10.5 all day long. I don't put rods in the Scotty; it stays in my hands when I fish. The extra length allows me to guide the line through the weeds when trolling to minimize the clothes-line effect and if I get a screamer who decides to go under the boat or cut across the bow, I can clear the radio Antena and radar arch or clear the mainline from my outboard leg with the longer rod if I have to.
When netting or releasing, the rod goes on the deck and the tip leans on the gunnel. I have the leader in one hand, the net or gaff in the other. If the fish isn't ready and takes off, rod goes back into my hand. A single action knucklebuster reel with zero drag (rim control) makes all that very easy. Just make sure the leader doesn't wrap the tip of the rod and you're good