This question comes up often. What length rod should I use for ultralight bass fishing? It isn’t an easy answer though. There is a couple things to consider about length when choosing a new rod.

Most anglers feel that you should go to a shorter rod around 4.5 feet, or 5 feet long or so. A common occurring thing that I see is people thinking that these rods have more flex and whip to them, allowing you to cast farther.

Rods of this length are usually used solely for creek fishing, or places where there is a lot of overhead hanging cover for baits to get stuck in. These short rods do provide excellent placement, but they also degrade casting distance severely. These provide the shortest casts of all lengths of rods.

Ultralight fishing rods in the lengths of 5 1/2 foot to 6 foot are found in the middle when thinking about balance. The tip still allows good casting distance, while the backbone gives plenty of strength for fighting the fish.

If you are in the need for an ultralight flipping stick, then these rod lengths are perfect for you. Especially the 6 footer, this length of rod, with a stiff backbone, is great for getting into the thick stuff, and yoking smaller fish out of there. If the area is known to carry smaller 12″-15″ fish, take this length with you.

Fishing rods in this category are for general use as well, based on the attributes of accuracy, distance, and strength. Knowledgeable anglers will be able to tell the difference between the different lengths, however, most fishermen will not be able to tell.

Rods that are 6’5″ or longer are great for long casting distance in open areas. If it is windy outside, you best grab the long rod, with a topwater on it, and sling that joker as far as you can. You can get the small baits flying so good, that they almost go out of sight!

Talking about distance on the long rods can’t go without talking about the accuracy. It is very poor on rods of this length, or longer. When you can empty the whole spool, you can’t really be accurate.