Mooching rods are for mooching!

Glass rods are for downriggers!

I've used my mooching rod on the DR before but don't like it. Mainly due to the line diameter but also due to the length. I use 12# on my moocher. It's so soft that it's impossible to break the line prior to the rod shattering into a million pieces. This tends to release prematurely prior to a good hook set. With a glass 9' rod and 20# test I can load the rod in the release clip to the point the rod tip is in the water and only a 20+ Chinookie will get a clean release. It's then easier to get the slack out of the water and onto the reel.

Not to mention how much easier it is with the shorter rod when it comes time to get that piggie in the net!

As for working the fish around motors and such what the hell is the captian for. Put down the damn beer and drive!

Over the last few years I've been stunned at the number of folks using a perfectly good mooching rod on a downrigger.

So to answer your question there are many advantages to a shorter rod on the downrigger. The very best downrigger rod, going on 50 some years (used to be the yellow Eagle Claw), is the Lamiglass CG90. At about 80 bucks can't be beat. Match it with a Shimano Triton reel and your good to go for under $200. Bullet proof!

They also work exceptionaly well with divers and droppers in GH and LCR!