Do you still fish a med 6'6 fast rod?

[spookybaits]

So there's an old line of rods I really like that I'm always keeping an eye out for.
Recently a new old stock 6'6m fast baitcasting model showed up on my radar...

A 6'6m fast rod BC rod used to be a staple in every bass fisherman's arsenal, but in 2016 it almost seems like an obsolete spec'd rod, with everyone gravitating towards 7ft+ MH fast or xfast for what the 6'6m fast used to get called on for.

So I'm wondering- do you still find a medium power 6'6 fast an essential bc rod?
In other words I'm trying to talk myself into buying it

[Brad in Texas]

A 6'6" is a great rod but everyone seems to be going extra long these days. Longer rods do cast very well but there are so very many applications where a long cast isn't made or even desired.

But, here's what is in your favor with a 6'6" over a 7' or 7'+: leverage.

A 6'6' rod is more powerful than a 7 or 7+ footer in the sense that the lever is shorter and you can apply more force through it as you lift and reel in line. It would be analogous to lifting a 10 lbs. barbell plate with a 10 ft. broomstick versus a shorter one. Shorter wins.

Add to this that a medium powered rod will bend a bit more under the same pressure than a MH or H from a decent sized bass fighting against you . . . and the deeper bend itself further shortens the lifting lever making it even more powerful fighting a large fish.

The fast tip is likely a good idea as it will allow the rod to better set the hook.

Brad

[Cracker]

Why rod companies making so many flipping sticks in 7'5" and over range, with no necessity of long cast, never seen a short flipping stick on the market yet.

[Abu Daimano]

If you want it, that's good enough reason to buy it - the TT way!

My love of JDM has brought several Daiko rods into my collection - including a 6'6 MH Burroughs and a 6'6 H Karisma. Leverage is a big one for this length - the Karisma is a pitching dream stick. The other thing I like about this length is how portable and easy to use they are. Not that 7'+ rods are unwieldy or cumbersome, but there's something extra about how a 6'6 feels in hand on the water. I see a 6'6 M Karisma in my future if possible.

In short, just get the damn thing for one reason or another

[BigG]

Looks like 6'8" & 6'9" are the new 6'6" rod. I still enjoy short rods especially for casting to targets. Great for casting Pop R's at stumps and grass edges. Shorter rods are usually more accurate than longer rods. I don't see flipping or deepwater fishing any under 7'3", bit I still enjoy my shorter rods. Brian you're going to have rebuilt some of those All Star TWS you're hording.

[i_am_R2]

I think a 6'6" M rod is perfect for me when using walking baits and jerkbaits. Long enough to get a good cast and short enough to not slap the water or get in the way.

[pharmboy2010]

I still use a 6'6" M (Megabass), for most topwater and think it is perfect.

[oops]

medium/fast is still my preferred rod for many applications but I find 6'6" uncomfortably short. I don't know how to describe it, it just feels wrong. It's been 15-16 years since I regularly used a 6'6" rod. I prefer 7'2"+ but feel fine with 7'. The only casting rod I own under 7' that I actually use is my Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth rod and that is because it is the only 2 piece casting rod I own. I've considered a shorter rod for topwater/jerkbaits but I really haven't had much of an issue making a 7' rod work for those.

I'm just praying for the NRX 902c/903c to be born. If they make that stick, I would honestly probably only own a handful of those and my two 893c and not have much use for anything else for my bass fishing needs.

[smalljaw]

I still use the 6'6" medium power, fast action rod and a 6'6" MH-F. I was fishing since I was a kid but got into bass fishing in the early 80s, and I remember the 6'6" being considered a long rod, and most guys using 5'6" to 6' rods. My 6'6" M-F is my all-purpose river rod, when in the small boat I need rods that can do multiple presentation and 6'6" M-F fits because the fishing is more target oriented than distance. The 6'6" MH-F is my close contact jig and spinnerbait stick, when I'm pitching jigs it is with a 7'2" but then I get those areas that I can't get in to and it is too far for a pitch and too short for a big cast so that is when that rod comes into play, and in my waters I use it a lot, it may even be the main rod on some days.

[DavidSA]

6'6m fast action is still my rod of choice for topwaters and jerkbaits.

This week I was fishing with mostly 7'6 rods and I picked up a 6'8 one day because I had mostly open water and did not need the power. Wow, talk about less effort to cast!

[Fishing4Fun]

I don't have a rod right now that fits those specs. However I do have a 6 foot casting rod that I still use for topwater and jerkbaits. It is one of the older Team Daiwa rods and is still in good condition considering it is probably 20+ years old.

[spookybaits]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback.
I know it's good specs for topwater/jerkbaits/cranks but I have all those bases covered.
Just kind of wondering if people still fish plastics on a 6'6.

I'm gonna go for it. I figure I can use it for weightless trick worms & tiny texas rigs, or maybe a dedicated 110 rod or tiny paddle tails, maybe even 1/8oz spinnerbaits & buzz baits. Or just make it a kayak rod or a back up moving bait rod.
Hopefully the bidding stays low.

Looks like 6'8" & 6'9" are the new 6'6" rod. I still enjoy short rods especially for casting to targets. Great for casting Pop R's at stumps and grass edges. Shorter rods are usually more accurate than longer rods. I don't see flipping or deepwater fishing any under 7'3", bit I still enjoy my shorter rods. Brian you're going to have rebuilt some of those All Star TWS you're hording.

I will! Just counted- I have 7 of them. I think that should be enough topwater rods... Maybe

They'll definitely be getting new sic guides this winter, but one of them is gonna get the deluxe treatment- Fuji titanium guides, torzite rings, and slim Eva foam handle.

If you want it, that's good enough reason to buy it - the TT way!

My love of JDM has brought several Daiko rods into my collection - including a 6'6 MH Burroughs and a 6'6 H Karisma. Leverage is a big one for this length - the Karisma is a pitching dream stick. The other thing I like about this length is how portable and easy to use they are. Not that 7'+ rods are unwieldy or cumbersome, but there's something extra about how a 6'6 feels in hand on the water. I see a 6'6 M Karisma in my future if possible.

In short, just get the damn thing for one reason or another

Yes! Those daiko burroughs are on my shortlist too! I've spent many an hour sifting through Japanese websites that sell used rods.
I will own a burroughs one of these days!

[africanbass]

Check out some of the older Daiwa Heartland rods,they are special

[Dexter]

Picked up a 166 poison adrena for tossing pop-x and other light top waters. I'm more accurate with a shorter rod; dropping into pockets and along pads. Can be over powered with baits over 1/2 oz; but in the true tt way, just purchase another stick for heavier tops...just sayin'.

[Lafayette]

I prefer longer rods, but a 6.6 rod is very practical in many situations, for exemple in a kayak or a bellyboat.
It is also easier to skipp a lure with a shorter rod than with a 7.4 rod. Shot rods are also very convenient for topwater or vertical metal jigs.