Kayak bass fisher-people. What length rod?

I’m looking for a new rod. Leaning towards a 7’11” rod for flipping. Figured the extra length to might be nice to work a fish around the nose of my 12-foot kayak. I’ll be in a friends bass boat on occasion.

is that too long? I cannot stand up steadily in my kayak yet, but I will get it.

this will be a bait-cast rod. My other rod is a very old 6’ GLoomis that I love and cast very accurately.

 

I would go with a little bit of a shorter rod, like 7'7 - 7'9. I think that would be a little easier to work with sitting in the kayak and you won't have a problem yanking that donkey out. If your buddy has a flipping rod that is close to those lengths, you should give them a try and see how it feels in the kayak. Gl and let us know how it goes.

 

Ive been kayak fishing for a whole of about 2 weeks, I use a 4f 8in rod and a 6f 6in rod.

The biggest issue I have run into with the bigger rod is when I reel in the fish, there is not enough line left over to pull them off the hook without letting out more line when I pull the fish on board. I have not got anything big yet, so I guess it would probably be easier with a big fish that needs a net.

Could just be my technique that needs work more than the rod size.

 

I can’t imagine the lakes you have access to in Minnesota! So lucky!

 

They are everywhere here. Within 10 minutes of my house there are over 100 lakes to fish at and 2 major rivers (minnesota river and mississippi river)

You never have to deal with over crowding on the fishing piers or on the banks.

 

Bigger problem is butt length, longer hangs up on your PFD.

 

Gah. That is awesome! You also have a wider variety of gamefish! Walleye. Small mouth bass...Muskie. Living the Dream bud. I’m jealous.

 

I'm originally from Minnesota and never thought I'd find better fishing until I discovered the salt marshes on the intercoastal areas of NC. Nothing beats the hit of a Redfish and fresh flounder equals walleye every day of the week. Throw in a shark, black drum or sheepshead and and its a good day..

 

well. i just bought a Dobyns Fury Series rod. 7 footer. talked to a kayak fisherman at the store and he gave me tons of advice. stuff i didnt think about. he stated the longer rod is super helpful high-sticking a big bass up to the boat. you can get the tip way up there and have the fish nearby to net or grip..plus you can work the rod and line around the nose of the kayak.

i'll try it out Saturday!!

 

I have several Dobyns rods and they are outstanding! Can't go wrong