I m thinking of getting a new pole. My current one is a 9 footer. I think the longer pole will help me keep the line off the water and roll cast a bit better. I fish alone 90% of the time and landing fish is an issue as many places I have to net them myself. So give me some pros and cons of a 10 or 11 foot pole. Is the extra foot going to be enough to make a difference or should I go 2. 

When you say pole what type are you thinking . Spin, cast or fly ?
I just went through a bunch tonight and I'm eyeing my 30 plus year old st croix 8'6" 6-17# spin rod. It's limber enough to drift, strong enough cast plugs or spinners and plenty of backbone.
It was my dads rod , he and I have played many chrome then salmon on that tool.
I like it most because its light, strong, limber , versitle and short ( for a lakes rod )..
Most all other spin are 10' or 10' 6" in various weights, strengths from noodle to med- light .
Gotta say the 8'6" freels most comfortable .

I have 2 - 13 footers . 1 Spey and 1 fiberglass spin, they have caught fish but see little to no use. Dislike the length and control for myself.
Fly rods are all 9'6" or 10' . Thought about the 11' switch but at this stage , I'm not really needing another .

Fly pole. I have an 11 spin I use for floats that I like alot.

I own 2 8wts and 3 7wts all are 10footers.

The 11 is likely to lead to more rock massaging steel. I put an extension on my net handle. The extra foot is good at mending and working a longer line,  especially when swinging flies. However, handling an 11' rod single hand can get tiring, and I think you'll find any of the road to recovery you haven't traveled will quickly be causing pain. Pain to get through the woods, too. I like mine for  various reasons, but at this point in the season have gone back to the 10' 7 wt. The 10' is a gain for the reasons you stated, Clint, and also will protect tippet better with the longer tip section. It's not the tip that's longer , but the taper is spread out over the longer length. I'd highly recommend trying the rod out in the lot with an old line before buying. I've never asked nearer Plasky but Malinda doesn't mind you taking them outside and even has reels loaded up for lot casting. If you're looking for a one rod to do all, an 8 will do better on salmon and big steel, but will likely be too heavy for light tippet. You could break out the 9 footer for sharks.  I'd try a 10' 7 and see what you think. If you have an 8 wt. salmon/steel line, don't hesitate to try it on a 7. They'll work better on rolls and flips with less than 20' of the belly out, especially with a little weight or bigger flies. 

10' #7 is a staple steelhead rod. I do mostly fish my 11' #9 and 11' #7 these days though.. If you go with an 11' make it a switch style... Casting, mending and drift ability is definitely better with the extra foot and yes it helps keep the line off the water. Mine are deer creek series and they are great. I've even landed a lot of large sharks on my #7...

I agree with that. 8wt for shark season and 7wt for steel is exactly what I do also. Check out www.Alekasports.com . They have some nice rods at a reasonable prices.

Fat Nancy has the "Shufly" switch rod in stock in the 8# 11' that I use up there Clint,a good rod for the money.

Always take a look in the Pineville shop when comparing prices -seem to find some great deals in there. Great folks too.

I have two 9 foot eight weights. One is a bit faster action than the other so I use one for salmon and one for steel. I have 9 weight line on my reel now. The 10 footer is the one I am leaning towards.  Was planning on taking my reel up to see how it felt.