Welcome Ian,
It entirely depends on the type of fishing you are doing, whether a long rod is useful or not.
Developed from the Bolognese style of the Continent.
On certain stillwater swims, a long rod can be used as an alternative to a whip, giving exactly the same presentation, (can use a pole float if you wish) but better fish handling and landing capability for latger fish.
On rivers, it can be ideal for stick/Avon type fishing allowing far better control and swimcoverage and fed well, can bring the fish in.
For deeper swims, the extra length can preclude the need for a sliding float.
BUT like everything else, it's horses for courses and I use a 13 and14 ft float rod as well.
One thing it definitely aint used for is feeder or ledgering work!
Cheers
Trev
Ziptrev
Shouldn't happen to a DOG!