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Rod Length and accuracy 2024


fishing user avatarflechero reply : 

I see this quote all the time and it's just not usually true. By the way I mean no disrespect to those who have said it, I just think it's misunderstood.

  Quote
shorter rods= better accuracy

Those who claim this usually use shorter rods... but the claimed improvement in accuracy is a result of having used them more, not an actual by product of the tool.

I used to use almost all 6'6" rods and was very accurate with them. I now predominantly use 6'10" and 7' rods and am just as accurate as I was with the shorter rods.

It's what you are used to and use most often that gives the greatest accuracy. I suspect that holds true for *most of you, in *most situations.


fishing user avatarUse ONLY Stren reply : 

Agreed ;D ;D


fishing user avatarLucky Craft Man reply : 

I think what also helps is how well suited the rod is for the lure you are casting.  I feel I am most accurate with my 7'5" rod when I am casting weightless Senkos (it seems to load up perfectly).  Though, if I add a slip weight to the Senko, I feel my accuracy suffers a little (the rod almost loads up too much).


fishing user avatarislandbass reply : 

Well said. I couldn't agree more.

The frequency of using said rod determines accuracy.

Rod length can make certain targets easier to hit which does play a minor role in accuracy, but it still remains in the angler's abilities moreso than the length of the rod.


fishing user avatarlightsout reply : 

agreed.

I seem to release a lure just a little later when casting a shorter rod.


fishing user avatarKoop reply : 

I agree for the most part, though I have a reservation that is most likely just a fault of my own.  I use 6'10-7'6 rods predominantly and always have.  Though when skipping lures I find it MUCH easier to do on a 6' rod (that I normally do not use) than any of the 7'ish rods that I am more experienced using.  Not sure why just seems to have more control.  Though that is the only instance I can think of.


fishing user avatarflechero reply : 

control and skipping are different than accuracy.  You probably skip in close quarters, which would lend itself to a shorter rod...


fishing user avatarKoop reply : 

Yes to skipping in close quarters.  I assumed they were one in the same, accuracy in placing where your skip is to end up.  I suppose that also has to do with the control as well.


fishing user avatarMuddy reply : 

With ya all the way Keith; I tried up to the &'s ( preferance for salt water) Being as I do not like to sit high in a boat I use 6'6", and they suit me fine


fishing user avatarvatech reply : 

I see the point here, but based on pure physics alone the argument fails. Can a person be extremely "accurate" with a shotgun? Yes. Can a person be extremely "inaccurate" with a rifle? Yes. Is a shotgun more accurate than a rifle? No.

I put the word "accurate" in parenthesis because it's an improper use of the word, the correct word would be proficient.

Good topic ;)


fishing user avatarMuddy reply : 

No the word is accurate. I have practiced a lot of hours and can throw a bait, with any of my four rods, into dead center of a small dounut tire at 30 yards. This has been accomplished by a lot of practice and only 2 years at full time bait casting. This is accuracy, not proficiency and with time I am sure I can get better.

This is not great feat compared to some of my regular fishing partners.

I have fished with a few great casters, and have heard them call the spot and put the bait right on it,that is what I call consistent accuracy

Comparing a shotgun to a rifle here is very irrelevant since throwing a bait , one time to a small target does not represent a fire pattern of a shotgun :-?


fishing user avatarvatech reply : 

All my point is, it's the nature of the instrument to be that way (in the rod's case due to physics and in the gun's case it's obviously due to design) and I was trying to demonstrate that with an analogy.

And it sounds to me like you're very proficient at being accurate with all of your rod lengths! ;D


fishing user avatarMaxximus Redneckus reply : 

Close range yup better accuracy... but flippin or pitching does the same thing still hard to flip or pitch DEEP up under a pier or trees though thats where a 5-6 pistol grip rod excels roll casting


fishing user avatarLucky Craft Man reply : 
  Quote
I see the point here, but based on pure physics alone the argument fails. Can a person be extremely "accurate" with a shotgun? Yes. Can a person be extremely "inaccurate" with a rifle? Yes. Is a shotgun more accurate than a rifle? No.

