SS,
I have the 12"-14" rod butt length on the rods I use on my kayak. I use alot of Shimano's for my trigger sticks for bassing, one of their Terramar series for the 300 I have, and my halibut stick has a 13" butt on it plus a trigger grip that takes a Newell 220 on it. My other sticks are run of the mill Penn's that I got on sale with the standard 12 inch butt grip.
I'm not sure about the Okuma rods because I've never used one for a day on the kayak or to haul in some fish with. Like yourself, I would have to try one to really form any opinion about them. If I ever do use one, I'll be sure to let you know
. TC&TL,
Perry