Swimming is a game-changer in the way you choose your gear, and the main parameter is the length of the rod. Unlike coastal fishing, where you often have to break through the thickets or make long casts through the coastal bay, the water has its own laws of aerodynamics and ergonomics. The right length of the form affects not only the range of the bait, but also the comfort of catching the trophy, and the safety of the fisher in the confined space of the cockpit.
Many beginners make the mistake of buying a versatile stick 2.7-3.0 meters long, believing that the longer the spinning, the better. However, in practice, such dimensions become a problem in a boat: they are inconvenient to transport, difficult to maneuver with active sticking and dangerous to use in high winds. The optimal size depends on many factors: the type of boat (PVC or metal), the way of wiring, the depth at the fishing site and even the height of the fisher.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to find a middle ground so that fishing brings only pleasure, and not the fight with an uncomfortable tool. We will look at the specifics of different techniques, the impact of the board on the choice of gear and give specific examples for different conditions. Competent choice The length of the rod is the first step to a successful season on the water, which will save you nerves and money to buy the wrong equipment.
Factors affecting the choice of length of the rod
The first thing you should look at before you buy is the dimensions of your boat, and if you own a small inflatable boat, the long form will constantly cling to the sides, interfere with the work with oars or motor. compactness For metal boats with spacious cockpits, the requirements are less stringent, but there is a limit to reasonableness, especially if you have to fish in a company of two or more people.
The second important aspect is fishing techniques. For jig fishing, where you need tight bait control and sharp cuts, length plays a role. For wobble twiring, where the amplitude of snags and the game of bait are important, the requirements for the form are completely different. You can't use the same spinning for deep-sea wobblers and for microjigs if you want to get the maximum result. Universality It's good in theory, but in practice it often means compromise in efficiency.
⚠️ Warning: Don't forget the height of the board. If the board is high, short spinning can prevent you from effectively bringing the fish to the seamstress, and you risk missing the trophy at the very side.
And you also need to consider the way you store your gear, and if you plan to keep the rods in a tube or a case assembled, the length of the transport position will be critical. Long sticks require more space, which can be a problem in a small boat. Shorter models are more convenient to transport and store, which is especially important for long trips with an overnight stay.
Optimal length for jig fishing
Jig fishing from a boat has its own specifics, which dictates the choice of shorter rods compared to the shore jig. There is no need for ultra-long throw, because the boat can always be put at the right point. The main requirement is sensitivity and the ability to make quality. cut-off The optimal range for most situations is between 1.8 and 2.1 meters.
Using too long spinning (over 2.4 m) when jigging from a boat often leads to the fact that the angler simply can not comfortably hold the rod in the working position. When fishing in a plumb or with a short overhang of the fishing line, the long form rests on the knees or side, depriving the fisherman of control over the bait. Short models allow you to keep the spinning in an upright position, which is ideal for controlling the wiring and feeling of even the most timid. staple predator.
However, if you practice fishing in large waters with deep holes, where you need long-range throwing heavy loads, you can consider models up to 2.4 meters long. But remember that in cramped boat conditions, such spinning will require testing the technique of throwing, so as not to catch a friend's gear or elements of the equipment of the boat. ergonomics In this case, the theoretical distance is more important.
Spinning for twidding and jerk wiring
Twigging is an active fishing method that requires constant brush and forearm work. It has its own rules for boat fishing. The optimal length for twittering medium-sized and large-sized wobbles is 1.8-2.0 meters. Longer rods create sailing and require a greater range of movements, which can be tedious and uncomfortable when in a boat.
Short sticks allow you to make sharper and more slurring jerks, giving the wobbler an aggressive game that often provokes the predator to attack, but it is important that the rod is built. fast Or ultrafast to provide clear animation of the bait without dips, and the length of the form also affects the angle of entry of the wobbler into the water: a short rod is easier to dull the bait and keep it on the right horizon.
When fishing in shallow water or in grassy areas, which are often visited by boats, short spinning is indispensable, allowing you to quickly respond to changing situations, make accurate throws under bushes or windows, and easily pull the bait from the algae. Long models in such conditions will rather interfere, clinging to branches and creating unnecessary hooks.
- 🎣 For large wobbles (100+ mm), the ideal length is 1.9–2.1 m for confident animation.
- 🎣 For medium-sized wobblers (70-90 mm), the range of 1.8-2.0 m is best suited.
- 🎣 For shallow twidding and work in the "straps" choose short models up to 1.9 m.
