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Depends on what's behind you, as you stated.
If you can stand down by the water on a flat ground, like a mussel bed, at low tide, you can use a longer rod. The 11' Lamiglas XRA 1322 is one popular plugging rod for the Canal.
If you have steep rip-rap, an uncertain foot-hold, brush or other objects obstructing your back cast, I'd go with a shorter rod, in the area of 9-1/2 to 10 feet. Your Star is actually a pretty good rod in that respect.
My favorite all around Canal rod is a JK Fisher 8420, originally 10' but shortened about 5" from the butt. I use it for plugging and jigs/plastics. I only use my 11' 1322 for the breaking tides.
Hitting the middle is overrated, IMO. Unless there's a mess of fish breaking, it's a low percentage attempt. One or two fish breaking requires accurate plug placement and it's a much higher percentage attempt the shorter you throw. There are a handful of guys who can cast accurately at 90-100 yards, but the number of guys who can put a plug on a fish at 50 yards goes up dramatically.
Some things you might try to hit those fish breaking just out of range---change over to 50# Power Pro braid instead of 30# Fireline. 30# FL is as thick as 20# mono and it gets "fluffy" and pills when it wears in. That might cut down on your distance. 50# Power Pro is thinner and has a more durable slick coating that cuts down guide and air friction. And, you could try metal like a Crippled Herring or Mega Bait instead of plugs.
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