What are the advantages of using very long boat rods aboard charter boats?

MIKE SUMMERVILLE, BY EMAIL

DL says: The rods you’re referring to are the Continental-style boat rods, which are very popular with match anglers. Advantages include improved bite detection, while also helping to avoid tangles when fishing at various positions around a boat.

Casting is not allowed during most boat competitions, and these rods enable the anglers to easily lob their baits away from the boat using an underhand flick.