Changing vector? I've fished in narrow spring step-acrpss creeks with short (7.5') rods and long (9')rods and never had too many unusual problems bringing a fish to hand with either. The more pressure you put on a fish, the more you can change his direction, and I think you can do that to a greater extent with a shorter rod. However, you can protect your tippet better with a long rod for the same reason which require inverse thinking: you don't put as much load on a fish. A long rod increases your casting distance, which is also irrelvant in a small stream.
Good thing is, there is room for short rods and long rods. I am not a super-short guy myself, 7.5' is my minimum , but the short ones do have an advantage is some situations.
Last edited by Gene L; 05/10/10.
