Rod length question

I just got me a ODC 420 float tube to fish the harbors and lakes.

I use to primarily fish on budget some what long UL rods for trout and pan fish. Recently i decided to upgrade my gear and target fish and bought me a fw 7'8 phenix M1 medium (MXS78M) spinning paired with a Stradic ci4+3000 to fish for stripers up in Silverwood lake. The set has worked great. I have also used this same set up to catch halibut off the jetties and surf but now that i have this float tube, I was wondering if the length would be too long and too light for fishing the harbors.

I was also planning on getting a fw Heavy casting rod but in a length similar to the spinning rod for better casting distance since i will continue to fish the shores with buddies.

Does anyone fish similar length rods out at the harbors? If so, any tips would be welcomed.

For me I try not to use any rods in the harbor over 6' maybe 6'6" max. I find anything above that makes it a pain to land the fish and I tend to bump the tips into dock lines, bridges, passing under docks or sometimes have my line wrap around the rod behind me if I am not paying attention. But these are just my reasons for using a under 7' rod in harbors.

I primarily use 7'9" Medium Abu Volatile conventional rod with an Abu Revo Inshore spooled with 10# fluoro for my tube fishing; it's more than enough for the harbors. I also fish a Medium 8' Shimano Compre spinning rod with a Shimano Symetre spooled with 20# braid and an 8# topshot and have had no issues either. I like my tackle to be on the lighter side so I get more enjoyment out of the fight, but that's just me.

As for the length, you just have to be mindful of where you are heading. I have smacked low bridges and some other objects with my rods but so far nothing bad has come of it.

When tying on lures the reel may get a but wet but that sholdn't be an issue so long as you rinse them thouroughly when you get home. I will say that tying a topshot on a tube with an 8' rod is a pain so just have your rig set BEFORE you jump in the water. Saves time and extra effort.

I also prefer under seven feet long rods but have used all the way up to eight feet with no problems. Like stated above, you just have to work around it. Longer rods do have longer handles which might bump the backrest. That can sometimes be an inconvenience.

I like my rods right around 7 foot .. 7'2" (my swimbait rod for fresh @ 7'9")... the length of the rod is not the problem its the handle length , if that is too long then it may become awkward to cast , reel , etc .. does not matter if you fish salt or fresh , you should always be mindful of where your heading and where or how your gear is placed.

Wes

I like the rods on my tube to be 6' to 6'6" for ease of handling. But, I do have some 7 foot rods I use for the reach. And sitting on the water the longer baitcasting rods pose some handling problems.

thank you all for your replies. i will give the long rods a shot.