Topwater Rod

[Rich]

OK, fellas, need some input. I'm looking into getting a new topwater rod-leaning towards an AllStar TWS (Top Water Special) but not quite sure yet. Suggestions?

[daveraynor]

I would definetly go with the all-star.

[n2b]

i dont know im leaning more towards kistler, they make a great rod, and they make a topwater rod that is about 130 and i know that is what i would buy. but that is just MO. ;D

[randerson52]

get a fenwick techna av in med or med hev.

[madmarty]

Well All Star makes great rods. They're my favorite brand rods. You get a lot more action with the light tip but I prefer a lot stiffer rod for a better hookset and its easier to keep them from burying in grass. You lose a lot of action but don't lose as many fish with a stiff rod.

[Rob Mak]

i use a short -actually busted- rod that is 6.3 hmg fenwick using a short stiff stick gives the bait more bang for the buck . lets face it top water fishing will tire you out. the short stick makes the it easy to work about any bait although it does cut in on distance. the way i use it i normally can keep the rod out of the water with my arms fully extended.

zooker

[profishermenkid16]

Rebbasser, It sounds as good as any of them. I use a hodge podge of topwater rods. I use a Castaway HB60 6'0 heavy, A Berkley lightning Ken Cook topwater 6'2" Medium, A Fenwick hmg 5'6" medium pistol grip, All Star GT2 6'6" medium. P N J

[jglassguy]

I use a 5 ft 6 inch All STar rod with a pistol grip for all my topwaters , or use a old quantum spinning outfit on a flexible med action rod

[Rich]

JB, that's what I'm using now, except it is a Lightnin' Rod. I don'tknow that I will switch, just kicking the idea around.

[BassNva]

a 6'6" MH lightening rod works for me.this would be for pop'r's and light buzzbaits...for the heavier stuff i use an extreme MH bait casting rod.

[basshunter205]

For all topwater excluding 1/2 oz buzzbaits and up, and slop frogs, you don't need a MH or H rod. I'm using a St. Croix 6'6" M, fast action for all my basic topwater needs. This probably the best all around rod. reel-5.3:1 ratio or something like that should do.For 1/2 oz and up buzzers and slop frogs, use a MH, maybe a H for your frogs. 7' foot probably also. fast reel, like 6.3:1 or 7:1 if possible.

[jglassguy]

I have used the longer rods esp for zara spook, but I think what sold me years ago about the short rod is
that on the boat you spend the whole days jerking down on the rod as the topwater does its thing, and the shortness kept me from hitting the boat or clobbering the water.
After getting my rods stolen I made sure I replaced the short one again, plus its easy to see when your looking for rods that are strapped down on the deck 8)

[Rich]

Good point, JB. I think if I was more specific I'm looking for a Spook rod-I'm thinking a longer rod/lighter action might walk-the-dog easier. For a Pop-R or Torpedo the 5-6 rod works great.

[profishermenkid16]

JB, I though it was the way I fished the baits that was annoying to have the rod hit the water or boat every now and then, until I went to a shorter rod as well.For a while I was working the baits keeping the rodtip high , but I believe the spooks are not as effective when they skip out of the water accidently, I never recall getting bit if the bait left the surface while retrieving it back to the boat. P N J

[redneck13]

Reb, Sounds like you've already made the best choice.

[jglassguy]

I like to use the rod tip UP during the first several tugs of the rod to work top water chugging or walking the dog, but its more relaxing and works better for me to pull the rod tip down most of the way back.
Today I am going to start with a clear 4 inch size topwater, its overcast an kinda still out...I'll see if the chugbug does me any good today...its not my first choice for top water, however its about time I got it wet lol : :

[macgyver]

[quote author=bassintom link=board=news;num=1118371476;start=0#9 date=06/10/05 at 20:57:14]a 6'6" MH lightening rod works for me.this would be for pop'r's and light buzzbaits...for the heavier stuff i use an extreme MH bait casting rod.[/quote]


Different brands, but the same length and power 8) Guess we'll have to agree to agree on this one

Lizards

[Rich]

Well,I had a hunch the rods I was looking at would go on sale for Father's Day, and I was right. Â*Ended up getting an American Rodsmith Topwater rod. Â*Now I need to go try it ;D