I dunno, bro .... slip float fishing I use a 8ft rod (to take up slack line on the hookset). Might be OK for close quarters casting, creek wading, or dock shooting ... but, I don't "tightline" enough to know if a rod that short would work. I guess it would if it would fit in a rod holder. (I'm referring to "tightline" fishing as fishing straight down over the side of the boat, & the boat is tied off or anchored)
Maybe if she kept the receipt, you could take it back & exchange it for the one you wanted ...