Need Topwater Rod Suggestions

[Flapjack]

Hi guys,

Topwater is my #1 technique for fishing for smallmouths, so I would really like to find the ideal setup for rod & reel. Before this year, I had been using a spinning outfit which did OK, but since I throw Zara Spooks more than anything else, I decided to get a baitcaster rig specifically for heavier topwaters such as the Spook.

I ended up with a St. Croix Premier PC60MF (6' medium, fast tip) and paired it with a Curado 101D. Fishing line is 17 lb Suffix Elite mono.

I'm happy with everything except the rod. It's a nice rod, but just a little disappointing. Maybe it's just my style of fishing, but the tip seems just a little too stiff when using walk the dog lures. I can live with it, but I would like to replace it if there is something out there that I might like better. I definitely don't want a rod longer than 6'.

Can anyone recommend a good baitcaster rod for this specific application? Price range would be $100 - $200.

Thanks!

[cart7t]

I've got an old BPS Bionic blade, 6' med action IM6 rod, pistol grip I purchased from a guy selling some of Stacy Kings old rods.

I've had this rod for like 6 years now and it's absolutely perfect for me as far as throwing topwaters of any type.  I can't ever imagine getting something else. It's a med power but the rod action would probably be described as fast.  

[Land Surveyor13]

If you like the St. Croix brand check out the Legend Tournament series rod specifically designed for topwater baits.  I got one of off ebay and absolutely love it.  Also if you watch carefully enough you can get it for an excellent price.  I paid $170.00 for mine and they list for $220.00 everywhere else.

Jerrod

[roadwarrior]

This is the rod I have and HIGHLY recommend to you:

http://www.reedssports.com/Product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=666

I consider this my "all-around" baitcasting rod. Although the rod is rated Fast Action, the tip is soft.

[Chris at Tech]

This is the rod I have and HIGHLY recommend to you:

http://www.reedssports.com/Product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=666

Even though I don't always agree with RW's hardcore Shimano stance, I do agree with this rod recommendation

At this recommendation, and others, I have this rod paired with a Revo STX, and it does great for most of my treble hook lures.  Spooks, PopR's, shallow cranks, jerkbaits, etc all are very nice on this rod.  Fishing this rod this past weekend, and I'm not even sure it's a true fast action rod.  Seemed to me to be more Mod Fast, but all that much better for what I use it for.

However, this rod is NOT suited for soft plastics, in my opinion.

[roadwarrior]

However, this rod is NOT suited for soft plastics, in my opinion.

No, it is NOT suitable for soft plastics or jigs.

[Flapjack]

Thanks for the suggestions.  

The Legend Tournament sounds like a great rod, but the 6'8" length is longer than what I want.

The Avid seems like a good choice, but I was looking at this one:

http://www.reedssports.com/Product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=665

It has a softer tip which seems like it would be great for topwater lures like the Spook.

Any thoughts?

[roadwarrior]

I don't know the rod specifically, but that's what "testing" is for. You are certainly on the right track.

[Chris at Tech]

Thanks for the suggestions.  

The Legend Tournament sounds like a great rod, but the 6'8" length is longer than what I want.

The Avid seems like a good choice, but I was looking at this one:

http://www.reedssports.com/Product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=665

It has a softer tip which seems like it would be great for topwater lures like the Spook.

Any thoughts?

Just curious.  What makes you think this has a softer tip?

Generally, in my experience, XF rods seem better suited to fishing plastics and jigs.  A slower action is generally better for treble hooks lures.

Obviously, I'm no expert, get what you like

[Flapjack]

Just curious.  What makes you think this has a softer tip?

Generally, in my experience, XF rods seem better suited to fishing plastics and jigs.  A slower action is generally better for treble hooks lures.

Obviously, I'm no expert, get what you like

Hmmm...what you're saying makes sense to me too. I sent an e-mail to St. Croix and this is what they said:

"The AC62MXF would be an excellent choice for top water baits like the Zara Spook.  It's still a medium power, but has an extra-fast tip, which is a little softer, but doesn't flex as far down the rod, for good walk-the-dog action."

Now I'm confused....

[Chris at Tech]

Hmmm...what you're saying makes sense to me too. I sent an e-mail to St. Croix and this is what they said:

"The AC62MXF would be an excellent choice for top water baits like the Zara Spook.  It's still a medium power, but has an extra-fast tip, which is a little softer, but doesn't flex as far down the rod, for good walk-the-dog action."

Now I'm confused....

Well, they're the experts since they make the rod.  However, with that said, I think the Avid would be a bit more versatile choice for other treble hook baits besides the Spook.  

