Jerkbait Casting And Topwater Rod

[bass stalker]

Hey I wanted to know what length and action is a good one for a jerkbait and topwater rods?

[ww2farmer]

For me, either casting or spinning in something less than 7' but at least 6'6", medium power and a fast or XF action.

[paul25]

I like a 6'6 - 6'8 mh for both applications and a fast action on both.

[Toeshots]

I think 6'6" is a good length. Don't want to go too long since it's a tip-down technique. Fast action and M or MH power depending on the size of your lure.

[WIGuide]

Personally I think a good rod for both would be a 6'6" - 6'8" rod. You don't want the tip to constantly be slapping the water, but you want it to be long enough to get that bait out there a good distance. If you're exceptionally short, you could probably even get by with a 6' rod. 

[iabass8]

6'6 mf

6'8mxf

Either will work for both

[Bluebasser86]

Depends a lot on what kind of "topwater" you're talking about. I fish a 6' 2" M/XF for my small to mid range jerkbaits, small to mid range poppers and walkers. I use a 6' 6" M/F for my larger jerkbaits and poppers. I use a 6' 6" MH/F for my full size walkers and buzzbaits. 

[quanjig]

I'm a short guy but prefer a bit longer rod. 7'-7'3" for jb and top water. I like the idea of being able to move a little more line! Adjusting rod position on movement of the bait is key!

[TrapperJ]

I invested in JerkBaits this year and i plan to invest in a JB rod too. Held a few at BPS i tried to pick out a different rod in my price range but looks like i'll be adding another Duckett. 6'6" M

 

Was watching Bass Pros and KVD talked about JB rods and said you want one with a short handle so when you do the downward motion your not hitting yourself with the rod.

 

Top water i like my 7' MH Vertias or my 7'6" MH Carbonlite since its a stiffer rod for bigger topwaters.

[Fishes in trees]

I like a shorter rod for throwing top waters.  I like the shorter rod so that I'm not slapping the side of the boat every time I do the downward jerk/snap.  Shorter rods with shorter straight handles aren't easy to find.  Currently I use a mid-90's era Mitchell Fulcrum - 5'9" with a medium action.   I've tried several different reels.  Currently I'm using a Calcutta TEGT with 14 lb mono.  That gets me ok distance and I'm not slapping the side of the boat when I work the bait.

 

For moving top waters, like buzz baits or frogs, I have different rigs for each of those situations.  For jerk baits, like Pointers or Rogues or stuff like that I like spinning gear because for me it handles the wind better and it always seems like it is windy when I want to fish jerk baits.