Best $110 or less casting rod for 1oz. - 1.5oz. topwater/swim baits?

[Brett's_daddy]

Okay, previously I had asked if the Dobyn's 735C would be a good choice for an all around rod but now realizing that isn't going to happen I decided to focus on a more specific area of technique...topwater! I would like to get the best rod that $110 or less can buy that will handle a 1.5oz topwater/swim bait the best. Any suggestions? Besides the aforementioned Dobyn's I also like the looks of the Okuma TCS 7'3" casting rod as well but I'm sure there are others i don't know about so please help me make an informed decision. Any and all info is greatly appreciated!!!

[roadwarrior]

[Brett's_daddy]

Thanks Roadwarrior! I looked through most of those threads but couldn't quite find what i was looking for in relation to the size lures I'm talking about...nobody really covered that. I'm hoping some others will chime in with some options.

[fishnkamp]

Here is where things need to be defined.  Let's take "topwater baits"  In my world there are different categories of topwaters.

 

Are we talking about popping baits and chugger type baits like a jitterbug Pop R, Chug bug, Hula Popper, or  Torpedo?  Most good jerkbait rods will handle them fine.

 

Most good Spinnerbaits rods can handle chatterbaits as well.

 

For buzzbaits and bigger hard bodied topwater baits that walk the dog I want a rod that is 7' or longer and has a more backbone and a quicker tip than either of my spinnerbait rods or my jerkbait rod. 

I have a 6' foot light power and a 6'6"mh and both are on the more moderate or moderate fast action,  My jerkbait rod is 6'4" and is about 60/40 backbone and tip.

 

For large topwater walking baits like Spooks, Sammy's,  Gunfish etc, or big heavy prop baits ( some up to an ounce) I would use a much longer stiffer rod.  The rod needs a quick soft tip to load up and throw the bait but not be overpowered.  The length helps cast further and control the long length of mono used for topwaters.  Mono gives so much that I want a rod with more backbone and less give than for smaller baits.

 

As for swimbaits let's define the lure we are talking about. Any paddle tail soft bodied bait like a Strike King Caffeine Minnow, Reaction Innovations Skinny Dipper, or Fluke style bait gets fished on the same rod I throw spinnerbaits, something medium moderate or even on occasion my 6'8" mh fast jig rod.  

 

If you are considering some of the larger heavier 3/4 to 1.5 ounce baits, than you will need a rod 7'6 to 8' designed for swimbaits, and these are the smallest swimbaits, not the mega sized ones.  If that is what you want to throw ( the small ones up to 1 1/2) call out to Powell, Dobyns, Falcon, and see if they would suggest a rod that can handle both top water and swimbaits. I suspect they will say as I do that those are not compatible techniques to combine in one rod.

 

[Brett's_daddy]

The lures I'm talking about throwing are Whopper Plopper 130, MS Mini Slammer, Spro BBZ1 Rat, Savage Gear 6" line thru trout, Jackall Pompadour (this is a 3/4oz. but it "feels" heavier) etc.

[BadContrakt]

I'm confused what you mean by Topwater/Swimbait rod.

To me, a swimbait rod is a long (7'6" or longer, preferably 7'11") very stout rod. A Heavy action with a fast tip. You need this action and taper because swimbaits, like chatterbaits and spinnerbaits, are baits that have one large single hook. You need backbone to drive the hookset.

Now a topwater rod, would be a 6'6" to 7'3" length with a medium to medium heavy action and moderate to fast tip. This rod needs to have a bit more give because topwater baits are primarily treble hook baits like poppers, whoppers ploppers, & spooks. Topwater rods are also very commonly combined with the usage of jerkbaits as well. Sometimes even small shallow diving crankbaits.

Another type of topwater rod would be the 7'0" to 7'6" frog/punching heavy cover rod. I would get this in a Medium Heavy to Extra Heavy action (depending on your location and how thick your cover is) with a fast to extra fast tip (taper).

I believe what you mean is that you want a rod for both Swimbaits and for frogging/punching. Because you won't get a rod that's good for typical topwater and swimbaits.

If this is what you're after then I would go with a 7'6" Heavy - Fast rod. Let's say you had to buy a 7'11" rod... It would still work. It would be awesome for swimbaits but a little long for frogging and punching. But again, it would work fine. You would just need to get used to it.

Now for rod recommendations I don't exactly have a ton of choices for you. I could suggest to you my personal frog rod which is a 7'6" Fenwick HMX in Heavy action and Fast tip, and I like it, but it's just a little heavy for some people's taste. You could get indeed do swimbaits, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and frogs and punching with this rod. It's also under your budget at around 80 dollars. It handles 1/2 to 1 1/2 ounce lures.

 

 

EDIT: Hmm you replied with the lures you'll be using and.. Yeah. I've got nothing lol. I would not personally use a stout swimbait rod on any kind of treble hook bait like you mentioned. I really think you need two setups for what you're listing.

