No doubt some use a longer than rod length line as Mr. KaBoom, etal have indicated for various situations. For me, a rod length for smaller streams has worked best for me plus that was the way I was shown by very experienced trout guides at the local shop. Didn't seem to foul nearly as much either as when using a longer length of level line. At least for me. Now that I've relocated to the panhandle of FL, I will no doubt try some longer lengths for bream. Will help me fit in with the cane polers as well as the collapsible bream poles used around here. Not sure if I will find a use in the salt for it though.