Look up the old post (last year?) by doc (eye fish). He did a statistical study of hook up rates with his 8.5' vs his 10.5' rods. The percentages were much higher on the longer rods. Everyone else is giving ancedotal information &/or opinions (which is also good), but EyeFish took the more analytical & statistical approach to it to confirm it. When it came time to replaced my 8.5' GL2's I went longer to the 10.5' after reading his post. I am glad I did as they have performed better as promised. The only down side I have for them is when fishing with kids or women, the longer rods are difficult for them to handle (no pun intended)!
I have never met him, but his advice was spot-on & I owe him a thanks