You were watching the anime before so stick with it. There's not much of lose if you're watching the anime were you're currently are. I suggest reading the manga once you're "hooked". Personally, I don't think it drags on that much considering it is an adventure (how can you possibly rush an exciting adventure? xd). However, if you do think it does then reading the manga would be the better choice.Well, I liked the arlong ark - but as alot of you have been saying, it tends to drag out the plot quite a bit!
So perhaps I should follow that advice to read the manga instead.. and then perhaps around the Arabasta ark I can take up the anime again?