Yes sir, a long rod is always better than a short one I use a 10 1/2 ft graphite with spinning reel and 12lb ultra-thin Izorline Platinum line.
I think ultra-thin lines give you the ability to 1. use a heaver wt. rating and
2. mend line better because it's lighter.

I've use this combo for about 3 years now and haven't had any problems. The only real problem is that Izorline doesn't make the 'Platinum" color any more!