Having been a coarse/match angler before converting to the fly I recall years ago the major tackle companies used to make 10 or11foot rods for floatfishing
the canals,when the boom in match carp fishing took off the canals were forgotten as match venues.If you could find such a rod it would be ideal for what you describe.Ihave not heard of a 7foot float rod(but Ihave been out of coarse fishing for a while)but such a rod would be better,dont be tempted to use a spinning rod which are usually shorter but too powerfull for what you need.You risk losing fish on the strike or pulling the hook whilst playing the fish.The advantage of the longer rod is that you could trott longer distances and still be in contact with the rig you choose to fish,good tactic if they become a bit spooky!
cheers
Steve.