For panfishing I prefer the micro-rods. Four foot long works fine for me. These rods are super sensitive and will let you know when the fish are light biting. They tend to be a little light for pulling bigger bluegills out of the weeds but I have landed 3 pound largemouth bass with them. I also have a 6'-6" ultra-light that is great foe tossing small jigs and micro bobbers with good accuracy. The main thing for panfishing is to get a rod that is sensitive so you can feel the light bites.