Moderate or Fast Action - Topwater

[MJack]

I use a moderate action rod for my crankbaits, and it works great with the treble hooks. There’s a cushion there so I don’t pull the hooks out of the fish’s mouth. Just wondering why a moderate action isn’t always used or recommended for topwater with treble hooks. If you use a fast action with poppers or walking baits, won’t you have the same problem with the treble hooks that you do with crankbaits? Any advice on this or what rod action you use for various topwater presentations would be helpful. And I’m asking about rod action, not power. Thanks!

[The Maestro]

I've used both and they both work but I'm leaning more towards the moderate rod. It just seems to keep big smallmouth pinned better. Line selection is a huge factor as well. I run braid on my moderate and it's the best of both worlds. Solid hooksets at distance and plenty of shock absorption for the fight.

[WRB]

A moderate action rod allows the user to cast further easier then equal power and length fast action rod.

Fast action rods give you more control to walk a top or pop a top water lure.

The treble hook hook takes more force tp penetrate 3 points then a single hook. This issue is when 1 hook point is in soft mouth tissue that happens from bass slashing at a lure in lieu of engulfing it.

Select the rod that is easy to cast and work the lure regardless of action.

Tom

[Mike L]

To answer your question…No

I use a 3 power fast action rated casting rod which is as “soft” as some moderate actions. 
My point is don’t just go by what the description says. 
 

One’s fast could be another’s moderate. 
 

Take each individual rod on its own merits which holds true for all advertised powers and actions. 
 

 

 

 

Mike

[A-Jay]

I use a moderate stick & FC on subsurface moving baits.

I use Fast blank & braid most of the time for jerkbaits & most topwater.

 Both those presentations have a good chance of getting the bite while it's stationary.

Bass can often hook themselves on a moving bait,

but a paused jerkbait or a motionless popper is often a different story.

I like the response and hook setting horsepower of a fast(er) rod and braid in that instance. 

All that said, in almost every instance, almost anything will work at least some of the time.

The above deals work for me most of the time.

A-Jay

[Kenny Yi]

i use whats in between: Moderate Fast action, paired with stretchy mono

[Spankey]

3 hours ago, Kenny Yi said:

i use whats in between: Moderate Fast action, paired with stretchy mono

The spooks and pop r’s I throw are not really all that big in size or heavy in weight. Smallie fishing on the river. Fish a bit heavier topwater on the lake. I fish a moderate fast action as well. Certainly not a true fast rod. I stumbled upon this rod years ago, a Rapala branded spinning rod. These top waters is about all I’ve used this for. Has been use very hard and should be retired. Has only had 6# mono on it. 

[bulldog1935]

For my touch, I always present dog-walking lures best on moderate action rods. 

One of my favorites is St. Croix Legend Glass. 

Also IM6, and I just bought a new Valleyhill MHF with solid tip - much lighter in hand than IM6 - that I expect the solid tip to provide my moderate touch. 

 

 

[Dwight Hottle]

I prefer a moderate action or moderate fast action for topwater baits with trebles. Mike's advice about using a 3 power fast action is also helpfull. I have a Kistler 3 power medium heavy xtra fast Z bone that I'll use with mono for topwaters because the three power combined with mono stretch is enough give in the system to keep the trebles hooked up. You have to keep an open mind about what works best with particular baits, hooks, line & rod action combined with rod power to fine tune the overall system. Like the old adage their are several ways to skin a cat. 

[Bankc]

It's up to you.  As you know, there are advantages and disadvantages no matter which way you go.  

Personally, I prefer a more moderate speed rod when dealing with topwaters.  You have to pop the rod a bit harder to get the same action, but that doesn't bother me as much as losing a fish.  But I'll frequently use fast action rods as well.  I fish from a kayak, so I limit myself to six rods, so they all have to pull multiple duties.  

[FishTank]

I like something in between so a mod-fast but the closest I have now is a G. Loomis 844C.  I have had this rod for a long time and the tip is a little softer than a new one would be. I also have a Megabass p5 Super Destroyer and it too works great for topwater.   I think it's rated as a regular taper in Megabass's line up.

[cyclops2]

My lure action is totally controlled by my actions. Rod line reel speed are all adjusted by me.

Could I do it with a 9' fly rod or ice hole rod ?  Sure

 

For years people caught every fish year round with just a hand line.  I could do it that way if needed.

 

Yes I have had some outrageous expensive Fly rods & reels.  I gave them to relatives to enjoy as much.

 

[J Francho]

I use a medium power extra fast action for poppers and walkers.  The fast tip recovery and control from that tip are why.  The medium power may sound light, but that is what keeps the bait pinned and provides some shock absorption.  Mine is a SC Avid AVC62MXF.

[Bankbeater]

The rod I use is labelled as a m/f, but it's more on the m/m side.

 

[MJack]

I appreciate all the advice. I think I’ll stick with my 6.8ft Falcon HD medium moderate fast for most topwater, but use my 6.8ft St Croix Bass X medium extra fast for poppers. I think I’m going braid with the former and mono with the latter. God bless!