Topwater Spinning Rod - Needs To Be From Cabela's

[BBogey]

Hello,

 

I don't know a heck of a lot about bass fishing yet, been dabbling in it for about 3 years, and now I'm in the market for a topwater spinning rod, up to $150.  I need to be able to get the rod from Cabela's (gift cards).  I was wondering if someone could suggest what they feel is the best rod for my budget?

 

Thank you!

 

Bogey

[Molay1292]

What type and what size of top water baits do you like to use.   It will make a difference in the rod length, action, and power.

[BBogey]

I fish a lot of poppers, some walking dogs and occasionally frogs - but mostly poppers.

[Molay1292]

Just a quick look and there are some good rods in your price range.   The one's that caught my eye were the St.Croix Eyecon, Fenwick Elite Tech, and the Powell Inferno.

 

A rod somewhere between 6' 6" and 7' 0" should work well, keep in mind that many topwater techniques are worked tip down, so select a rod length that compliments your stature, you don't want to be smacking the side of the boat or the water while working the bait.  Power is  more dependant upon the rod you choose but I would think that a med power rod would cover most of your top water needs aside from being perfect for the frog.   Action is another feel type decison as all rods are not the same, if it were me I would look for either a fast or extra fast action with a slightly softer tip.

 

Much of this is vague and I apologize for that, I have not fished any of the specific rods I mentioned but have fished others from the same companies.    I am sure others will be along to help with your decision.

[BBogey]

Thanks, it's helping!  I was actually looking at that Fenwick elite, simply because I like my walleye one, but I was really unsure about power and action for the topwater... I have a lot to learn, and don't mind the fact that I won't get it perfect with my choice, but I just don't want it WRONG.

 

Thanks.

[jjnosal@msn.com]

med lite 6'6" mod. would work & fun

[d-camarena]

I use a 6'6 medium heavy falcon bucoo. Handles anything topwater and i also ise it for jigs and spinner baits. Pretty verstile and at a good price. I own 6 of them

[bigbill]

I just purchased a 6'6" med/hvy spinning rod for topwater.

I'm hoping with heavier test line I can keep them from going in the deep weeds on me.

[the reel ess]

I sometimes use a 7' Lightning Rod with a mod/fast tip for topwaters as well as Rat L Traps in a pinch. It works well. You don't NEED a lot of sensitivity in a topwater rod. In fact, these day, there are people recommending a 'glass rod so you don't yank the bait away. If your intention is to spend a lot of money, go for it. But I doubt I'd spend over $100 for a rod for this purpose. weight, action and power are the driving criteria here.

 

Primarily, I use a Med 6'6" BC with a mod-fast tip and 15# mono for topwaters, with a 7:1 reel for when I use buzzbaits, etc. If I was going for a spin combo specifically for topwaters, I might go up to a MH because spinning rods tend to run a bit lighter in action than BC rods. Find one with spring in the tip, but about 80% backbone in the rod. I'd go to Cabela's to compare if I could.

 

A spinning reel with a bigger spool (a 2500 up to a 4000 size) can help with casting distance using heavier mono. If you use braid, it won't be that big of a deal.

[the reel ess]

Here's an idea. Use the same type rod you would for a jerkbait like a Rapala floating minnow. That has the right action/power for a lure with trebles.

[smalljaw67]

You really don't need a technique specific rod when it comes to spinning with the exception of drop shots as a special action really helps with those. The reason is spinning rods are softer than casting rods of the same power and action so just about and medium power, fast action spinning rod you like. I would assume you are fishing from the bank for the most part and even if you are fishing from a boat, a slightly shorter rod makes it easier to work a topwater bait. That said, look for a rod from 6' to 6'9", medium power with a fast or extra fast action, spinning rods are very forgiving.

[BBogey]

Thanks guys - I appreciate it!  (and I am fishing from a boat)