Quote Originally Posted by shane1980 View Post
I like the 16ft B&M for shallow water fishing. I just bought some 8ft rods for winter fishing as the fish are deep.
Exactly.

One reason to use a really long rod is to get the bait away from the boat when the fish are shallow. If the fish are deep and won't be spooked by the boat, then a shorter rod can be used and is more manageable. So before running about and buying sixteen foot poles, ask yourself why you need a pole like that.

I use 8 and 10 footers for two reasons:
  1. I have a small boat
  2. I usually don't spider rig if fish are shallow


If fish are shallow I use cast and retrieve.