i myself like short rods for certain baits but not every1 does what i do… i like a short stiff rod for jerk baits like hellhounds,phantoms,suicks,reefhogs,docs,jackpots. all of these baits i like to jerk the rod straight down towards tha water. the shorter rod makes it so u don’t slap the water with this angle…
for almost any other application 8-9foot rods is a must! and a lot less strain on your back..