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I hope I don't ruffle any feathers here, particularly since I am new to this board, but I think there are times where a longer rod is fine for repeated casting of lures.
I cast mostly down in Hatteras which is big rod country due to the distances have be achieved fishing relatively flat beaches. Unless one has a very slight build or reoccuring shoulder/back problems, I don't think a 12 foot rod is too big for lure casting.
I am only 5'8" and 43 years old, and I have casted 12 foot Tica, 11'9" breakaway, and 12.5 seeker for hours using tins like crippled herrings without any problems. See a fair number of others who are not particulary large who cast very large rods without any problems. A lot of it has to do with casting techicque
I agree with most here that all things being equal, a nine foot rod is more pleasant to cast (and work a lure) than a longer rod. On the other hand, a nine foot rod is not going to get the distance of a comparable 11 foot rod.
It comes down to what type of fishing to you want to do. Is it necessary to cast long distances where you fish?, are you simply reeling the lure in or do you have to play it a lot? or do you simply like rocketing lures a far, far, ways.?
That being said, most of the time when I fish in New England (Plum Island), I find that a 9 - 10.5 foot rod serves most of my needs. Good luck.
Tom
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