"Joe" wrote in message
oups.com...
But do you think the shorter rod will be necessary anyway, for the
places I want to fish? I cant imagine hauling a 9-footer into some of
these places. I've thought about getting a second heavier and longer
rod for other situations, but dont even know if I am going to like
using the first one yet...

You'll get varying opinions on this but the difference between a 7-1/2
footer and a 9 footer really isn't all that important. The shorter length
is marginally more convenient on small streams, but the longer works
marginally better for dapping......it's pretty much a wash. I've used
various rods in any number of combinations of lengths and weights on many
miles of northern Wisconsin and Michigan streams (as well as other
locations), and found that the rod and reel are typically the least
important considerations. In time you'll probably develop preferences of
your own but for now it's just not worth fretting over. You'll do better
learning as much as you can about fishing conditions in the areas you intend
to frequent, the patterns that tend to be successful in those places,
terminal tackle, etc. The business end of your rig is the one the bug is
attached to. That's where your attention should be focused.

Wolfgang