This has been a topic of many conversations, and probably an argument or two. My preference is between 6 and 7 feet and enough backbone to handle a bigger or surprise fish and a tip soft enough to load when pitching the jig. I think that you must hold it in your hand to decide because there are no standards among rodmakers. A fast action will probably be what you're after but they vary. Be patient in your search for there are some VERY good rods out there and you don't have to spend big bucks for them. I have a Wally Marshall signature Black Tuxedo rod in 6' that is real nice and casts the 1/64 I use very well. With 4lb mono and a 1/32 it would be sweet and a dock shooting fool. A medium action rod can be tip heavy, as in a lot of the Ugly Sticks I have handled, and will tire your forearm if you spend the day casting. That said, I have an out of production Lightning Rod in 6'6" and 2 piece. It has a soft tip and will send a 1/16 jig into the next county and a 1/32 in fine style. A 2000 series reel has less line memory and works perfect for this combo. Another rod that has my interest is the St Croix Premier 66lf in one piece. Very nice action and light weight and a pleasure to handle with a President 6925 strapped on.

Lots of choices, but the most important thing is to handle before you buy. Once you handle several rods that state the same action and feel how different they are, you will understand. Keep us posted and you may help shorten someone else's search.