Topwater/Jerkbait Rod Setup

[Max Teas]

Hey guys, so I'm looking into buying a topwater /jerkbait rod that can also handle buzzbaits, soft plastics, etc.) but mainly for topwater/ jerkbaits! . The only dilemma i have is whether to buy a rod in the 7ft medium so it can be more versatile, or the 6'6 medium. Also, any rod eccomendations? Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

[rawjuice]

Do a quick search and you will be overwhelmed with the results you get!

 

However, for me, I prefer a shorter rod for jerk/top baits with a shorter handle. 6'6'' - 7' is a good range. Shorter rods will also help make more accurate casts especially in tight spots. Medium/Fast to Medium/XFast is my go to for Power/Action. Good Luck!

[Angry John]

St Croix ac66mf.  It's a special rod for this.

[NHBull]

Given you want to do soft plastics and buzz bait, I think the 7 ft to be more universal.......in my mind he 6'6" would make more sense in river, streams, ect

[uncustered]

I think you'll appreciate the extra 6" on a 7' when trying to throw buzz baits across a point, into the wind......

 

It may be that my heart is still in the surf, but I always prefer the longer option when choosing a technique rod. 

 

There are times when a longer cast makes the difference, use the length you can best control with optimum distance....

[Fishes in trees]

IMO - 2 different strategies need 2 different rigs.  Top waters I will generally use a bait casting rig with heavier mono.  Jerkbaits  I will use spinning gear with a fireline/fluorocarbon leader set up.  To break it down further, I like a different rod for throwing top waters  than I do for throwing buzz baits.  For baits that need to walk, like poppers & spooks, I like a shorter rod.   I use an old 5'9" Mitchell Fulcrum with a Shimano TEGT.   I get plenty of distance with this rig and I'm not slapping the side of the boat when I go to walk the baits.   Buzz Baits I currently use an older ALL STAR 6'6" Zell Rowland Top Water Special and a similar bait casting reel.

 

Jerkbaits I use spinning gear because I think that it deals with the wind better.   The fire line (14 lb) sinks good enough and the fluorocarbon leader gives the bait a slightly down hill nod at the head of the bait, which I think helps it dive better on the jerks.

 

If you have to compromise because of space or budget issues, I'd go with the shorter rod which makes it a little easier to walk/jerk lures.

[ww2farmer]

I like to throw buzz baits on a 7' MH, and jerkbaits and topwaters that are not frogs on a 6'6" M. If you wanted one rod to cover all of these.........something in the middle like the St. Croix 6'8" M/XF blanks in the price range of your choosing should fit the bill nicely.

 

[Angry John]

43 minutes ago, ww2farmer said:

I like to throw buzz baits on a 7' MH, and jerkbaits and topwaters that are not frogs on a 6'6" M. If you wanted one rod to cover all of these.........something in the middle like the St. Croix 6'8" M/XF blanks in the price range of your choosing should fit the bill nicely.

 

I would agree except the Xfast for topwaters or jerkbaits because of the tremble hooks. A moderate fast or fast would keep them pinned a lot better.

[CrustyMono]

7' M with a small handle it won't work with buzzbaits though

[fishnkamp]

Go to youtube  Go watch the explanation Ikes give for his 6'4 delay series jerkbait rod. Highlight and copy the following then paste it in the search box on youtube.         IKECW64-5 Rod - Abu Garcia Ike Series    

 I own that rod and it is a great jerkbait / topwater bait rod. This is not my rod for buzzbaits though I prefer a stiffer faster rod for them.  The rod works more like a 6'8 rod but has a shorter handle so you do not smack your arm when you jerk the rod. They sell for about $130. I have been fishing mine for most of the last year and really like it.

[rangerjockey]

The Falcon Mike McClleland signature is a outstanding stickbait/topwater rod. I throw vision 110's , Mcsticks and pointers on it .

Also yellow magics and spook jr.s It is not a buzzbait rod however.

 when it comes to stickbait rods Falcon has always had it figured out. The signature, jerkbait special and the weightless worm rod are all great.

[roadwarrior]

On 12/28/2016 at 3:52 PM, Angry John said:

St Croix ac66mf.  It's a special rod for this.

 

I have one for sale in the Flea Market:

[Jeff H]

On 12/29/2016 at 9:08 AM, uncustered said:

I think you'll appreciate the extra 6" on a 7' when trying to throw buzz baits across a point, into the wind......

 

 

 

Good Lord....really?  This would be something I'd put my own rod down to watch. 

[Carterjig68]

I'd say it could help to go somewhere in the middle, maybe a 6'8 or 6'10. Personally i throw buzzbaits and big walking baits on a different setup so a 6'8 seems to be perfect for poppers and smaller baits plus jerkbaits. The best i've found so far is a Dobyns Champion 685 CB for this technique.

[Jagg]

13 hours ago, rangerjockey said:

The Falcon Mike McClleland signature is a outstanding stickbait/topwater rod. I throw vision 110's , Mcsticks and pointers on it .

Also yellow magics and spook jr.s It is not a buzzbait rod however.

 when it comes to stickbait rods Falcon has always had it figured out. The signature, jerkbait special and the weightless worm rod are all great.

Yup, they have excellent rods for small to medium topwaters and jerbaits. I've got a couple of old school All Star rods that I really like for tops and jerks. It works well enough for open hook plastics and light T-rigs also, not for buzzbaits.

[waymont]

G Loomis CR 722 for a 6' rod,St Croix  Avid or Premier 6'6" Medium casting, Just checked out the new Cabela's XML topwater/Jerkbait rod and it felt great at 6'7"

[JDNKC]

Buzzbaits I go with a duckett 6'10" terry scrogins duckett white ice.  Light and balanced.  Love it.