High End Topwater Rod and Reel

[TNBankFishing]

Good evening everyone, I'm looking for recommendations on high end topwater setups. 

 

I predominantly throw walking bates less than 3/4 oz as well as a wide range of poppers. Fishing is mostly bank bound at this time, but when the off season hits I plan on getting my own boat/kayak. 

 

I've been interested in the Megabass Otomat, and the Poison Adrena M+ but I've not figured out G Loomis' number system. 

 

I'm aware with a topwater rig you don't need high end gear, but it's my absolute favorite technique. If the rod can pull double duty then even better. I know the Otomat can double as a decent jerkbait rod, and I currently don't have anything specific to that. 

 

I've been a shimano guy but I'm open to trying other reel brands. 

 

My current setup is a medium 6'10" Zodias with a Curado K. 

[roadwarrior]

G.Loomis GLX PR844C/ Aldebaran/ Sunline Shooter Defier Armarillo #13

I you like round reels, consider the Conquest 100.

 

[TNBankFishing]

Thank you for the response.

 

The GLX is interesting, but some of the larger spook baits can get near or above 3/4 oz. Would that matter for the feel and performance of the rod as its rated below that. 

 

I've looked into the Alderbaran but would the 50 spool size limit my casting distance options? I'm predominantly bank fishing and often have to fan the largest area possible as I can't reach a lot of areas. 

 

Would the 2020 Met fill the same role or does the smaller weight and size of the Alderbaran make a big difference? I've not fished a 50 sized spool yet. 

 

[roadwarrior]

The rig can handle 3/4 oz weight, but that might require a lob cast. 

For heavier weight presentations, the Conquest is a better option.

The Aldebaran shines with light and medium weight lures.

[jbsoonerfan]

I throw Pop Max's, Walking baits and buzz baits on a 6'8 MH Expride with a Chronach MGL and 14 lb Sufix Elite, and I love this setup.

 

I have the Aldebaran 50 on a 6'6 M Expride for shallow jerkbaits and it is a very nice setup as well.

 

I have 2 Met 20's that are on texas rig rods, one being a 7'2 MH Expride and the other a 7'3 MH Poison adrena, to be honest, these reels are amazing.

 

I have the 6'11 M+ Poison Adrena and I have used it for almost anything you can think of outside of heavy (3/4 oz up) bottom contact baits. Right now I have it dedicated to 1/4 oz ned rigs but this rod is very versitale.

 

IMO, you absolutely could not go wrong pairing the 6'11 M+ and the 20 Metanium together and doing exactly what you are asking out of a rod and reel. 

[NorthernBasser]

I have the 6'11" M+ Adrena as well. And even tho it's rated up to 1 oz, I think that's pushing it's limits. I feel most comfortable throwing 1/2 oz and below baits on it. 

[Derek1]

Boy a medium+ sounds just about perfect for allot of things. 

[FishTank]

G. Loomis 844C GLX and a Shimano Antares A.  

[TNBankFishing]

The GLX is a heavy power fast action, wouldn't that be too much tip and too little flex for spooks, poppers, and jerkbaits?

 

Considering the M+ PA would it be better to go with a straight medium if I'm not looking for a bottom contact rod? I have a FMJ for jigs and T rigs and a spinning setup for light plastics. 

 

[Bandersnatch]

2018 megabass orochi XX Emtf with any high end reel. Personally I throw that rod with a curado DC instead of a Metanium because the DC and that soft emtf tip launch any bait out of this world. Anywhere from a tiny crankbait to big whopper ploppers. It sends them, has a great action for treble hooks but also surprisingly is sensitive and enough tip to throw single hook baits like a swimbait or chatterbait. Actually, probably would be a fantastic chatterbait rod. 

[FishTank]

1 hour ago, TNBankFishing said:

The GLX is a heavy power fast action, wouldn't that be too much tip and too little flex for spooks, poppers, and jerkbaits?

 

Considering the M+ PA would it be better to go with a straight medium if I'm not looking for a bottom contact rod? I have a FMJ for jigs and T rigs and a spinning setup for light plastics. 

