Top water rod

[Gkitz]

Happy 4th of July.  I would appreciate some opinions on topwater rods.  M versus MH and moderate versus fast action?  Currently using medium moderate 7’ for walking baits.  At 5’9”, the 7’ footer drives me crazy! 

 

My trout fishing crew talked me into a bass fishing weekend 5 years ago.....down the slippery slope.  We mainly fish Stockton Lake MO with very clear water.  I’ve learned a tremendous amount from reading this forum and hope to provide some knowledge in the future. Fishing is my escape from the rat race and excessive travel.

 

Thank you in advance,

[The Kangler]

I use a St Croix Avid 6’8” Medium X Fast.   I think the shorter rod and faster tip makes it easier to work the bait.  But it is harder to keep them pinned.  

[Deleted account]

It really depends on what baits you will be fishing. It has nothing to do with topwater. A rod best suited for a popper will bear little resemblance to one for a large spook, buzzbait or (I can't believe you made me say) Plopper, not to mention frogs and toads. So, to answer your question:

 

popper: 6'-6'6" med fast

Spook: 6'6" MH fast

Buzzbait: 7' MH fast (same rod I fish larger spinnerbaits with)

Frogs: 7' MH fast (leaning to extra fast) I want it to have a tip, but lock out no more than 1/3 down the blank.

Whopper Plopper:  N/A

[Drew03cmc]

Frogs 7'3" Mag Heavy

Whopper Plopper 90- 6'6 M

Whopper Plopper 130- 7' MH

[SMITTY0045]

I would fish 6’9 or shorter, and I personally like a fast tip. It allows you to getting better action with each twitch of the rod. As for rod power, that comes down to preference, but for me I would want either a medium or a MH on the lighter side

[Gkitz]

Vixen and rover Walking baits

[jbrew73]

I throw those size baits on a 6'9" Hammer heavy rod.  It also makes a great spinnerbait and vibrating jig rod.

[papajoe222]

I prefer a shorter rod for poppers, chuggers and walkers. For most of those baits I'm casting to targets and a 6ft. or 6ft.6in. Med. power rod with a Mod/Fast tip fills that bill for me.  I go longer and heavier for frogs, buzzers and Spooks, but being on the short side myself, working a Spook with a long rod is a task in itself.  I have no idea what rod to use for a Plopping Whatever as I've never owned one. 

[new2BC4bass]

58 minutes ago, jbrew73 said:

I throw those size baits on a 6'9" Hammer heavy rod.  It also makes a great spinnerbait and vibrating jig rod.

I've read some really good reviews on this rod.

[GReb]

14 hours ago, The Kangler said:

I use a St Croix Avid 6’8” Medium X Fast.   I think the shorter rod and faster tip makes it easier to work the bait.  But it is harder to keep them pinned.  

I have this rod in the Legend Tourn Bass series and it’s an amazing top water rod for spooks and poppers. I also throw smaller buzzbaits on it