I put the word "accurate" in parenthesis because it's an improper use of the word, the correct word would be proficient.

Good topic ;)

I'll give you a short 5' saltwater trolling rod and I'll take my 7'5" Senko rod and I will predict I will be able to cast more accurately than you would be able to .  I am by no means a great caster, but length alone is not the only variable in casting accuracy.


fishing user avatarKoop reply : 
  Quote

Comparing a shotgun to a rifle here is very irrelevant since throwing a bait , one time to a small target does not represent a fire pattern of a shotgun :-?

It's called chumming!   ;D ;D ;D  ;)


fishing user avatarRoLo reply : 

I'm not sure that the statement: "shorter rod = better accuracy" is left to opinion, I believe it's mechanics.

The fulcrum of every cast is the tiptop guide. The greater the distance between the tiptop guide

and the angler's hand the more magnified his casting error. For instance, a 4-ft rod that's held 1/4" offline,

will be 3/4" offline with a 12-ft rod.

Quite naturally, we all become proficient with the rods we use day-in and day-out.

But all things being equal, and based on physics, the shorter rod is inherently more accurate.

Roger


fishing user avatarvatech reply : 

Bingo! Roger hit the nail on the head.

LuckyCraftMan, I accept your challenge!!!! Bringggg ittttt.


fishing user avatarLucky Craft Man reply : 
  Quote
Bingo! Roger hit the nail on the head.

LuckyCraftMan, I accept your challenge!!!! Bringggg ittttt.

LOL...ok, here are the rules: You get a Shimano Talavera Trolling Rod (5'9" X-Heavy) and a Penn Saltwater Reel. I get a G Loomis GLX BCR893 and a Daiwa Zillion. We will have to cast a weightless senko 80 feet into the center of a tire. Again, I am not the best caster, but I like my chances with a "longer" rod.


fishing user avatarcidgrad96 reply : 
  Quote
  Quote
Bingo! Roger hit the nail on the head.

LuckyCraftMan, I accept your challenge!!!! Bringggg ittttt.

LOL...ok, here are the rules: You get a Shimano Talavera Trooling Rod (5'9" X-Heavy) and a Penn Saltwater Reel. I get a G Loomis GLX BCR893 and a Daiwa Zillion. We will have to cast a weightless senko 80 feet into the center of a tire. Again, I am not the best caster, but I like my chances with a "longer" rod.

There's a couple other things at play on that one. If the rod doesn't load - you aren't going to get it where you want it. You might can, but it's gonna be a whole lot harder. That salt rod isn't going to load. Unfair advantage.

I'm with vatech - you can develop the proficiency to be accurate - with any length rod. I can hand someone a 6' rod or a 7'9" - if they aren't proficient at accuracy, they won't do it with either one.

RoLo is right too. Basic physics regarding levers comes into play.

When you merge RoLo and vatech's comments you get a good picture of what is happening. The average angler is more proficient at keeping the correct angles on a shorter lever - it's easier. Those who practice or are naturally talented can develop a greater proficiency for accuracy with a longer lever/rod.

Compare this to a hammer. Use one with a standard length, say 12". Whack away. Now, go make a hammer with a 2 yard handle and try it... which is easier to be more accurate with until you develop your proficiency?

**No facts to support - just my conclusions and opinions**


fishing user avatarLucky Craft Man reply : 
  Quote
  Quote
  Quote
Bingo! Roger hit the nail on the head.

LuckyCraftMan, I accept your challenge!!!! Bringggg ittttt.

LOL...ok, here are the rules: You get a Shimano Talavera Trooling Rod (5'9" X-Heavy) and a Penn Saltwater Reel. I get a G Loomis GLX BCR893 and a Daiwa Zillion. We will have to cast a weightless senko 80 feet into the center of a tire. Again, I am not the best caster, but I like my chances with a "longer" rod.

There's a couple other things at play on that one. If the rod doesn't load - you aren't going to get it where you want it. You might can, but it's gonna be a whole lot harder. That salt rod isn't going to load. Unfair advantage.

