6-1/2 foot rod for kayak?

[Gigmaster]

I know I will probably get ragged for this, but when I am fishing from my kayaks, I seem to have a lot less trouble casting my 6-1/2 foot 5 wt., rather than my longer 8-1/2 and 9-foot rods. I can't reach the end of the longer ones to untangle line, check my leader, etc.... without almost sticking my reel in the water. The 6-1/2' rod also seems easier to cast sitting down. Is there anything wrong with using a 6-1/2 footer in the yak?

[sagefisher]

Gigmaster,

Whatever floats your boat (sorry, couldn't resist that).

If you like using a short rod, do it.

Personally I stick with my monger rods when my rear is level with the water, but that is my choice.

The main thing is, you are out on the water.

Larry ---sagefisher---

[Utah David]

I'll second that.

"My way" is the "right way", and everyone else can say the same thing. (And be speaking the truth.)

---David

[PA Dave]

If it works, why not? I always laugh when people tell me you have to use a longer rod with a kayak because you are so low to the water. I figure I'm no lower than if I was wading.

[NewTyer 1]

I used to use a 7-1/2' Phillipson "Master" from my float tube and never had a problem other than not know how to cast at the time but, I sure looked the part. If it works for you, do it. You don't have to be a conformist.

[Gigmaster]

Thanks everybody. I feel much better now. I was afraid I was turning into an angling weirdo, or something.

[bowfin47]

... Is there anything wrong with using a 6-1/2 footer in the yak?

"Rod Police" ?

[allen]

All I use now are a 6'6" Elkhorn 3wt, 7'10" 6wt and 7'10" 8wt off my yak. Keeping my eyes open for a 7'10" 10wt (last two are Redington Preditors). I find them much easier to control and less high sticking when bringing fish boatside.

[Gigmaster]

Yeah. That was another problem I had with the long rods....boating fish. Another issue I had with long rods is that I often kayak rivers, and there are a lot of low trees sometimes. Shorter rods are easier (for me, anyway) to roll cast, when necessary.

All I use now are a 6'6" Elkhorn 3wt, 7'10" 6wt and 7'10" 8wt off my yak. Keeping my eyes open for a 7'10" 10wt (last two are Redington Preditors). I find them much easier to control and less high sticking when bringing fish boatside.

[tailingloop]

I much prefer shorter rods when fishing from a tube or yak. Landing fish is often easier and shorter rods are better levers for the angler. There isn't any casting disadvantage in most situations. Most anglers who have borrowed one of my shot rods have ended up buying one or two for themselves.