I have to agree with the guys that fish the longer rods when fishing floats(bobbers are for kids!)I never fish a float rod shorter than 10.5', preffering my 12' stick. I also agree with RR about using braided line...no stretch on the hookset and you can mend the braid better than mono. I'm always holdin back on my float once it is below me so my line is almost always direct to the float. When your float goes under it should load you rod up if you are getting the proper drift.

BTW, i hooked my first jig caught Steelhead -(Silent Approach jigs)- the other day. For anyone that hasn't seen these jigs, check them out...they're sweet. www.silentapproach.com