$100 top water rod

[Weslewis]

Im looking to add a topwater/ jerkbait/ weights texas rig and fluke rod to completely round out my arsenal for this year. Have 100 bucks to spend and have my eye on a few but i was just seeing which rod would be most versatile or if there are any other opinions around the $100 mark. 

1st rod is the ark lancer 6'10" M regular action 1/8 - 5/8 oz 

2nd is the falcon bucoo 6'10" MH MF action 3/16 - 5/8 oz

Also im debating on using 10-12 lb mono or 20-30 lb braid . Everyones input will be greatly appreciated thank you!

 

 

[ElijahH]

I don't have any personal experience with any of the rods you mentioned. But the Dobyns Fury and Shimano SLX are both good choices around $100 

 

[Finessegenics]

first off, welcome to the bass resource! I’ve heard good things about the Falcon, and its specs seem very versatile. I’d go with that if you’re dead set on those two. Also take a look at the St Croix Bass X 6’8 M/XF. 

I’m a bit torn on the braid vs mono here as both those lines can do everything you want from this rod. If you’re gonna go with mono, choose the 12lb and if you decide on braid go with 30lb. 20lb is too thin for a baitcaster imo. 
 

 

[GReb]

That bucoo is great. I use it for topwater and cranks. Picked it up for $69 from. Sportsman’s outfitters. They also have the Lowrider for $99 which is a better rod. 

[Aaron_H]

I feel like with those slower actions paired with mono, there will be too much sponginess/stretch for setting the hook on a texas rig or getting really crisp jerkbait action. If you need to do all of those techniques on one of those rods specifically, I'd go 30lb braid to a mono leader.

[Teal]

Welcome bud,  having a topwater/jerkbait rod is a good concept.  And I've tried it.  And unless you are just using mono, it's a hassle. JERKBAITS to me do best with floro, mono does not.   JERKBAITS and braid are not a good idea period.  Top water are ok with mono and braid but not floro.  What I did for years is I used 30 lb braid with  a leader for FC jerks and a either a long leader of mono or a 18"inch leader of FC.  The problem with Braid on some topwaters is the braid gets tangled under and around the front hooks..I know floro and top waters is bad, but why using braid and and very short leader of FC, u get the qualities of FC without the sinking, and its stiff enough to do the job without tangles.   Now days I just have separate rods.   

 

Good luck.   

[Big Hands]

I have the Shimano SLXCX610M which is a medium extra fast rod. That rod coupled with a Vision 110 was responsible for my biggest fish of 2020 (8+ lbs). I like the extra fast action for getting it to start and then stop again without having to pull the rod back as far as you let off of 'the jerk'.

 

I think a moderate action rod would make that noticeably more difficult and I would at least prefer a fast action if not the extra fast for jerkbait fishing.

[Michigander]

You've got your work cut out for you. The techniques you list have conflicting optimizations as others have pointed out. If you drop either top water or jerkbaits (which I assume you meant hard jerkbaits) from the list then you'll have a much easier time.

[kayaking_kev]

Tatula 7'0" Medium Power/Regular Action did a good job for those baits for me. I'm selling mine in like new condition/less than a year old for $95+shipping.

[Deleted account]

I know rods get marketed as top water rods, but there is no such thing. At the extremes you have something like a Rico and a buzz bait, full size spook or dare I say it a WP 130. Also not just power, action, and over all length will matter, but handle length and balance are going to be important and dependent on what and how one is fishing.

That being said, There are many good versatile rods in the 6'6"-6'10" in Med or MH that will fit the bill for things more in the middle range.  I'm a big fan of the Falcons, Shimanos, and Daiwas, but every model is different so it's not really a brand thing.

[HazeRVA]

I have the Falcon BuCoo SR MH/MF in the 7' version (they call it the Trapcaster) for basically all of my treble hook baits. It fishes lighter than a MH and has a great bend to keep them pinned. I agree with the others, would not recommend mono as that would be too much give. I think mine has 30lb braid on it. Have moved everything else to 40lb so that will too when it is time.

 

Probably not the best jerkbait rod as it has so much flex, usually you want a faster tip to be more responsive and impart the action on the bait, but I have used it successfully for jerkbaits. Have not thrown any single hook baits on this setup, and if I ever did I would make sure they are light wire.

 

Absolutely love the rod though, can't recommend it enough.

[FishTank]

I think you are looking at multiple rods there.....

 

Topwater > around 7' H Fast 

 

T-Rig > whatever length that suits the technique and whatever power that suits the bait and weight .  In general though 7' MH Fast or X-Fast (depending on if you want to use this with jigs)

 

Jerkbaits/Flukes > I put these together as I fish them about the same.  Under 7' M Fast with a soft tip.

 

Around a $100....  St. Croix Bass X 7'1'' MH Fast or the 7'1'' M Fast.