[Caliyak]

4 hours ago, Brett's_daddy said:

Okay, previously I had asked if the Dobyn's 735C would be a good choice for an all around rod but now realizing that isn't going to happen I decided to focus on a more specific area of technique...topwater! I would like to get the best rod that $110 or less can buy that will handle a 1.5oz topwater/swim bait the best. Any suggestions? Besides the aforementioned Dobyn's I also like the looks of the Okuma TCS 7'3" casting rod as well but I'm sure there are others i don't know about so please help me make an informed decision. Any and all info is greatly appreciated!!!

Look at the Berkley Shock H rod at 60 bucks 

[Brett's_daddy]

31 minutes ago, BadContrakt said:

I really think you need two setups for what you're listing.

 

I only have the 1 swimbait (Savage Gear 6" line thru trout). I mostly got it for kicks but all of the others are treble-hooked reaction baits but heavier (to me). I would also like to get the heavier super spooks and JDM's too but again these are all topwater treble hooked lures and that is my favorite type of fishing!

57 minutes ago, fishnkamp said:

For large topwater walking baits like Spooks, Sammy's,  Gunfish etc, or big heavy prop baits ( some up to an ounce) I would use a much longer stiffer rod.  The rod needs a quick soft tip to load up and throw the bait but not be overpowered.  The length helps cast further and control the long length of mono used for topwaters.  Mono gives so much that I want a rod with more backbone and less give than for smaller baits.

 

I've heard some say that you could use a MH-H cranking rod for these too as they are reaction baits and the taper along with the parabolic bend would give the bass more opportunity to inhale the lure instead of ripping it out of his mouth on the hook set...true?

[BadContrakt]

26 minutes ago, Brett's_daddy said:

 

I only have the 1 swimbait (Savage Gear 6" line thru trout). I mostly got it for kicks but all of the others are treble-hooked reaction baits but heavier (to me). I would also like to get the heavier super spooks and JDM's too but again these are all topwater treble hooked lures and that is my favorite type of fishing!

I guess in that case if you want it to primarily be for large treble hooked baits, I would just upscale the rod I suggested. Instead of a medium action 6'6"... I guess maybe a medium heavy 7'6" - 8'0" with a fast tip. Even a heavy action with a moderate fast tip possibly.

[kbeeb374]

I just bought an irod jr swimbait (rated 1-4oz) mod fast.  I would think that might be the best to cover all those techniques..  not sure how it loads on the lighter end of its spectrum but it would give you the option of going bigger, and the option of throwing A-rigs on it.  I haven't received it yet but if you are interested I can tell you how it feels when I do.

 

The bad thing is that it is $150 retail..  I think if you looked long enough you might find one used or find a great deal on a new one.

 

If you don't go that route, I would suggest a mod fast flipping stick rated up to 2 ounces.

[jimf]

I have the Frog/Swim Bait St. Croix MOJO that I'm very happy with (7'4" H/Fast).  I think it's more around $140 - if there is any wiggle worm in that $110 limit you have take a look.   I think you would be really happy with that rod for what you are looking for.  

 

 

[Deleted account]

7 hours ago, Brett's_daddy said:

Okay, previously I had asked if the Dobyn's 735C would be a good choice for an all around rod but now realizing that isn't going to happen I decided to focus on a more specific area of technique...topwater! I would like to get the best rod that $110 or less can buy that will handle a 1.5oz topwater/swim bait the best. Any suggestions? Besides the aforementioned Dobyn's I also like the looks of the Okuma TCS 7'3" casting rod as well but I'm sure there are others i don't know about so please help me make an informed decision. Any and all info is greatly appreciated!!!

 

I use one of my inshore saltwater rods for that. Basically what they are designed for. 

[Brett's_daddy]

15 hours ago, jimf said:

if there is any wiggle worm in that $110 limit you have take a look

 

Unfortunately there isn't, that is pretty much at the top of my budget!

[Brett's_daddy]

18 hours ago, Brett's_daddy said:

The lures I'm talking about throwing are Whopper Plopper 130, MS Mini Slammer, Spro BBZ1 Rat, Savage Gear 6" line thru trout, Jackall Pompadour (this is a 3/4oz. but it "feels" heavier) etc.

 

@iabass8 Would the Dobyn's 735C be suitable for these types of baits or would you use something else?

[jimf]

7 hours ago, Brett's_daddy said:

 

Unfortunately there isn't, that is pretty much at the top of my budget!

 

I have never even seen one, let alone fish it, but the St. Croix Bass X line just came out and that fits within your budget (barely). Just knowing the rep of the company I would be surprised if it's not a solid rod.   I think the blanks they are using are what they used in the Mojo's up until last year on the Mojo's, and I own one of those.  For $100, that would work just fine.

 

http://stcroixrods.com/products/freshwater/bass-x 

[MassYak85]

I've kind of toyed with this idea myself but I'm not going to be buying a rod specifically for it anytime soon. Mainly because my jig rod is the only one I own that can handle the weight of my whopper plopper 130 besides my swimbait rod, but it's sweet spot is more in the 2-3 ounce range. Ideally I'd like something like a 7'9" Heavy Mod-Fast. Something stout but can load a little deeper into the blank. Because a lot of the lures you describe are treble hook baits so you're going to want some flex to absorb the head shakes. I've said it before on here but I used my HF jig rod for my 130 plopper this season and I caught plenty, but also lost plenty. Not the right action for the lure IMO.