Fish length question

[Mountainasher]

Hey all! Had a quick question about fish surfboards that I couldn't quite figure out. Here goes: Now we all know that the fish design is unique because while generally (apart from when the surf gets humongous) longer boards work in smaller surf, smaller boards in larger surf, the fish defies that completely. I understand that is due to its volume, lack of rocker, and overall shape. I also understand that the short length makes fishes more maneuverable. My question is: what's going to be harder to ride in steep, 5 ft surf: A 5'4 fish, or a 5'10 fish? Basically, the longer the fish is, does that make it more stable or less stable in big waves? Because I understand its issue with steep waves is the lack of rocker, so technically wouldn't a smaller fish be better for the bigger stuff because it could handle steeper drops without its nose catching?

[jaffa1949]

It is the skill of the rider not the fish , guys ride pipeline on longboard Teauhopou too , but they are highly skilled.

but to answer your question, fish require good rail to rail riding skills , the shorter you go or the active shortening of the board by increased rock doesn’t enable steeper drops, but the riders to have the skill as the board get functionally short for paddle power to be able to handle the more and more critical drops.
Before. short boards evolved, humongous waves were ridden on humongous long boards.

Don’t buy what pros use, if you are not a pro, it is their skills that enable them to ride the epic stuff at any size , not the boards.
often the pros ride the same profile shortened or elongated or tweaked for each stop on the tour.
When a pro hits the tour with an extreme design it usual fails in a number of venues. or everyone tweaks to it!
everyone is looking for the golden board! That takes you beyond the average!

[waikikikichan]

My question is: what's going to be harder to ride in steep, 5 ft surf: A 5'4 fish, or a 5'10 fish? Basically, the longer the fish is, does that make it more stable or less stable in big waves? Because I understand its issue with steep waves is the lack of rocker, so technically wouldn't a smaller fish be better for the bigger stuff because it could handle steeper drops without its nose catching?

In theory ( physics ) the 5'4" should fit into a space better than a 5'10", but in the real world, no. A longboard can catch a wave BEFORE the wave breaks, the shortboards ( and Fishes ) need to catch the wave AS it breaks. But if we are just comparing the 5'4" versus the 5'10" the larger board can get up to planing quicker/earlier so the rider can set the rail and get moving down the line sooner. Is it a foot and millisecond difference between the two ? Well, maybe yes, but that minuscule moment may mean the difference in making the drop or not.

By the way, are you talking about true twin fin fishes or hybrid with a swallow tail ? What size is your go to shortboard currently ? Your fish should be 2-4 inches shorter by what some industry people say.

[Mountainasher]

I'm talking about the true "retro fishes" twin or quad. I'm intrigued by fishes because the summer waves where I live are so small but super clean, and I see that as a lot of potential to rip something like a fish. As of now, I'm waiting on buying a fish because I don't have the skills to ride one, but I'm super interested. I have a 6'3 hybrid fish now but I don't like calling it a fish. Its a transition board for me until I can hop onto a shortboard that suits me (5'9, 150 lbs). I was thinking about buying a 5'10 shorty later this year once I develop better skills and habits, and then further down the road I'd love to invest in a retro fish. I've just seen a lot of folks saying "2 inches shorter than your shortboard" which seems reasonable, but then why do I see so many 5'0 to 5'4 range fishes for sale? Didn't think most people were riding 5'5 HPSBs haha. Maybe there are just 2 different fish schools of thought.

[jaffa1949]

You need to mullet over, which size!. Just had to put that pun in!