My ideal rod is a 10.5 footer. I do mostly fish saltwater but I have a couple 10.5 foot six weights that I will use for the freshwater trout. I would love to be able to get a hold of a 10.5 three or four weight though. Length over 10.5 feet does get a little bit cumbersome for one hand, I had an 11 foot six weight and although I liked it, I didn't replace it when I broke it.

I like the way a longer rod feels and although it is a bit heavier than a shorter rod I find it more effortless to cast, you get a little bit more tip speed. A heavier reel takes away some of the tip heaviness feeling. I like the reach that a longer rod gives once the line is on the water. The longer reach means I can pick up more line and move it farther for a mend. The reach also keeps my casts up a little higher and to pick up a longer line off the water for the next cast. It also gives me a bit more flexibility for better roll and change of direction casts.