I would have to disagree parker. A lot of the drifting, I do for chinook is in the faster deeper slots. I like the longer rod for walking down the baits down the slot at times with a bit, of lead, and like the control a longer rod gives me. I guess it is a personal preferrence. As for a combat fishing rod, I would think shorter would be better, though I am not much of a combat fishing expert as you as I prefer less of a crowd. As for wrist fatigue, if your rod is balanced, I don't find it to be a problem.