It just depends on the situation and balance is important for a long day of snagging. From the shore to the center of the osage or so, a 12' rod can really launch a weight without too much effort and gives a loooong stroke. Longer rods like 14/15 ' can be exhausting for many people (like me), but work for a young 6'3" guy. Do you need the distance, is the question. In a boat, a 8-10 ' rod does give you a great stroke like Seth said, but boats don't give a lot of room if there are 3 or 4 snaggers. A 7' ugly stick can catch fish and keep people from getting slapped whether on a crowded shore or in the boat! More and more, I am thinking that feel is important to work the bottom or feel the fish. Big weights and line are where a lot of people start and I have molds up to 20 oz, but that is an exhausting day! At the Mississippi near where I live, I have seen a lot of people take long rods and cast cast way out into the river and snag all the way back to the edge of the tailrace (where the fish are located)! !! Have fun
Hannibal Mike