The length of a float rod for trotting is a matter of much debate for me,as playing hard fighting fish such as barbel and carp(and to a lesser degree chub)is a matter of making allowances,there is better control of a fighting fish on a shorter rod imo,10-12ft,but......and it's a biggun,better float control is gained on a longer rod,say 14-15ft,I tend to side on being in control of the fish,so 12-13ft is the happy medium.