i like the shorter rods for twitching. only drawback is lack of a loaded up rod to keep the hook in when using barbs, but not that big of a deal in my experience.

i'd prefer something in the 7'0-7'9 range, like a mag bass or "popping" blank, rated around 6-15, or 8-17. i've been using spinning reels, but maybe a levelwind setup would be the ticket for some real pinpoint casting accuracy.