Choosing a Topwater Rod

[BassinWill301]

I am looking for a casting rod that I can use for topwater (mainly buzzbaits and poppers). What is the recommended action?power?length of the rod?

Also if you think this rod could double for any other techniques please say what they would be.

Thanks in advance

[Evan Pease]

Im going to try a 6'6" M with a mfast tip for the same stuff this year and it seems like it will work well, but Ive not tried it yet.

[Triton20XSD]

I like a longer rod for buzzbait fishing.  Right now I am using a St. Croix Avid 7' med action with 15# P-Line XXX-Strong line for 3/8 oz buzzbaits.  I like throwing my poppers & 1/4 oz buzzbaits on a 7' G. Loomis med action Crankbait rod.  Other uses for the St. Croix rod for Texas rigging 5" senkos, spinnerbaits, lipless cranks, small jigs.  I also throw lipless cranks & shallow-med diving cranks on the Loomis rod.  Not sure what your price range is but the Avid is in the $150-160 range and the Loomis is about $225.00.

[BassinWill301]

Thanks for the information.  Yeah I am sticking with St. Croix.

[roadwarrior]

My favorite "all around" rod for treble hooks is the Avid AC66MF which

has a soft tip. The length (6 1/2') makes manuevering jerkbaits and

topwater easier. The soft tip acts as a cushion to help prevent the

hooks from coming unbuttoned. This is also a rod that works very

well for spinnerbaits and buzzbaits!

8-)

[Gone_Phishin]

I prefer two different rods for those techniques.  I also like a longer rod for buzzbaits:  6'6''-7'0''; medium powered.  If I'm fishing buzzers near cover I use my 7'0'' MH spinnerbait rod.

I like a much shorter rod for poppers: 6'0''-6'3"; medium powered as well.  This could double as a jerkbait rod.  I've had my eye on the 5'10" topwater rod that Loomis makes in the Bronzeback series.  I also found an older 5'6" M casting rod in my basement that I'll give a go this summer.

If I had to pick one rod to do it all, I agree with the RW and Peasey about a 6'6" M rod.  You have the length to set the hook on a longer cast, but it is still short enough to walk-the-dog and work other topwaters.  

[BassinWill301]

Thanks for the input guys.  I think that will be the rod I will go with.

[Crankhead]

Every May after picking up my buddy (who lives near Park Falls, Wis.) for our Canadian fishing trip, we of course we have to make a stop at the St Croix store. Last year the guy in the showroom was showing me the  Legend Tournament Bass rod made just for top water(LTBC68MXF). And of course it felt great & after about 30 seconds I had to have it. Best buy I ever made. This rod is great for throwing any top water bait. You will not be disappointed.

[jasone]

Every May after picking up my buddy (who lives near Park Falls, Wis.) for our Canadian fishing trip, we of course we have to make a stop at the St Croix store. Last year the guy in the showroom was showing me the Legend Tournament Bass rod made just for top water(LTBC68MXF). And of course it felt great & after about 30 seconds I had to have it. Best buy I ever made. This rod is great for throwing any top water bait. You will not be disappointed.

Wow, I just bought that same rod yesterday on sale for $149.  I haven't tried it yet but I can't wait.

J

[Crankhead]

If you got that Legend Tournament Bass Topwater rod for $149, what s steal! I paid $220.

[jwo1124]

You guys don;t have any hooks ups with an Xrta Fast?