I use 12' rods but mostly fish Truman. Most people I talk to or you ask will say 14'. But I like the 12' foot because they are two piece rods. Breaking down 3 piece rods is a pain when you have 6 or 8 to do. I have a lot of people fish with me that have never done it and the 12' rods are muh easier for them to handle when landing fish. With all that said about 12' rods if I had to fish clearer water lakes or fish shallow stake beds where I would just set on a spot for 15-20 minites at a time I would go to 14 or 16 foot rods to get them a little further away from the boat. I would be glad to try and get out with you in your boat or you along with me and show you a few things that will save you some frustration while trying to learn. I said try. We sure have not been able to make it work yet to fish together.