Thread: Dock shooting rod

Originally Posted by captdave

Whats the advantages/disadvantages of the 5'5" rod versus a 7 footer of each?

Only "advantage" I found with my 5' & 5.5' rod for dock shooting was being able to get up close to the dock ... which translated into more accurate placement and a longer "shot" beneath the dock. But, that was when I was already using 5' rods for casting purposes & just starting to shoot docks. I have used 7 & 8ft rods before, but their "action" wasn't really suitable for dock shooting IMHO. I just tried it to see if it could be done. Once I started using the 6'6" ESP rod for casting, it was an easy transition over to shooting docks with it.

The biggest "disadvantage" I found with the shorter rods was hook setting .... since the shorter rods, even with very fast action tips, did not take up enough slack on the hookset without a whole lot of extra arm movement. Same with even the 7' parabolic bend rod, since I had to raise my arms more to compensate for the large bend of the rod (Sam Heaton Sig Series). The rods with the faster action tips load up faster, thus putting more power into the hookset ... while the 6'6" rod length allows me to jerk the rod back to my face, rather than over my head, to take up the slack (& line stretch).

I have a dozen dock shooting rods looking for the best out there. By far Ozark Dock rod is best

I could never learn to shoot a seven foot rod. I am alot more accurate with a 5.5 or 6 footer. For me dock shooting is more about precision than distance.

Originally Posted by barrelslime

I have a dozen dock shooting rods looking for the best out there. By far Ozark Dock rod is best

Just ordered a six footer....thanks for your help!!

Well, I have a 6'6" All Star Classic Dock Shooter in med light action and I love it! It was around $50 at Academy and i also use it for just straight Jigging and jig fishing. Sensitive and light I paired it with a Lew's Mach 3, I think in a size 10. Has turned out to be my favorite rod and reel combo and I'm going after another when the ol' tax check hits the bank next week...

Check out the Marksman 6.0 by Jenko. It's a great feeling and performing rod.

Wally Marshall 7' Pro Series or Speedshooter. Found out I was more accurate with the 7' rod and could shoot it further with less effort.

Originally Posted by Roy

Wally Marshall 7' Pro Series or Speedshooter. Found out I was more accurate with the 7' rod and could shoot it further with less effort.

Which do you like better, about sure I'm gonna go with a 6-7fter.Maybe I don't need to switch,I liked the wally signature series u broke,us the pro series much different.

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