I'm the opposite, I choose my retractable 9ft's over my 12ft rods whenever I can get away with it. There is just something appealing about been under gunned rather than over gunned. Although I agree if there is snags/reeds ect down the margins then I will take the 12s.
The other thing is my 3 retractables and spod rod cost the same as 1 12ft rod so I have no worries about them getting damaged/broken/stolen.
The other thing is my 3 retractables and spod rod cost the same as 1 12ft rod so I have no worries about them getting damaged/broken/stolen.
Nowadays mostly use my 11 ft Harrison Ballistas as I enjoy their action. But if a long chuck is needed I use my 13ft Trebuchet Lights.
So although I don't use 12ft rods for carp anymore I am lucky to have two different set ups to choose from.
So although I don't use 12ft rods for carp anymore I am lucky to have two different set ups to choose from.
Over the last ten years I've used rods of 9ft (Dymag), 11ft (Baby Ballistas) and 12fters (currently X-lite's). On a variety of waters there were definitely numerous times that the 9ft rods caused me problems with hooked fish that have gone down the margins. Last night I caught an extremely hard fighting 24lb+ carp that I'm not sure I'd have landed even on my Baby Ballistas, not due to power, simply down to being able to reach out and keep the fish out of near margins snags.
The thing I found with small rods, and I assume it's completely psychological, is it seems far quicker to get them out the bag and get fishing. There's no reason it's actually quicker. Maybe it's just me but it just feels like way less effort. 
I prefer the weight and comfort of a 10ft rod but it must be a decent softish rod. These 9ft broom handles just don't do it for me.
But all lake and surrounding dependent. Tight swims or overhangs on a smaller lake ( under 8 acres ) I always use my 10s
But all lake and surrounding dependent. Tight swims or overhangs on a smaller lake ( under 8 acres ) I always use my 10s
The only reason I can see to use 9ft or shorter rods is if you need to use public transport or a bike to go fishing.
Love how small my 9 foot scopes pack down too. However after using 12's again for the first time in a while i realised how much more i can do with them. Only use my 9 foot's for day sessions now as i don't use a barrow and can carry my set up.
In reply to Post #1
I'm a recent(ish) advocate for 10's but would never buy / don't have the need for retractables which are a bit of a gimmick unless you use a push bike / are travelling on planes etc.
Still have several sets of 12's / a set of 13's but do find for the waters I'm currently on (10-15 acres / boats allowed) my 10's are perfect - lightweight / nice to play fish on / have enough backbone for 40's / more accurate to cast over short to mid range . . . .all down to personal taste and not a lot else IMO
I'm a recent(ish) advocate for 10's but would never buy / don't have the need for retractables which are a bit of a gimmick unless you use a push bike / are travelling on planes etc.
Still have several sets of 12's / a set of 13's but do find for the waters I'm currently on (10-15 acres / boats allowed) my 10's are perfect - lightweight / nice to play fish on / have enough backbone for 40's / more accurate to cast over short to mid range . . . .all down to personal taste and not a lot else IMO
In reply to Post #1
have never seen the appeal for 9 or 10 foot rods at all.
"my lake doesn't need 12 footers" - what about playing the fish, people seem to focus on the casting side of things
have never seen the appeal for 9 or 10 foot rods at all.
"my lake doesn't need 12 footers" - what about playing the fish, people seem to focus on the casting side of things
I started off fishing years ago with 11ft Shimano twin power 2lb test and still use them. No good for bags just about handle small stringers. Couldn't wait to get heavier 12ft rods now fishing in the bushes and small unused swims I'm going for 10ft probably 3lb test. See how I get on with them.
In reply to Post #24
Curious how if you never used a 10 footer why you would question its capabilities of playing a fish?
My Harrison Aviator 10 footers play fish as well as my 13 footers of the same rod and my 12ft Daiwa Basia rods before them. By far my most used rods love everything about them
Curious how if you never used a 10 footer why you would question its capabilities of playing a fish?
My Harrison Aviator 10 footers play fish as well as my 13 footers of the same rod and my 12ft Daiwa Basia rods before them. By far my most used rods love everything about them
In reply to Post #1
I remember a few years ago when I spoke to Kevin Nash about buying a set of his 10ft Scope Black Ops, he said you won't bother with your 12 footers again. He wasn't wrong. My 12-6 TE's are now, all but redundant unless I need a really big chuck. Given my time again, I wouldn't bother a set of 12 foot rods.
I remember a few years ago when I spoke to Kevin Nash about buying a set of his 10ft Scope Black Ops, he said you won't bother with your 12 footers again. He wasn't wrong. My 12-6 TE's are now, all but redundant unless I need a really big chuck. Given my time again, I wouldn't bother a set of 12 foot rods.
In reply to Post #26
My Aviator 10's also cast better (although not further) and play fish as well as if not better than my Aviator 12's . . .
My Aviator 10's also cast better (although not further) and play fish as well as if not better than my Aviator 12's . . .
In reply to Post #28
Thanks to everyone it's been interesting hearing people's comments so I put it to the test fished last week with 10fts and today with 12fts and I've got to say I think I prefer the 10fts tbh
And I don't think by what's been said that 12fts will disappear
Thanks to everyone it's been interesting hearing people's comments so I put it to the test fished last week with 10fts and today with 12fts and I've got to say I think I prefer the 10fts tbh
And I don't think by what's been said that 12fts will disappear
In reply to Post #29
8ft for me, but lake size and rivers dictate for me
8ft for me, but lake size and rivers dictate for me