I don't know this from experience, but I've heard that with a really long rod you lose sensitivity. So if you are drift fishing with a 10'6" rod you might not be able to feel the bottom as well. I'm going to buy a float rod in the next month or so. After I do I'm going to pack 2 rods with me. Sometimes I might want to throw a float with bait or something and then I might want to throw a spinner and having 2 rods is the answer I think. Even if you have to drag them around. You spend more time with your line in the water.

~ Dr Pepper