I'm with vatech - you can develop the proficiency to be accurate - with any length rod. I can hand someone a 6' rod or a 7'9" - if they aren't proficient at accuracy, they won't do it with either one.

RoLo is right too. Basic physics regarding levers comes into play.

When you merge RoLo and vatech's comments you get a good picture of what is happening. The average angler is more proficient at keeping the correct angles on a shorter lever - it's easier. Those who practice or are naturally talented can develop a greater proficiency for accuracy with a longer lever/rod.

Compare this to a hammer. Use one with a standard length, say 12". Whack away. Now, go make a hammer with a 2 yard handle and try it... which is easier to be more accurate with until you develop your proficiency?

**No facts to support - just my conclusions and opinions**

The point to my challenge is to show that there is a lot more at play then just rod length when dealing with casting accuracy.  Like you said, the rod has to be matched with the lure you are trying to cast and the weight of the rod I'm sure has a little to do with it.  I do understand Rolo and vatech's point, but that is only a valid argument if you have two rods that are the same weight, same loading characteristics and the skill set is constant.  Therefore, if all those are the same, then I agree, a shorter rod could lead to greater casting accuracy.


fishing user avatarcidgrad96 reply : 

LCM - sorry I didn't pick up on that being your point (I use the i was getting tired excuse on this one)!


fishing user avatarSirSnookalot reply : 

Unreasonable to use a trolling rod as a comparison, it is not intended to be cast.  Only true test is casting the same rod in various lengths.


fishing user avatarLucky Craft Man reply : 
  Quote

The point to my challenge is to show that there is a lot more at play then just rod length when dealing with casting accuracy. Like you said, the rod has to be matched with the lure you are trying to cast and the weight of the rod I'm sure has a little to do with it. I do understand Rolo and vatech's point, but that is only a valid argument if you have two rods that are the same weight, same loading characteristics and the skill set is constant.  Therefore, if all those are the same, then I agree, a shorter rod could lead to greater casting accuracy.

I agree with you SirSnookalot.


fishing user avatarfathom reply : 

all in all, i think this is one of those "indian/arrow" deals.

am just as accurate with an mbr843 (mh/f) as i am with an mbr783 (mh/f), using the same bait.

that said...have used the cbr845 (mh/m) for years...as much as i like it for overhead, open water casting, i was never as consistent when targeting shoreline targets as i am with a cbr785 (mh/m).

with a cbr785, i can pop a gnat's *** at 40 paces.

am just saying.


fishing user avatarMaxximus Redneckus reply : 

to me accuracy means a few diff things i can roll cast left or right sideways, backwards,sitting,standing with a 5 -6 pistol grip  and HIT my TARGET  better and more effiecently then with a 6-6 rod and trigger grip.i Challenge anyone here to a target match within 20 foot no flippin or pitchin and u gotta use a 6-6 or longer rod with a trigger grip and we use a 3/8 jig


fishing user avatarsteezy reply : 
  Quote

with a cbr785, i can pop a gnat's *** at 40 paces.

I would pay to see that! ;D

BTW, I use shorter rods (6') all the time but I have tried a few 7' and I am more accurate with 6' rods.


fishing user avatarfathom reply : 
  Quote
  Quote

with a cbr785, i can pop a gnat's *** at 40 paces.

I would pay to see that! ;D

BTW, I use shorter rods (6') all the time but I have tried a few 7' and I am more accurate with 6' rods.

i dunno.

it ain't purty for the gnat! 8-)


fishing user avatarbigtimfish reply : 

IMO I am a all around better caster with a longer rod. I am longer on casts and more accurate with my 7'2 than I ever was with a 6'6


fishing user avatarArcticCat500 reply : 

well, I've a 5ft custom lamiglass spinning rod that I use for dock skipping, throwing under brush, and just punching threw holes where need be. Now, I cant and I quote "pop a gnat's *** at 40 paces" but I'll sure n heck "pop" a turtle off his perch on a bet.

My new 6.6 & 6.8 GBlanks customs I may not be as accurate with them but I know Im alot better with practice and time spent with them in my hand, and will be as accurate and proficient as my 5ftr. So Im guessing the shorter lenght may be a myth.




4735

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