I use my fly rod as my quickie measuring stick. From the base of the reel seat to the end of he cork handle on most of my rods measures 11' - With the heavier wt rods with the fighting butt 12". Should I ever get into anything larger/longer I'll see where it's nose ends up further up-rod and then I'll measure the rod later in camp. Of course, if the fish is longer then then the reel seat to the end of the cork handle, I'm subject to add a couple of inches later on when I'm telling the story.