Rod length for kayak fishing

I've only been fishing out of my kayak for about a year, but I've noticed most of my heavier rods (especially for salmon) seem a bit long out of the kayak.

I know different situations call for different rods, but for many of the salmon opportunities in the area out of a kayak, what length spinning and casting rods do you find work best for you?

First, where are you fishing? Rivers, estuary, sound, ocean? Next, you're right, there is no one good size rod. I hate to say it but if you get one rod for moooching, jigging, trolling a spinner, pulling plugs in the river, and floating bait off a bobber, you're going to have a rod that works poorly at all of them. Jack of all trades and master of none = less fish in the kayak. None of us want that.

What you might think of doing is to get a rod that works for the type of salmon fishing that you'll be doing the most of. Then most of the time, your rod will do what it's supposed to.

And long salmon rod goood. My mooching rod is 10'6".

Z

I use a 5ft ultralight for fresh, and a 7ft medium action Diawa Sealine for the salt. It's easier to reach the tip of a shorter rod when the line gets wrapped around it. And believe me, the line is constantly getting wrapped around the tip, especially when using braid, which I prefer.

I know different situations call for different rods, but for many of the salmon opportunities in the area out of a kayak, what length spinning and casting rods do you find work best for you?

Shorter rods are easier to deal with in transit, especially if drifting down a river with lots of overhanging trees and brush.  If I'm casting spinners, jigs or drift gear though, I find that having longer rods helps to compensate for sitting so low to the water. 

I used to sweat the extra length when it came time to land bigger fish but with a little practice, I think the longer more flexible rods offer an advantage here as well.  Salmon like to fake you out and will rest next to your boat until they see the net.  When they freak and speed off, the longer rod makes a good shock absorber.  Just my $0.02

-Spot-

Thanks...my question isn't so much about different rod lengths for different techniques (I already have tons of rods), but the difference in rod length for bank or boat fishing vs. kayak fishing.

In other words, when casting for salmon in the sound from a kayak, I've found some of my 9 and 10 foot salmon rods seem a little long and put my elbow in an awkward position. Just curious if anyone else has found the same to be true.

In other words, when casting for salmon in the sound from a kayak, I've found some of my 9 and 10 foot salmon rods seem a little long and put my elbow in an awkward position. Just curious if anyone else has found the same to be true.

I have not personally had a problem with that  (8'9" and 9' rods)

In other words, when casting for salmon in the sound from a kayak, I've found some of my 9 and 10 foot salmon rods seem a little long and put my elbow in an awkward position. Just curious if anyone else has found the same to be true.

Like Lee I haven't noticed a problem casting w/ big rods. Just takes a little practice.

Z

Like I said above, for me, longer seems to be better when casting.

Here's non-intuitive trick for you if you find your wrist/elbow getting tired..... Hold your rod like you're going to cast with whatever you'd normally pitch tied on.  If the tip drops, add weight to the butt of your rod till it lays level in your hand.

-Spot-