I recently started fishing the surf targeting perch. I'm looking to buy a surf rod strictly for perch n beans. It seems like the norm for surf spinning is 8'6 or longer (salmon steelhead rods). I fish carolina rig 1/2 -3/4 ounce weight with 6 or sometimes 8lb flouro. From what i've read long rod helps keep the line over the waves. Can i get away with 7 1/2 footers. I prefer 1 piece rods. I have 2 rods in mind a St.Croix tidemaster TIS76LM and a Phenix recon PHX-S762L. I have a old symetre i wanna pair it up with. It has 2 spools. a 6lb mono and the other 10 lb braid. Any input is greatly appreciated. Should i go with longer salmon steelhead type of rods? Thanks in advance.