Rod power for light topwater/soft plastics

[Fubijar03]

I plan to get a new rod in the 6’ range for soft plastics (flukes, senkos, etc) and lightweight topwater lures (Jitterbugs, Rapalas, poppers, etc) that will be used almost exclusively in ponds. I have never really paid attention to actions or anything and have currently settled on a M/F, but am curious if I should maybe lean MH/F instead. I know what the things mean, but I can’t quite figure out which would be best for my application.

 

Thanks!

 

[bwjay]

Medium power is probably fine as you won't be ripping through vegetation (where more power would be desired) nor will you need monstrous hookset power like for frogs. I have a St. Croix PC60MF (6' MF casting) that is very fun to use due to its short size, and it casts light AND somewhat heavy lures (~3/4oz) with ease. I use it with everything from a weightless Senko to a Super Spook. The walking action is great, though I might say the tip seems closer to a moderate-fast compared to my extra-fast rods - maybe it really is right in the middle like it's supposed to be? I have no issues walking baits and it flings them pretty far, but still seems to have a fairly moderate action decent enough for treble hooksets. I could be talking outta my butt right now, but long story short, my 6' MF rod works with pretty much any lure I throw on it, and is fun to use. Outside of frogging (want more backbone and faster tip if possible) I would say a 6' MF can do it all. But I'm a guy who tries to keep things minimal, so of course I'll say that. There will probably be folks coming in to say you need 3 different rods to do what I've described, and they're probably not wrong in the sense that specializing would make you more successful for each individual technique. But, for soft plastics and light topwaters, I think Medium power is all you need, and a thicker backbone might hurt your technique a little for low weight lures. MXF probably wouldn't hurt, but it would make the rod a little less versatile considering you want a slower action for trebles, if you decided to use the rod for more than soft plastics and light topwater.

 

Hope this helps. If I am wrong about any of this I would love to learn as it will improve my technique as well, so to anyone reading, please correct me if I'm wrong!

[Dens228]

For light topwaters I use mainly a M/Moderate.

 

For plastics I almost always use a MH/Fast mainly because of where I fish them. 

 

[Fubijar03]

16 minutes ago, bwjay said:

Medium power is probably fine as you won't be ripping through vegetation (where more power would be desired) nor will you need monstrous hookset power like for frogs. I have a St. Croix PC60MF (6' MF casting) that is very fun to use due to its short size, and it casts light AND somewhat heavy lures (~3/4oz) with ease. I use it with everything from a weightless Senko to a Super Spook. The walking action is great, though I might say the tip seems closer to a moderate-fast compared to my extra-fast rods - maybe it really is right in the middle like it's supposed to be? I have no issues walking baits and it flings them pretty far, but still seems to have a fairly moderate action decent enough for treble hooksets. I could be talking outta my butt right now, but long story short, my 6' MF rod works with pretty much any lure I throw on it, and is fun to use. Outside of frogging (want more backbone and faster tip if possible) I would say a 6' MF can do it all. But I'm a guy who tries to keep things minimal, so of course I'll say that. There will probably be folks coming in to say you need 3 different rods to do what I've described, and they're probably not wrong in the sense that specializing would make you more successful for each individual technique. But, for soft plastics and light topwaters, I think Medium power is all you need, and a thicker backbone might hurt your technique a little for low weight lures. MXF probably wouldn't hurt, but it would make the rod a little less versatile considering you want a slower action for trebles, if you decided to use the rod for more than soft plastics and light topwater.

 

Hope this helps. If I am wrong about any of this I would love to learn as it will improve my technique as well, so to anyone reading, please correct me if I'm wrong!

Thanks man. This has always been my approach because I really prioritize a minimal approach and tackle so that my time can be spent on smoking cigars, casting, and tying on. I think you have answered my question from a person with more experience than myself, but I’m interested to see what else gets posted.

 

Thanks again!

[roadwarrior]

MF

 

[FishingGeekTX]

Match your lure weight to your M/F rating (and your line I suppose if that's not already in check) and you'll do fine for typical use.  M/F look appropriate for lighter topwater and 6" soft plastics T-Rigs in average environments.

[Westcoast]

Definitely the medium power and moderate to fast for my top water popper and smaller walking baits. Also something slightly shorter, in the 6’10” range as poppers require a fair bit of accuracy to present close to cover but not get caught up in it. 

[WRB]

Don Iovino Splash-It rod by Major Craft meets your needs.

Tom