Decided this year that I’m gonna fish cats more this year (been years since I REALLY worked at it) and I have a rod picked out ( not gonna mention the brand or price….my budget is too low 
) but I have 2 choices.
Both are glass , MH,….What’s the best length 8 or 10 ft ?????.
Also ..what are some good choices for hooks??
Figured somebody here might be willing to help 
I would go with the 8 but MH is a little light for flathead fishing. Circle hooks are good to use.
I’d go 8′, too. If you plan on strictly shorefishing, the 10′ might be nice, though.
I’m a hard headed cat guy…that mostly fishs out of a boat. I like the shorter rods as I don’t have to cast very far and I like the fight of the shorter rods…and the storage. Shore fishing these rods will get you by…but not something I would buy if I was planning on doing a lot of it.
I’m a die hard Gamakatsu 10/0 hook kinda guys. Five for under two bucks most places.
I’m talking flats here.
Let us know how you do! 
Thanks for the input guys…
I’ll be in the boat most of the time so 8ft it is.
And if Gamakatsu hooks are what you use Briank then I guess that’s the ticket …it’s hard to argue with the catmaster…. 
I’ll be trying some of the old-time spots I used to fish and maybe some new ones….channels and flats – channels fer supper and flats fer fun 
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catmaster
“yackmaster” maybe!
There are pleanty of others that use other hooks and styles of hooks. Don’t be afraid to try the recommendations of others..they have worked well for other people.
That’s just my preferance…cause it works for me. 
PS Dad always said, the guy that yacks the most generally knows the least. He was seldom wrong. 
Sorry I didnt chime in earlier.
Its hard to go wrong with an 8′ rod.. even 7’6″ is sufficient 95% of the time for shore fishing. Especially while flathead fishing, one can only cast a live bait so far without killing it, or throwing it off the hook. An 8′ rod is not too long for a boat, and gives plenty of casting distance.
There are lots of rods ou there that fit the bill.. if your working on a budget, berkely Glow Sticks in 8′ models are great multi purpose rods. There are options out there is you want to send a little more. A abu 6500c3 is a great reel for just about anything.
Brian suggested right with Gamakatsu hooks.. you really cant go wrong with them. They are a great hook(sharp and strong), and the price is right. If your shore fishing, I would avoid No Roll sinkers.. they tend to spin on the drop and twist the line. They work great from a boat casting down current with no rocks around. Its hard to beat the standard *bank sinker* while fishing from the shore, and they cost a little less.
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PS Dad always said, the guy that yacks the most generally knows the least. He was seldom wrong.
That explains me. 
Did I meantion how much I love the FW latly??
Well guys….I got the rod this week……..
Long story….. but the result was I now have a 8ft casting rod , wanted a spinning rod because I already have a reel,
So next step is to find a baitcasting reel……
While most people would not think this to be a big deal… it is to me…..money is is just not tight right now….it’s almost non-existent……
Hopefully I can find a way pick up some extra money soon, so what would be a good inexpensive (re:not cheap) reel??
Thanks guys
Why didn’t you get a spinning rod?
I have heard the Shakespeare Tidewater reels are decent for the money, but I have never handled one. They are under $40.
Well isn’t this a pickle? You have a casting rod, and no means of getting a casting reel..
Just use your old reel until you get a baitcaster.
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Well isn’t this a pickle? You have a casting rod, and no means of getting a casting reel..
Just use your old reel until you get a baitcaster.
Yep sure is……but I’m getting used to being pickled..
I had thought of that.
Well Ralph it was the cheap in me that did that , I had a friend pick it up for me to save the shipping costs and it just happened…I suppose I could try to take it back but I kinda wanted to have the extra power anyway..This way it just pushes me into it I guess.
I’m a patient fellow, I’ll manage to get a reel somtime 
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