Topwater Rod Recommendation

[papajoe222]

I have two rods that I use for topwater. One is a short, St.Croix with a pistol grip, I think it's the only pistol grip offering they have now.  The other is an old Bill Dance signature 6'6" MH paired with an even older Daiwa ProCaster that I use for full sized Spooks, Lucky 13s, Pencil Poppers and the like. I have a Fuego for the new combo to replace that old, heavy one and I'm looking for recommendations for something to pair it to.  Sensitivity isn't an issue, but weight is. looking to spend $150ish max.

This is the first one I considered, but my older St.Croix are heavier than what their rated and I'm thinking maybe the Med/Fast would be better but the only one they offer is  https://www.scheels.com/p/78064701292/?queryID=c7544be32cae1e78b25b2d897e367695

[casts_by_fly]

Check out the ‘finesse jig’ rod from falcon.  In the expert series they call it the finesse jig/topwater and I have that one. That’s at $200 though so look at the low rider. I bought mine for sexy dawgs and other walking baits first and foremost. Medium to medium heavy power.  I’d call it a fast action, but there isn’t a ton of power up the rod so more than just a casting weight worth of bend and it’s flexing pretty well. 

[FrnkNsteen]

Depends what type of top water lures you are wanting to use it for. 

 

I use a Dobyns Sierra 682C that I really like for poppers (Pop R and Chug Bugs) or small walking baits like a Spook Jr or even a baby spook, though it's a little bit light for it.

 

I have a SLX MGL 71 on it that works well for lighter baits and the Sierras are a bit slower of the Dobyns rods and seem to do well with the trebles. 

 

If you're talking prop baits like a Whopper Plopper or Choppo. I throw those on Medium Heavy Moderate Fast. In my case, specifically a St Croix Mojo 7' MHMF "Spinnerbait" model

[rangerjockey]

For smaller stuff the poppers and sammy's I really like the Witch Doctor Surman 50G in the medium power. For the plopper and 3 hook walking baits the ALX toadface is a dandy.

[Junger]

I like the Lew's Custom Speedstick Topwater Special, 6'8 M/F, but has a magbass-like taper and a shorter grip. It can throw 1/8-1/2oz, so it can chuck small Pop'R's or Rico's with the right reel.

[Brian11719]

I use the KD610-4CB for smaller stuff (when I don't have a jerkbait on it) and the KD735 for larger stuff (usually a one knock spook) and love them both. They are a little more moderate but still have enough action to work the bait properly and both great rods for the price IMHO.

[BigAngus752]

Okuma TCS All Purpose is the deal for this.  A more moderate tip that makes it extremely easy to walk lures and works perfectly for treble hooks.  Keeps the fish pinned but good backbone.  Love this rod for Spooks and pencil lures.  During the sales you'll get one for $120 or less.  You won't be throwing a spinnerbait with it.  It's very much a treble rod but it does trebles better than any other rod I've ever used.  

[GReb]

ALX Ikos Buzz. I called Alex and asked the difference between it and the Zolo dream which is $100 more and he said in that model they were basically the same rod. Mine weighs just under 4 ounces and is a great all around top water rod. Also a good 1/4oz spinnerbait and mini max rod. 

[Columbia Craw]

Dobyns Sam Sobi. 724C for 143.99 from ALF.  
NFC Edge Delta 696C-1 Hybrid 149.99 

[Maverick2017]

Phenix Feather, 6’9” MH. It’s perfectly spot on and doubles as a shallow-mid jerkbait and crankbait rod.