Trolling: When length matters
Trolling is perhaps the only type of boat fishing where long rods may be justified, but there are limits to it. trolling is most often used spinning lengths from 1.9 to 2.4 meters. Longer models (2.7 m and above) are rarely used, mainly on large boats, where it is important to take the line away from the motor or avoid crossovers with adjacent tackles.
The main task of the trolling rod is to withstand the constant pressure of water on the wobler and extinguish the jerks of large fish. The length here is secondary to the test and formation, but too short a form (less than 1.8 m) may not provide the necessary cushioning when catching the trophy, especially if the tooling uses a hard cord. The optimal choice is the models of about 2.1 meters, which combine power and ease of placement in boat holders.
It's important to consider the number of tackles. If you catch multiple spinnings at the same time, long rods will be constantly confused, in which case more compact options are preferable, which can be arranged by fan without the risk of overlapping the lines. Security And order on board trolling is more important than record ranges.
| Type of catch | Recommended length (m) | Optimal test (d) | Strike. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jig (deepness) | 1.8 – 2.1 | 10 – 40 | Fast. |
| Twidding | 1.8 – 2.0 | 5 – 25 | Superfast. |
| trolling | 1.9 – 2.4 | 20 – 60+ | Medium/Fast |
| Universal | 2.1 – 2.3 | 10 – 35 | Mid-fast |
The influence of the type of boat on the choice of tackle
The type of boat directly dictates the operating conditions of the spinning. In PVC inflatable boats, especially in models such as "Dive" or classic rowing, the space is limited to the sides, which often interfere with the swing. Here the spinning length should not exceed 2.1 meters, and ideally be 1.8-1.9 meters, which will allow you to sit comfortably on the bank and do wiring without touching the cylinders.
In metal or plastic boats with hard bottoms and high sides, the situation is different: the high side requires a longer form so that the bait can be lowered into the water and controlled at the bottom without being outweighed by the whole body, but here too, more than 2.4 meters can be a problem when catching fish when they need to be raised to the height of the board and brought into the suction.
Also, consider the presence of a tent or roof. In awning boats, long rods can get stuck in the elements of the structure, which is annoying and distracting from fishing. Short tackles are much more mobile and allow the angler to focus on the process, rather than how to not touch the awning when abruptly cut.
Transportation and storage in the boat
Transportation is often underestimated until faced with reality: 2.7-meter-long spinning, assembled, requires either a very large boat or a special stowage along the side, which can interfere with movement. Short rods (1.8-2.0 m) are easily placed across the boat or in special pockets on the sides without taking up useful space.
If you use a outboard motor, long spinning can be a problem when you install a trans wheel or when maneuvering in narrowness. Short tackles are less sailing and do not create additional resistance to the wind, which is especially important when fishing in large open bodies of water, where every extra kilogram and every extra centimeter of sailing affects handling.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave long rods upright without a secure attachment – in a sharp maneuver or wave, they can fall overboard or hit one of the passengers.
For storage in a boat, it is best to use soft, hard-inserted cases that protect the form from being hit on the side. Long cases are harder to pack compactly, they take up a lot of space and can interfere. Short models are more convenient to fix in holders that attach to the can or cylinder, providing quick access to the tackle at the time of the kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a 2.7m coast spinning for fishing from a boat?
Technically, you can, but it's very inconvenient. You'll have a hard time wiring, cutting and pulling out in a limited space, and you'll also have a high risk of breaking the top of the side or entangled gear, and you'll have to buy a specialized rod up to 2.1 meters long.
What length of spinning is best for a beginner in boat fishing?
For a beginner, the best choice is a versatile length of 1.9 to 2.0 meters, short enough not to disturb the boat, long enough to make confident throws and extinguish fish jerks, and they forgive more errors in catching than very short models.
Does the length of the spinning affect the range of throw from the boat?
Yes, it does, but it's not as critical as it is from the shore. It often doesn't require 80 to 100 meters of throwing from a boat, it often eliminates the difference between 10 to 15 meters between spinning 1.8 meters and 2.4 meters of boat fishing, often by being able to get closer to the point by motor, and it's about accuracy, not range.
Do I need a separate spinning for trolling?
It is advisable to have a specialised trolling rod, as it experiences a constant static load, different from jig or twigging. However, if the budget is limited, you can use a powerful fast spinning rod with a length of about 2.1 m, but monitor its condition.