I've seen people using emblems with shorter rods, didn't seem to worry them, they arent mega heavy anyway I don't think, 600gms odd , I went through a 10ft phase, I now use 12's again mainly, just think they are a better allrounder,
I pretty much ignored chub last year, I think the carp syndicate had its claws into me, but the hot weather this year meant that I didn't want to be at the lake.
I've been doing 2 trips a week overnight on the river for chub and maybe a barbel, not even casting in until after sunset, and packing up around 6am. This was my first fish from the stretch.