Bring Back the 5' 6" Baitcast Rod

[sooty_mad]

Over the past few years the Australian tackle industry has followed the American trend of using 6' and longer casting rods instead of the traditional 5' 6". So much so that it is becoming increasingly difficult to buy a 5' 6" rod at most of the local tackle shops.

Before handing over your hard earned cash for a new casting rod, remember that the length of the rod serves three purposes - casting, retrieval and hopefully fighting the fish. Of these three, unfortunately the first two come into play more often.

When casting, the length of a rod is very subjective. As all my casting is done from a boat in mangrove creeks, I rarely cast more than 15 metres so length is not that important. From a purely safety point of view however, I do believe a shorter rod is better when three people are all casting lures from a small boat.

With regard to retrieval, (and I believe this to be the most important) it is vital that the rod tip be kept very low to the water to allow you to impart action into the lure. Being only short and casting from the front deck of a boat, the maximum length of rod I can use is 5' 6". Any longer than this and the rod tip is in the water. I have seen many fisherman who are unable to effectively use the longer casting rods because of this. (Note that this type of low retrieval is even more difficult when fishing from the banks).

When fighting a fish once again length is somewhat subjective. For me personally I prefer a slightly longer rod - say 6'.

After using baitcasting rods virtually exclusively for thirty years, there is no doubt for my height (5' 9") and the style of fishing I do, 5' 6" is the perfect length. Unfortunately, rods this length are just getting harder and harder to find.

Don't get talked into the longer rods by the tackle shops - do your sums and try different gear (that's what mates are for) to ensure that your new rod suits your needs.

Kind regards... David

[chanquetas]

David, Ive got a Wilson Livefibre 5'4" graphite for spinning from the kayak, mostly mangrove stuff but I also catch squire, bonito and whatever else comes my way. This rod is awesome, with heaps of feel and plenty of grunt. Picked it up from Mossop's at the Gabba, at their suggestion, and it really is the perfect choice.
For the kayak at least I have tried longer rods and they are no good. I have a 7' which is waaaaay too long for the kayak (not to mention the surf rod).

[agnes_jack]

You shouldn't have too much trouble finding a 5'6" baitcaster!!!!!
They are still the most popular size, and nearly every rod company makes them at that size. I also use a live fibre, the live fibre lightning 8kg is one of my favorites for jacks and barra.

Regards, Tony

[Bad_Bubby]

Yeah thats what I was thinking Tony, theres no shortage of them out there. I agree that there are more rods at 5'8" and even 6'+ available than say 6-7years ago, but being landbased most of the time, I'm actually a fan of these longer rods. A freind of mine has a 5'4" setup which I found quite castable but still a bit annoying IMO when you really need those extra couple of meters. I've been surprised to see some 6'6" baitcaster models being offered by some brands . I guess the bass fishers in America don't really think alot about the barra fisho cramped in a tight mangrove lined creek.

[davo]

I like the short baitcaster too because of the control when casting, and working the lure. Pacific Composite has plenty to choose from.

[spinner]

David
I totally agree. I`m about to chop 6 inches of the tip of one of my baitcasters because it`s too top heavy and I am finding
that casting it requires 2 hands. I think the graphite rods in the longer lengths are OK because they are much lighter.
My favourite is a 5ft 6in pacific composites pure glass rod.
Reggy

[McCod]

Yeah.. is still a fair few out there. I love my little
Stealth - IMG40 4-6 kg 5'6" . Loomis have a few in this size!

Cheers Les

[nautica]

Hi
If you want quality baitcast rods at unbelievable prices try the factory outlet shop for quality gear, here is a link to the factory outlet shop for Abu, Fenwick etc etc.
http://www.ffo-tackle.com/

Shipping is $25 USD, but that can be for a few rods and reels, dependent on what you buy.