I've used both and you nailed it. The longer rod reaches but gets tangled easy, especially in wind or if you set and miss on a crappie. Also, when that 5lb channel cat hits the long rod can be a challenge. I use heavy line, 14-16 lb mono, so I can just pull free when I get snagged 30 times a day. Eventually the hook will break but it saves a lot of re-rigging. Water is usually muddy enough I don't see how it affects anything. I find myself using a 7' medium light rod unless I need the reach and keep a long rod ready on the deck. Then again, I'm no crappie maser!