Topwater Rods

[MCTFisher9120]

Ok, for open water topwater fishing, should the rod you use be stiff or fairly flexable. I think a bit if bend is helpful for that fish to suck in that bait. So stiff or flexable?

[danbo]

Waiting for the fish to pull the lure under is the secret.

If you set the hook when you see the swirl, you'll probably pull it away from the fish & miss it.

I still rather a fast rod because it casts better & has more backbone.

[Jer]

I had to replace my 'poppin' rod last year after kicking it into Katchawanooka...

 

I like a fairly light spinning rod for most topwater (mostly throw a Pop'R) but it really comes down to the size and action of the bait. I have some bigger poppers and torpedoes that I throw with a baitcaster.

 

I went with a 6'6" Shimano medium action, fast tip (lure weight 1/8 - 1/2 oz). I think it's a Clarus (one step down from the Compre, but it had a softer tip). The comparible Compre was rated 3/16 - 5/8 oz lure weight (same as my Compre baitcaster, now that I think about it).

[OhioFisherman]

Like danbo says wait until you feel the fishes weight on the hook, better percentage of hooksets that way. No telling how the fish is going to wind up hooked, I like a little lighter rod to prevent the hook from pulling out.

[Want]

I use a 6'6" MF Techna AV baitcasting rod for poppers, prop baits, jitterbugs, etc.

For wake baits and super shallow cranks (less than 1 foot) I use a 7' MF Techna AV baitcasting rod.

[danbo]

Fenwick makes some nice stuff!

[Maverick]

Use the same rod you use for spinnerbaits, something with a soft tip but lots of backbone but spool it with mono because you want the stretch and the line to float, not sink.

[tdotfisherman]

I've had success with 6'6 to 7' medium action spinning rods for the topwater bite, it can't be too flimsy, but it can't be too stiff either.. a good in-between rod should be okay.. In my opinion it doesn't even really matter that much.. I've never had problems with hookups on topwater.. usually bass or pike just inhale the lure and you dont even need to worry about setting the hook because they've crushed it so hard..