Okay, since hardly anyone has an opinion on this List, I was wondering if we might develop a consensus, and have a discussion on rod length. I am working on a rod for an upcoming saltwater trip. It is to be a 9 wt., and hollow built. Primary fishing duty will be for redfish and speckled sea trout. Right now I have it laid out as an 8'9" rod, 2 piece. I prefer shorter rods, though, especially in the 7'6" range. The only benefit I see to a longer rod is the ability to mend at greater length. So, what do you guys think? And please,  don't  all  give  me  the same answer.  }B^)>  (Martin-Darrell)

Are you going to be fishing from a flats boat, canoe/kayak, or wading? I don't see why you would need a longer rod if you are standing well above the water in a flats boat. And you aren't going to be doing any mending. though one advantage of the longer length is keeping that Clouser away from you and/or the guide in the wind -- with a shorter rod you may have to go to the backhand cast sooner. (Mike Mihalas)

My offer still stands.  I'll loan you a good nine weight for the salt. Mine's 8.5' + a little when you add the fighting butt. 

Longer length equals longer lever. Easier to cast long distances. (Harry Boyd)

There would be benefits to both shorter and longer rods. 

A shorter rod will not be so visible to fish, cast less shadow, etc. This can be a factor on the flats. It can also be more effective in fighting fish, depending on your technique. Also, a shorter rod will be very noticeably lighter for a given rod weight. Not just due to the reduction in length, but also because the diameter/wall can be reduced down the entire blank since there is less mass above it. You already know this. Think about whether you will be fishing any intermediate or sinking lines before deciding on a short rod.

A longer rod will allow you to increase the linear distance that the tip moves during a stroke. When you are trying to throw heavy flies, with sometimes bitter wind, you need to gain your speed gradually to prevent tailing your loops. I believe that a longer rod will allow you to gain speed more gradually than a shorter rod, and result in fewer tailing loops. I know I will take heat over this comment, because many people have big problems tailing loops with longer rods. If you cast them right, I believe longer rods help (assuming it is not a noodle to begin with). And of course, the horizontal casting plane will be somewhat higher off the water, allowing your long-distance loops to fully unroll before gravity takes its toll. The old "long rod for float tube" syndrome.

Choice is yours, but take a look at what the plastic guys are doing. They make 9' rods because they can. And for them, the rod is not too heavy to use all day long. I'd love to take Harry's rod out sometime to compare with what I'm already familiar with. Feel like Joe Brooks for a day... : ) (Troy Miller)

I think that rod length is unimportant- it is the action that matters. Those long fast graphite sticks that can throw 100 feet of line are great for fishing from a skiff, or in the wind. But if you are wading you want a rod that can load with a leader and a small loop of line. The majority of fish will "pop up" 25 feet away and those cannons are useless- they won't load enough to make an accurate presentation. Same problem if you are casting to fish in shallow water. A rod that can give a delicate presentation increases your odds.

Sure, there are times when a more moderate action may not let you reach a distant fish. Even then you can wade or pole the boat a little closer before making the cast. (Jeff Schaeffer)

Does anyone have any taper/design suggestions for a bamboo rod that would be suitable for saltwater bonefish and small tarpon fishing? (Larry Tusoni)

Paul Young Para 17 with a fighting butt. Mine throws an 8 or 9 wt. (Steve Weiss)

Try a Dickerson Guide if a #7 is up to it.  (Tony Young)

I'll say right up front that I've never fished one BUT have seen posted many, many times on The Classic fly rod forum that the Orvis S/S/S (which if I'm not mistaken stands for salmon, steelhead, and saltwater) is just about THE ideal rod for what you're looking for. They probably have the taper posted on there also. I checked Ray Gould’s Cane Rods, Tips and Tapers book but that is one of the Orvis' that wasn't listed. Maybe someone else will chime in here also. (Will Price)