On miserably windy days, my 8 to 9 footers are awesome. I can very comfortably keep the tip next to the water and the wind never blows my line around. With shorter rods, seems like I am constantly fighting the wind blowing my line around-resorting to use heavier jigs.
Multiple times I have been able to out fish people for this reason. I can keep my tip close to the water while easily working the waves.