Ultimately, only you can decide which rod you thinks betters suits your purposes.

[roadwarrior]

Maybe this will help, maybe not:

These are the St. Croix I OWN and will describe:

Avid AS66MLF:

Medium light as described. Moderately fast action, but with a very soft tip. Can be used for all light MOVING lures and live bait. Is NOT appropriate for soft plastics, jigs or anything requiring a quick/ firm hook-set.

Avid AC66MF:

Closer to Medium Heavy Power of other brands. Moderately fast action, but with a very soft tip. Can be used for all medium weight treble hooks AND spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and blades. Is NOT appropriate for soft plastics, jigs or anything requiring a quick/ firm hook-set. Note: Once the tip is loaded, this rod is VERY responsive and has enough backbone to control most freshwater fish.

Legend Elite ES70MF:

Medium Heavy Power as compared to other brands. Fast Action and a FIRM tip. EXCELLENT for soft plastics and light to medium weight jigs. Could be used as an all-around rod. I would think the baitcasting twin EC70MF would have identical characteristics.

[sodaksker]

I don't own one but, I bet one of these pistol grip rods would fit the bill very well.

http://www.rod-crafting.com/for-sale.html

Sorry,  I just broke down and bought one of them but, there is still one left.

He made a "spinnerbait" rod for me last winter and I like it more every time I use it. It is so light compared to my other rods. It is a dream to use. Caught 4 smallies on it over lunch today and 6 last night.

I will be going out tonight again. I will post pics tomorrow.

[rjg]

If you are looking for a topwater specific rod that has a shorter length, take a look at the G. Loomis Bronzeback 5' 10" MH casting rod. It was designed specificly for topwaters and has a nice soft fast action tip with a stout backbone. $205 msrp but can be bought at Reed Sports for $184.50. Loomis quality and warranty. It works great for it's intended purpose and doubles nicely on smaller spinnerbaits and cranks. It's what I use when wading for topwaters and it fits the bill nicely. Hope this helps.

[Flapjack]

If you are looking for a topwater specific rod that has a shorter length, take a look at the G. Loomis Bronzeback 5' 10" MH casting rod. It was designed specificly for topwaters and has a nice soft fast action tip with a stout backbone. $205 msrp but can be bought at Reed Sports for $184.50. Loomis quality and warranty. It works great for it's intended purpose and doubles nicely on smaller spinnerbaits and cranks. It's what I use when wading for topwaters and it fits the bill nicely. Hope this helps.

That sounds like it might be exactly what I'm looking for. Thank you everyone for your suggestions!  

[brgbassmaster]

for topwater my choice is 6-6 medium berkley cherrywood with a pfleuger trion baitcaster. the rod was only 40$ but the reel was 109$ but that setup is amazing for me.

[Guest avid]

I really like the G Loomis casting rod series for topwaters.

the 6 foot fast action 722 is a perfect rod for me.

the short length allows me to hold the rod straight down for best walk the dog retrieve.

the 2 power fast tip is soft enough to get the POP and the side to side action,

but is also strong enough to move a decent sized fish.

If the 220 price of the IMX the GL3 is an excellent value.

PS.  you'll never hear argue with choosing an avid from st. croix, but this loomis 6 footer deserves a look see.

http://www.reedssports.com/Product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=524

[justfishin]

Hmmm, we are all so different. For me, spooks, and river smallies its a Shimano Curado 200, #12 test line, paired with a 7' MH 10-20 line rating rod of your choice in fast action. The 7' rod helps keep the line off of the water--- which you want for the river currents, lakes are a different ball game---, for me and helps with the hooksets on long cast. I throw a lot of spooks and Spittin Images for smallies. Use what is comfortable for you. There are a lot of good suggestions here. This is just what works for me.  

[Flapjack]

I want to keep to around a 6' rod since I like to work walk the dog lures with the tip down, and sometimes I have to fish out of a small aluminum boat.

I went to Gander Mountain today and they had the Avid AC62MXF rod that I had mentioned. The tip is definitely softer than the Premier I have and it seemed like a very nice rod, but I don't know that I'm too excited about that hump in the handle behind the rod seat that I see on the Avid casting rods.

One thing I'm curious about with the Loomis 5' 10" Bronzeback Rod SMR702C-TW that was mentioned: the handle. Would that be considered a pistol grip? I'm just a little worried that it might be a little tiring on the wrist, and lacks the leverage for fighting bigger fish. I can't really tell from the picture just how long the handle is. Would you use two hands to cast with it?

That Loomis Casting Rod CR722C - IMX ($198.00 at Reeds) that avid suggested sounds like a very good possibility too....