i've been using an 8' rod the last few years (diawa). love it. one thing i do notice with the longer rod is to be mindful when swinging fish aboard to make sure there is enough line out from the rod tip to the fish otherwise the fish will be swinging at head level.
i for one don't like fast action rods for blackfishing. just like a little slower bending of the rod...just my two cents. but try it out and fish with what you like and what you are comfortable with.
