Hi Nick
I'd stick with a 9 foot rod. I've fished for trout and yellows for the last few decades and used both lengths...and, all-round the 9 foot is better in my opinion. The 10 foot has it's spot (to some maybe) in certain situations, but to me the 9 footer can do it all...and better in most cases than a 10 foot rod.
Getting more "air" for your line with a 10' rod from a boat or float tube is a myth...guys think the 10' rod makes it easier to cast further seated from a boat or float tube...not true. Most good casters can get more than enough line in the air and keep it there with a 9 foot rod (or less!) from a tube and a boat. And cast a 10' rod all day...you will feel the difference.
Even with CZN nymphing (which I've been doing for many years on the Vaal) I still prefer the 9' rod for that.
I'll never fish a 10' rod again...not for Czech nymphing, float tubing, off a boat, the bank, big rivers, nothing. In fact...there has never been a case where I could honestly say "damn I wish I had a 10' rod right now".
I was on the Vaal about 2 years ago with a guy who was fishing a 10' (well known brand) rod, CZN. He was just not connecting with fish the whole day. I gave him my 9 footer and he could immediately feel the difference in sensitivity, and lightness in hand...and starting picking up fish.
Think about it this way...in bass fishing, you VERY rarely see anyone fishing a rod beyond 8 foot. And one piece rods too. Why? Because of the sensitivity. It's a fact...the longer the rod the less sensitive it becomes (in your hand)...so with Czech nymphing it's actually a hinderance rather than a help. If you could CZN the rapids on the Vaal with a 7 foot, 5wt rod...I gaurantee you, you will connect with more fish. Purely because you are more in touch with the end of your rod tip and thus, the end of your line too.
But then a 7 foot rod on big rivers is impractical in all other scenarios of course.
9 foot is all round the best choice.
This is of course...my opinion. But if we ever get the chance to fish together some day, I'll show you one on one what I mean.
Hey...we're doing a Kimberley trip this year again...want to join??
Mike
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