The Serious Bass Angler’s Guide to Longer Spinning Rods (7'7" to 8'): Tips & Top Picks”

When I first started investing in and relying upon premium spinning rods, I mostly stuck with shorter models between 6-foot and 6’6” -- perfect for skipping lures under docks, which is most of what I’ve used them for. But as I’ve become more comfortable with spinning gear, and realized the distinct advantages that it provides, I began to appreciate the clear advantages of longer spinning rods. That generally means something in the 7-foot to 7’3” range, but lately, I’ve noticed more anglers opting for even longer rods, especially in the 7’7” to 8’ range.

Using longer spinning rods for bass offers key benefits, especially when you need to make long casts or cover open water. At top bass tournaments — think Great Lakes or other big-water venues — it’s common to see pros wielding these longer rods to land big bass and chase big checks. And if you browse Tackle Warehouse, you’ll find the selection of quality longer spinning rods has definitely grown to meet this rising demand.

Understanding Spinning Rod Lengths and Their Impact

When bass anglers talk about spinning rods, action and power often takes centerstage, but length – and the specific benefits of even small increments – can be just as critical. That’s what has driven the demand for spinning rods up to 8’.

Longer spinning rods simply get more casting distance, assuming that you’re using a high-end product – and move more line on the hook set. If a bass inhales your dropshot, hair jig or small Keitch swimbait at a long distance away, the extra length may mean the difference between burying the hook and seeing that bass escape when he launches out of the water. Finally, they’ll help you fight fish effectively, providing ample cushion for long runs.

That said, longer spinning rods aren’t ideal for every situation I wouldn’t use them for skipping docks or jerkbaiting, because I’d constantly be slapping the water and messing up my presentations. They’re also not great for close quarters casting. These are highly-situational tools, and when the situation calls for long casts and staying in touch with finesse presentations, you’ll appreciate having one (or more) in your rod locker.

Top Features to Look For in a Longer Spinning Rod

Fortunately, most of the longer rods that are available are in the upper-mid tier or higher of manufacturers’ lineup. They make them for anglers who know what they’re doing and require a premium stick. Still, there are a few things that you need to be careful about:

First, make sure the rod is made for what you want it to do. A long spinning rod meant for 1/16 ounce hair jigs might be overpowered by one made to set the hook on a ½ ounce swimbait in 30 feet of water – and the latter rod might not be sensitive enough for the former technique.

 Second, make sure you’re comfortable with the handle length. Not all 7’9” rods are made equally in handle-to-blank proportions. You’ll want a long handle for leverage on long casts, but too long and it may get unwieldy.

Finally, make sure it’ll fit in your rod locker. Rod lockers on many modern bass boats will accommodate longer rods, but not all of them. A 7’9” might fit fine while an 8-footer could end up with a broken tip if you’re not careful.

Recommended Longer Spinning Rods for Bass

Here are some of the rods in this specialized category available at Tackle Warehouse:

St Croix Physyx

• 7’10” Medium Moderate Fast

• Blank constructed out of SCIV+ carbon fiber and SCIV+ iAct Glass

• Silicon carbide guides with titanium frames

Dobyns Champion XP

• 7’9” Medium Light Fast

• Fuji tangle-free K-guides with Alconite inserts

• Designed for Dartheads/ Shakey Heads/ Split Shot Rigs/ Tubes & Gitzits

Great Lakes Finesse CX

• 7’8” Medium Light Fast

• 7’8” Medium Heavy Extra Fast

• AT Microwave Air Guides

• Premium blanks with uncoated matte black finish to reduce weight and enhance sensitivity

Millerods

• 7’7” Medium Light Fast

• 7’8” Medium Fast

• Fuji SK reel seats and Fuji Alconite K guides

• Grip materials shaped for maximum comfort with minimalist skeleton seats

Phenix M1

• 7’8” Medium Extra Fast

• Vortex solid one-piece blanks featuring 36-ton Toray carbon fiber with K-Woven scrim and NanoLite resins

• Essex SiC guides and custom carbon fiber reel seats

St. Croix Black Bass

• 7’10” Medium Light Extra Fast

• 7’10” Medium Moderate Fast

• SCIII Carbon Fiber Rod Blank with Fortified Resin System and Integrated Poly-Curve Technology

• Aluminum Oxide Guide Frames with Stainless-steel Rings

St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass

• 7’10” Medium Light Extra Fast

• 7’10” Medium Moderate Fast

• Fuji K-Series tangle-free guides with Alconite inserts and Fuji VSS reel seats

• Made in the USA

St. Croix Mojo Bass Trigon

• 7’10” Medium Light Extra Fast

• 7’10” Medium Moderate Fast

• SCIII carbon fiber blanks constructed using St. Croix’s Fortified Resin System

• Custom-designed grips crafted with agglomerated cork and EVA highlights

St. Croix Victory

• 7’10” Medium Moderate Fast

• 7’10” Medium Light Extra Fast

• Super high modulus carbon fiber SCIII+ blanks matched with Fortifies Resin System technology

• Fuji Concept “O” guides with deep press inserts and Fuji VSS reel seats

Final Tips for Getting the Most from Your Longer Spinning Rod

• Pair these rods up with a spinning reel that will allow you to maximize their strengths – See our Ultra-Premium Spinning Reels for Bass Anglers guide.

• A combination of a thin sinking braid with a fluorocarbon leader will help you make long casts and get quality hooksets. Check our Best Sinking Braided Line review.

Check out all of these products at Tackle Warehouse and elevate your bass fishing game.