What action and power for spinning rod for walk the dog presentation?

[trx250]

I am new to fishing and just learned how to "walk the dog" with a zara spook.  It is hands down the most fun, and the most productive topwater lure i have tried so far.  I have a do it all $40 cabelas rod, and am looking to upgrade to a rod specifically for working this presentation.  I know i want it to be more lightweight, but am looking for advice as far as length, handle length and how it affects the balance of the rod and reel, tip action, and power.  I know some of this is personal preference, but i am just looking for general ideas.  I am not ready to switch to a baitcaster setup at this point as i want to stick to what I know for now so i can focus more on other areas of learning.

If anyone has specific suggestions that would be great too.  I am looking to spend around $100-$150

[LAO162]

Usually a softer, more moderate tip for baits with treble hooks.  Power sometimes depends on the type of cover.  Length is an important consideration as well.  A longer rod typically provides longer casts, but shorter rods allow for better maneuvering if you are twitching with the tip down.

[Big Bait Fishing]

a soft , fast tip . preferably an extra-fast tip !! as for the power of the rod , it depends on the weight of the lure . if you are using a super spook jr. , use a medium powered casting rod . if you are throwing a 10" lunker punker , use a heavy or extra-heavy powered swimbait rod !!!

so the power of the rod will relate to the lure weight and the action you can get on the lure will relate ONLY to the tip action and taper (meaning a fast or extra-fast tip ) ....... hope that explains things for you 

[WVBassHunter]

I agree with the above....

I originally learned this presentation on a 6' Ugly Stik Med.   Now you know these rods will literally almost do a 360 before breaking...so that being said It was like trying to brush cut with a weed.

I am looking and going probably this evening to Gander Mountain to get the St. Croix Avid Model AVS66MF

Looks to be a great all around rod but with the length and features I need to work different lures effectivley

[Big Bait Fishing]

here is a suggestion for a good top water rod ,

Shimano Clarus Spinning Rod 6'6" Med EF Taper ......

[northern basser]

On ebay there are kistler argons on sale for $99(retail $199) and kistler helium lta's for $129.00(retail $229).  Both offer a technique specific crankbait/topwater/spinnerbait rod. Like pgersumky said,  you must consider what size bait you are using

[ejtaylor822]

For topwater walk the dog presentations the best action can be imparted with a fast/extra-fast rod.  You want a tip that will provide immediate response/action to the lure - a fast actionwill give you that.  Don't use fluoro as it will sink and mess up the action pulling the nose down.  Go with at least a medium power - the strikes are vicous so you want the power to control the fish that is already on the move-especially near structure.  A 7' will work well, but a 6'6" or less will give you less line slap on the water when working the bait.

[trx250]

Thanks for all the advice guys