Where Did All Of The Short Casting Rods Go? 2025

Drew03cmc reply :

I know the industry standard is a 6'6"-7' MH-F rod, but for me, I fish out of a canoe or wading smaller creeks and I don't like to store a long rod and can't often use one on these waters. For me, 5'6" is just about right, but I don't want a pistol grip. I'd love to find a company making these rods for around one hundred bucks, but it seems the shorter sticks have fallen out of favor with bass anglers. Any advice?

Jeff H reply :

Custom...or go 6'. There are/were some 5'9" models around also.

Goose52 reply :

I have several short, straight-grip casting rods that I use for close-quarters work:

5'9" MH Shimano Crucial (from two generations ago) that is a nifty short range/close-quarters spinnerbait rod. Unfortunately, Shimano did not offer this rod in the later Crucial seriels.
5'6" M Berkley Lightning (LR561MC) that is good for a number of things but I mostly use it for various soft-plastics. The Berkley was the only 5'6" straight-grip rod that I found when I was looking to fill this niche. It was only about $40 shipped. It's a good enough rod, and given how often I use it, will last long enough too...

Both of these rods are niche rods. I use them from the bank or the boat when I know I'm going to be in a confined space (overhanging trees, narrow creek channels, etc.).

Drew03cmc reply :

I'm okay with going to 6'. I have an All Star Classic 6' casting rod that is great for anything over 1/4oz. I'm interested in another 6' stick that has backbone, but a soft tip section.

smalljaw67 reply :

If you want a medium power rod the G.Loomis CR 722 in GL3 or IMX, both of these will fit the bill. If you don't mind a 6'2" rod, Cabelas XML C624, I have an old version of this rod which is a killer rod for jerkbaits and poppers but I've also liked it for spinnerbaits and throwing Senkos and flukes under overhangs. These worked great on the jon boat when the river would get low and we would do float trips, it was hard to have 7' rods so we would use 6' to 6'6" rods.

Drew03cmc reply :

My problem with those Loomis rods is the cost. I'm not against dropping $200 on a baitcaster, but for a Rod, I have a hard time doing it. If the XML were 6', it could be perfect.

Jeff H reply :

Cabela's Fish Eagle 50 is a good option. These rods are a pretty darn good value at regular price of $90, catch one on sale and it's even better. The 6' medium/fast should work for you.

Drew03cmc reply :

I'll keep an eye out for their sales Jeff. Thanks.

bass crazy reply :

I also like the shorter pistol grip rods in 5 1/2 to 6 ft. I would like to find some inexpensive split grip rods exposed reel seat in that same length range to try. Maybe cutting the handle length down on the 6 1/2 foot rods would work ok. I have seen Field and Stream rods at Dick's listed online in those lengths . I will have to check in the stores.

LunkerFisher reply :

I just picked up a 6'2" m cabelas prodigy casting rod. It's rated for baits 1/4-1 oz. gonna be a great top water and jerk bait rod

0119 reply :

I agree with you Drew I prefer a shorter rod too and while $$ rods are great and I have a few, they aren't so great bouncing around the bottom of my Jon boat or while high sticking a fish next to my kayak. Too risky it takes a lot of joy out of it for me worrying about it. I've found the answer in St.Croixs Premier 6ft. standard grip. Also FTO signature series though they discontinued the six footer you can still find them around. Also FFO TACKLE website has about 40% off some short Fenwick Eagle GT and Smallmouth series rods right now.

MassBass reply :

I to am looking to get a short casting rod for an early season niche technique. Im looking at the Ugly Stil glx 2, its 6' with a normal grip 1 piece. I would get a pistol grip but i am afraid the pistol grip wouldn't fit in my spiral rod holder that i use for carp.

adam32 reply :

St.croix makes a 6 medium triumph casting rod that's decent for 90 bucks. The cork handle version not the crappy orange one. They also make the premier in 6 foot medium and medium heavy. Although I like the few triumph rods I have better than my premiers. I think the unfinished blank gives it a better overall feel.

smalljaw67 reply :

On 3/9/2015 at 2:09 AM, LunkerFisher said:
I just picked up a 6'2" m cabelas prodigy casting rod. It's rated for baits 1/4-1 oz. gonna be a great top water and jerk bait rod

I think that is a misprint, it is a medium power rod and it should be 1/4 to 5/8oz 8-14lb line, if it is a MH it would be too stiff at that length for jerkbaits and topwaters.

smalljaw67 reply :

On 3/9/2015 at 3:11 AM, 119 said:
I agree with you Drew I prefer a shorter rod too and while $$ rods are great and I have a few, they aren't so great bouncing around the bottom of my Jon boat or while high sticking a fish next to my kayak. Too risky it takes a lot of joy out of it for me worrying about it. I've found the answer in St.Croixs Premier 6ft. standard grip. Also FTO signature series though they discontinued the six footer you can still find them around. Also FFO TACKLE website has about 40% off some short Fenwick Eagle GT and Smallmouth series rods right now.

