The feel that exists in a long rod is unbelievable.My summer rod is a custom 14' built from a 9'6"6wt Talon flyrod with a butt section from a light baitrod. I use a centerpin loaded with 8lb to a 6lb leader. This setup allows you to feel every pebble on the bottom ,every leaf that floats downstream . Its amazing just how easy it is to handle large fish with this rig.You have a huge cushion that gives with evey move the fish makes and tires them like no short rod ever would. The important thing in building long rods to avoid strain is to achieve balance in the rod and reel with the hand position. If you get the balance right it feels like a feather.