Topwater casting rod preferences ?

3crows · August 15, 2019, 04:55:27 PM

Just curious, seems like a lot of tech goes into everything but good o'fashioned topwater casting. What do you guys prefer in a rod for topwater casting lure like Devil Horse, Torpedoes, Spooks, small floating jerk baits maybe etc. Especially the lighter end say 1/4 to 1/2 ounces give or take. Length and action, whatever you think makes a good topwater rod?

I always thought something around 6'8" to 7' with a Medium action and a Fast or Extra Fast tip, which could describe a lot of rods I suppose.

zippyduck · August 15, 2019, 06:20:11 PM

Oh they make rods for topwaters.

They are very similar to cranking rods.

For torpedoes, poppers, and light jerkbaits I really think a 7' or shorter rod with a moderate fast action is ideal as they are usually thrown into spots and not used to cover water.

Now for a spook, whopper plopper, and pencil poppers a longer rod with fast action is my choice. You want a rod that will launch them and be able to perform the retrieves from a long distance.

I use a Dobyns 704cb for small baits and a Dobyns Sierra 734 for larger baits.

LgMouthGambler · August 15, 2019, 08:23:06 PM

MH MF rods are what I like. Or anything in a 3 power with Dobyns.

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loomisguy · August 16, 2019, 06:32:56 AM

I use 2 , First a old Houston made All Star Zell Rowland TWS . There's still some around on E bay and such but they usually bring 100 bucks or more. They are a 6ft.6 MH
Also a Witch Doctor Surman 50G. It's really good for most moving baits but it walks a Sammy or Spook great. I have the 6ft.10 MH version , It's a graphite/glass blended blank. I also throw vision 110's and Mcsticks on it.
These days I think there are better prop baits than the ol' devils horse. Those things cast like a leaf.

3crows · August 16, 2019, 09:10:08 AM

Quote from: loomisguy on August 16, 2019, 06:32:56 AM
I use 2 , First a old Houston made All Star Zell Rowland TWS . There's still some around on E bay and such but they usually bring 100 bucks or more. They are a 6ft.6 MH
Also a Witch Doctor Surman 50G. It's really good for most moving baits but it walks a Sammy or Spook great. I have the 6ft.10 MH version , It's a graphite/glass blended blank. I also throw vision 110's and Mcsticks on it.
These days I think there are better prop baits than the ol' devils horse. Those things cast like a leaf.

Better than a Devil Horse you say!!!!!!!! Thems feuding words, lol! My grandfather carved all of his own lures and he was an expert Devil Horse maker. He also carved the Tiny Tops from broom handles and Spooks and many more. And, so do I because he taught me how. Fish, I am not sure they know what the latest fad bait is or not. Just kidding with you, maybe I should get a few new store bought fancy baits huh?

So, a Mojo Topwater, 6'8" Med. with XF tip? How about a SLX 6'10" Med. with XF tip? Like I said, these for more traditional topwater lures? Something more of a MH and longer rod with a fast or moderate tip maybe for some of these new, large prop baits. What a guy to do, oh dear.

loomisguy · August 16, 2019, 10:02:32 AM

I've fished the Mojo topwater rod and personally I think it makes a better stickbait rod than a topwater rod.
The 6'10 Shimano's are really nice. I've not fished it in the SLX version but I owned it in the Zodias and liked it. It's also available in the Expride.

3crows · August 16, 2019, 01:37:43 PM

Quote from: loomisguy on August 16, 2019, 10:02:32 AM
I've fished the Mojo topwater rod and personally I think it makes a better stickbait rod than a topwater rod.
The 6'10 Shimano's are really nice. I've not fished it in the SLX version but I owned it in the Zodias and liked it. It's also available in the Expride.

Thanks, I just bought the SLX 6'10" Med. XF from Academy a few hours ago and will mount up the SLX DC XG.Yeah, yeah, I am matching

. I did not mean to redirect this conversation to my needs, I was just curious what the go to top water rigs and set ups are for the forum members these days?

loomisguy · August 16, 2019, 03:57:43 PM

That will make a nice set-up. I have a couple of the Curado Dc's, they work as advertised.

apenland01 · August 16, 2019, 10:14:56 PM

I actually bought a used rod a few months back that has become my number one topwater rod. It's a Loomis 6-6 M F that was customized by Tom's Custom Rods back East. It is perfect for my poppers using mono. The short rod lets me pop the bait straight down without hitting the water and it has nice give when the fish takes the bait down, but can recover quickly once I have the feel of the fish.