This is spot on, $32.88 for a 6' Fenwick Eagle GT 1/4 - 3/4 medium power fast and the Eagle series of rods have soft tips, this should work really well for you.

EliTFR reply :

Are u willing to sell the 6,2 xml?

timsford reply :

I use several 6'3" rods, both casting and spinning. I use them for skipping docks, really accurate casts, and fishing tip down stuff like jerkbaits and topwater walkers. There are a few manufacturers that still make this length, but not many

WRB reply :

The difference between a pistol grip and trigger straight handle is about 6" in handle length. The rod length from the reel forward is about 6" shorter for straight handle vs pistol grip. Today's straight handle rods the rod blank goes through the handle to the butt. Pistol grips the rod blank ends at the reel seat.

If you look at "Spincast" rods you may find what you looking for.

Berkely Cherrywood 5'6" Spincast rod for example.

Tom

Fishes in trees reply :

The old pistol gris rods I used to use hurt my wrist over time. A day of throwing spinner baits with those rods and my wrist would hurt at the end of the day. Going to a longer straight handled rod enabled my to get better at 2 handed casting and my wrists stopped hurting.

Raul reply :

On 3/9/2015 at 3:11 AM, 119 said:

I agree with you Drew I prefer a shorter rod too and while $$ rods are great and I have a few, they aren't so great bouncing around the bottom of my Jon boat or while high sticking a fish next to my kayak. Too risky it takes a lot of joy out of it for me worrying about it. I've found the answer in St.Croixs Premier 6ft. standard grip. Also FTO signature series though they discontinued the six footer you can still find them around. Also FFO TACKLE website has about 40% off some short Fenwick Eagle GT and Smallmouth series rods right now.

When I fish from a boat is from my 12 ft jonboat and none of my GLoomis IMX rods is bouncing around the bottom of it, there´s are these things called rod holders ........

NYWayfarer reply :

I have a 6' medium action Fenwick Eagle GT that is still kicking I have yet to find a casting rod that size and action to replace it. f you can get one at that price I say snap it up!

Grantman83 reply :

Lews gas released several under 6 foot rods as of last ICAST. Many are pistol gripped for one handed casting

Jeff H reply :

Pistols are soooo much fun to use. I had a custom 6' pistol with fightin' butt made for my worm rod but my oldest boy liked it so much he got it for a Christmas present. I'll probably get another one made one day. I sometimes use my custom 5'6" Avid pistol when I'm wade fishing. It's just amazing how accurate you can get with those short rods!

bowhunter63 reply :

I had a green Mitchel back in the day,One of my favorite rods.6ft long and medium action.Wish i still had it great rod for wading on the river.

WPCfishing reply :

I have two Team Diawa rods. A 6' and a 6'6". Both are split grip. Both MH.

I use them for short casting duties with multiple baits. Great rods... "sleepers"

Bluebasser86 reply :

I use a 6' 2" M/XF straight grip St. Croix Avid for jerbaits and poppers. It's a great rod and the handle is not much longer than a pistol grip.

Columbia Craw reply :

Short answer....in my rafters. I fished 5'6" rods for years. Now my shortest rod is a 6'8" for jerk baits. I still have several and two six foot straight handle Lews models from the late 80's and have not used them in 20 years. I'm saving them for my grandsons.

Big Bait Fishing reply :

http://www.ebay.com/itm/St-Croix-Premier-Casting-Rod-PC56MF-56-Medium-1pc-/130823666794?hash=item1e75b2bc6a:m:mATr62ydYLgCVN9qqUwQrDQ

http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/tournament-choice-premier-edition-56-m-freshwatersaltwater-casting-rod#repChildCatid=761760

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Tourney-Special-Casting-Rod/product/2241080/

the Bass Pro Tourny Special looks like your best bet and it comes in either medium or medium heavy , if you just want a medium powered rod , i'd get the St. Croix

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