9.5 is still too short IMO.....Lots of Positives to having a 10.5 foot slow action rod for trolling.
-A long, slow-action rod allows an angler to keep the rod loaded and positive pressure on the fish at all times, which equates to keeping the hooks buried (especially important while fishing barbless.)
-Extra rod length around the boat makes it easier to dunk the rod if the fish runs to the opposite side of the boat you are fishing from, get your line out around the motors, or around the bow.
-Loading a long slow rod up on a downrigger.....Clip your line into the release tightly, and load up the rod on the release clip putting a huge arch in the rod so the tip is almost touching the water. When the fish pulls the gear off the clip, the rod stands up and pulls out slack, helps set the hook all on it's own.


To me the benefits make it a no-brainer decision.
If you are looking for a couple new rods, take a good look at the Rainshadow 1264bp blank.