Top water rod thought please

[NHBull]

Folks,

i have been using CB rods,  Swimbait roads, and MBRish rods for top water and want to have a dedicated setup for ounce.

any input is appreciated.  I have been eyeing the st croix avid 6’10 

I do prefer a slightly handle .  

Thanks,Al

[grub_man]

I like to use different rods for different types of topwaters.

 

If I had to dedicate a single rod to topwater, it would probably be a CB type rod because topwaters are by nature treble hook lures, and a good CB rod will keep the fish buttoned up.  For lures like the Jitterbug that I work with the reel, I'll always opt for the CB rod.

 

For lures that I work primarily with the rod, oftentimes, I'll use a MXF type rod, (think along the lines of an Avid 68MXF).  Constantly twitching the CB rod with its extra inertia gets tiring after a while, and with smaller more subtle topwaters that I want small movements the soft tip of the XF rod helps with the action of the bait.  The downside is that once the fish is buttoned up, I need to be much more careful not to tear the hooks out when the rod locks up.

 

For single hook applications, buzz baits or frogs, it's an MBR type rod that I'll reach for.

[ww2farmer]

Personally, I like to throw non hollow body frog topwaters....and it's rare that I use anything other than a frog....but  that's beside the point, I like to throw them on the same rod I use for hard jerkbaits. Something 6'6", a medium power, a fast action that leans to the moderate fast side of fast, if that makes sense, a short handle, AND some thing very light. Walking a spook, working a popper, or jerking a jerkbait around for a few hours gets very very tiring with a heavier (in weight) rod.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I focus on action and getting bites first and keeping them buttoned second. Topwater and jerkbaits I like a fast mod fast but with a soft tip. These are often labeled as popping rods. Too slow of an action can make it hard to impart more subtle movements. 

[BobP]

A lot of this has to do with how you personally want a topwater rod to feel and work.  15 yrs ago I bought a 6 1/2’ All Star Topwater Special graphite 785c rod and have felt no need to change to another since.  It’s easy to work a walking bait with it because it does not have a too light or flexible tip.  The length will not have you splashing water with it.  In short, I’m lazy and it’s a comfortable rod to use and work a bait with.  I also like to use it for jerkbaits, which is the same basic retrieve action and benefits from the same rod weight and action.  That said, only you can decide what length, action, and weight rod is perfect for you for this presentation.

[blongfishing]

I am a topwater junkie. My dedicated topwater rod is an Abu Garcia 6'9" medium heavy. In my opinion, it's all dependent on what line you are using. Braid has no stretch so when the fish gets it you might want a little bit of tip in the rod to let the fish take it. For me, I fish open water so I mostly use mono. I like a stiffer tip because a flimsier tip would make it tough for the fish to really grab onto the bait and get hooked in my opinion. 

 

Stretch in line = stiffer tip to make sure the fish is hooked 

No stretch = flimsy tip to allow the fish some slack to take in the bait

[Robert Riley]

I would check out the TP1 from Lew's. They've got a 6'8" Medium Fast (it's an extra fast in my book). It's light, has the cool new microwave guides, Lew's fantastic customer service and it's even got a shorter handle for working the rod. I've got the MH crankbait rod and I love it. 

[rangerjockey]

I'm a fan of the old All Star Zell Rowland TWS as well. They aren't easy to come by but they are out there.

They bring a lot more than I paid for mine 20 years ago but they are as good as anything made today.

[Junger]

On 5/20/2018 at 1:37 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

I focus on action and getting bites first and keeping them buttoned second. Topwater and jerkbaits I like a fast mod fast but with a soft tip. These are often labeled as popping rods. Too slow of an action can make it hard to impart more subtle movements. 

Where can I get this rod, with a slightly short rod butt???? (I hate when popping and longer rod butts slam into my wrist or forearm).

[J Francho]

Saint Croix AVC62MXF has a short butt, and is about an inch shorter than the same rod in the 6-6 size, if you line up the reels.  Great rod for topwater and jerk baits.  Also a great short range sniper style spinnerbait rod.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

^^ your best bet if not going custom.