus side was that the guys were blagging nearly every lure off me coz they were all so good looking in the water, so I'm OK for the lures I feel!
I think I'll keep the 6' rod and 6501 for trolling though.

You're probably right there mate and that'll account for me too. I'm not doing half as much lure fishing as I used to. Mostly just dead baiting from the bank.
The other thing is when you fish with the same person you tend to morph together with gear. You end up with all the same stuff and don't change.

[gus666]

About 5 years back Gus, I was partnered with a random guy on a lure day at Menteith.
I had the 6' sledgehammer with a double handled 6501 C3.
Chucking lures about as you do, my boat partner had an 8' western rod similar reel with the power handle.
He gave me a go, it was effortless, much easier to cast further and retrieve.
Sometimes it takes fishing with other anglers to get new ideas.

That's what's happened here Jim. I've not lure fished seriously for pike for years and I think techniques/tackle/tactics have left me behind!
I'd been thinking about getting rid of my 6501 C3 as well, and after having a go with their Daiwa Tatula low profile reel I'm going to bite the bullet and go for the longer rod and the Daiwa reel.
The plus side was that the guys were blagging nearly every lure off me coz they were all so good looking in the water, so I'm OK for the lures I feel!
I think I'll keep the 6' rod and 6501 for trolling though.

You're probably right there mate and that'll account for me too. I'm not doing half as much lure fishing as I used to. Mostly just dead baiting from the bank.
The other thing is when you fish with the same person you tend to morph together with gear. You end up with all the same stuff and don't change.

It looks like that this time again! I'm copying their rods n reels and their copying ma lures!
I'm terrible when fishing wi Rab Russell-he buys some great stuff and I've always got to get it! But he could have a shoebox wi dogshiite in it, and if it's got a picture of a perch on the lid then I'd go and get one!

[Jimk2]

About 5 years back Gus, I was partnered with a random guy on a lure day at Menteith.
I had the 6' sledgehammer with a double handled 6501 C3.
Chucking lures about as you do, my boat partner had an 8' western rod similar reel with the power handle.
He gave me a go, it was effortless, much easier to cast further and retrieve.
Sometimes it takes fishing with other anglers to get new ideas.

That's what's happened here Jim. I've not lure fished seriously for pike for years and I think techniques/tackle/tactics have left me behind!
I'd been thinking about getting rid of my 6501 C3 as well, and after having a go with their Daiwa Tatula low profile reel I'm going to bite the bullet and go for the longer rod and the Daiwa reel.
The plus side was that the guys were blagging nearly every lure off me coz they were all so good looking in the water, so I'm OK for the lures I feel!
I think I'll keep the 6' rod and 6501 for trolling though.

You're probably right there mate and that'll account for me too. I'm not doing half as much lure fishing as I used to. Mostly just dead baiting from the bank.
The other thing is when you fish with the same person you tend to morph together with gear. You end up with all the same stuff and don't change.

It looks like that this time again! I'm copying their rods n reels and their copying ma lures!
I'm terrible when fishing wi Rab Russell-he buys some great stuff and I've always got to get it! But he could have a shoebox wi dogshiite in it, and if it's got a picture of a perch on the lid then I'd go and get one!

That's it mate, they might have all the gear but they won't top out lure collection

[gus666]

About 5 years back Gus, I was partnered with a random guy on a lure day at Menteith.
I had the 6' sledgehammer with a double handled 6501 C3.
Chucking lures about as you do, my boat partner had an 8' western rod similar reel with the power handle.
He gave me a go, it was effortless, much easier to cast further and retrieve.
Sometimes it takes fishing with other anglers to get new ideas.

That's what's happened here Jim. I've not lure fished seriously for pike for years and I think techniques/tackle/tactics have left me behind!
I'd been thinking about getting rid of my 6501 C3 as well, and after having a go with their Daiwa Tatula low profile reel I'm going to bite the bullet and go for the longer rod and the Daiwa reel.
The plus side was that the guys were blagging nearly every lure off me coz they were all so good looking in the water, so I'm OK for the lures I feel!
I think I'll keep the 6' rod and 6501 for trolling though.

You're probably right there mate and that'll account for me too. I'm not doing half as much lure fishing as I used to. Mostly just dead baiting from the bank.
The other thing is when you fish with the same person you tend to morph together with gear. You end up with all the same stuff and don't change.

It looks like that this time again! I'm copying their rods n reels and their copying ma lures!
I'm terrible when fishing wi Rab Russell-he buys some great stuff and I've always got to get it! But he could have a shoebox wi dogshiite in it, and if it's got a picture of a perch on the lid then I'd go and get one!

That's it mate, they might have all the gear but they won't top out lure collection

Good Lures might go out of fashion mate, but they'll always be good lures!

[Mark Phillips]

Been using 7 ft + rods for Jerkbaiting and general lures for years from boat and bank, cast further and better control, I never got on with short rods

Same here. My most used rods for fishing jerk baits are all 8ft or 9ft, rated 90 to 150g. I totally get the benefit of a shorter rod for the method, but with modern jerk baits, you can just work them with spin stops if you want to and as you say, cast further, so you catch more fish. I've kept my shorter rods for trolling, so they still have a use.