 

It has a heavy bottom but a softer tip and it's not quite as stout overall as other heavier rods.  It has worked perfectly for topwater frogs, spooks, buzz baits, heavier jerkbaits, and especially whopper ploppers.  I have also used it for heavy t-rigged soft plastic and a jigs on occasion.  I have used this rod for years and it is one the most versatile rods I own.  I will try to pick up the Conquest version of it next year. 

[ATA]

G.Loomis Conquest 804C/844C, Shimano Antares MD DC, spool it with 40 to 65 Maxquatro.

[Teal]

Megabass OneTen Sepcial, and pair in up with a Zillion Sv TW.  Or any of the high end shimanos.  If you throw the light ones, the aldebaran  will be amazing,... but the zillion cost a good bit less and is a d**n good reel

Only reason I like ouck the Jerkbait rod over ottoman, is I like that ita shorter.    But you can go either way 

[Bandersnatch]

34 minutes ago, Teal said:

Megabass OneTen Sepcial, and pair in up with a Zillion Sv TW.  Or any of the high end shimanos.  If you throw the light ones, the aldebaran  will be amazing,... but the zillion cost a good bit less and is a d**n good reel

Only reason I like ouck the Jerkbait rod over ottoman, is I like that ita shorter.    But you can go either way 

The one ten special is a fantastic option for rolls casting and pin point accuracy around specific cover however I've noticed it doesn't compare to the long rods when working a plug or ploppers for long casts searching flats 

[NHBull]

I would not spend this kind of money for this Technique, but on the top shelf would be a 7’ MH Conquest with a 100/200 conquest Calcutta .

 

.....a GLX MBR and the new Antares would also be just fine ?

[rangerjockey]

If you can find one, the original All Star TWS is about as good as it gets. They bring about 4 times what they did back in the day but they are just a fantastic 2 hook walking bait/popper rod and a good smaller stickbait rod like the pointer 100.

 I can't get very excited over a topwater reel , anything will roll slack.

 

[Teal]

6 minutes ago, Chief250 said:

The one ten special is a fantastic option for rolls casting and pin point accuracy around specific cover however I've noticed it doesn't compare to the long rods when working a plug or ploppers for long casts searching flats 

I'm sure the longer rods would be great for launching top water baits... but to be honest I personally can't work them as well with a rod much longer that 7,3.   And while I have thrown plopped 190s on a 7'6 heavy rod , I can throw it farther than I can see it.   Lol my vision is getting worse... I'll take a slightly shorter cast have the ability to see it and work it. that's just my preference.   

2 minutes ago, NHBull said:

I would not spend this kind of money for this Technique, but on the top shelf would be a 7’ MH Conquest with a 100/200 conquest Calcutta .

 

.....a GLX MBR and the new Antares would also be just fine ?

That's why I said the megabass rod with a zillion reel.  Still high end, but cheaper than a CONQUEST combo 

[NHBull]

3 minutes ago, Teal said:

I'm sure the longer rods would be great for launching top water baits... but to be honest I personally can't work them as well with a rod much longer that 7,3.   And while I have thrown plopped 190s on a 7'6 heavy rod , I can throw it farther than I can see it.   Lol my vision is getting worse... I'll take a slightly shorter cast have the ability to see it and work it. that's just my preference.   

That's why I said the megabass rod with a zillion reel.  Still high end, but cheaper than a CONQUEST combo 

In my mind the beauty of conquest is that could cover almost all techniques with the exception of DS..... It literally can take the place of 5 setups, which would be a money saver

[TNBankFishing]

7 hours ago, NHBull said:

In my mind the beauty of conquest is that could cover almost all techniques with the exception of DS..... It literally can take the place of 5 setups, which would be a money saver

You make a fantastic point, and I completelyunderstand. Having one rod which covers multiple techniques is a huge bonus. I can really only carry 3 or 4 on a good day. 

 

You also mentioned you wouldn't spend the money on this specific technique. Could you explain why? 

[Rodney Smith]

How would a 7.2 MH Expride glass work for top water?