Use the longer rod for certain. I have three 9 footers myself. Does your canoe have a center seat? Sitting in the center of the canoe will keep the boat stable and provide better control of the track. If you don't have a center seat Old Towne makes a snap in seat and Cabela's sells a folding one. I have the Cabela's folding canoe seat and it's very comfortable. If your canoe has a pointed stern you can sit in the front seat, face the stern, and fish with relative ease.