Looking at rod options for either throwing a frog, or a LiveTarget Hollow Body Sunfish.  I'm thinking a Fast action rod might be better on the casting end, but an XF might be an advantage on the retrieve.  Haven't fished the LiveTarget Sunfish yet but "had" an older frog rod that met its demise a couple years ago.  Can't remember the specs... and rods are a lot better now anyway so the Bait Monkey is sitting on my shoulder.  

 

Looking for opinions first and foremost on tip action (Fast of Extra Fast?) for hollow body frog/sunfish - and second if you have any first hand experience with the rods below - or if there is another good option in that price range ($90-120) to consider:

 

Fast

• St. Croix Bass X Casting Rod 7'4" Heavy
• Daiwa S Casting Rod 7'4" Heavy
• Cabelas Tournament ZX 7'3" Heavy

 

Extra Fast

• Daiwa Tatula XT Casting Rod 7'4" Heavy Frog
• Fate Black Casting Rod 7'4" Heavy
• BPS Carbonlite 7'3" Heavy

If you have patience then go with the XF tip, but if you typically set the hook too quickly then go with the F.

I've used anything from Heavy/X-fast to XXHeavy/Mod-Fast.  They all work fine.  If you're missing fish on a hollow/floating mouse/frog type bait, either bass missed the bait, or you waited too long to set the hook.  Bait gone, set hook immediately.  This process has nothing to do action.  Personally, anything heave or better, tip action means very little during the retrieve, since that higher power rod is pretty stiff.  The action or taper comes into play on the cast, and when playing the fish.

Fast

I personally use a 7' 3' H/F and love it. 

Why would someone want to have a specific rod for a livetarget sunfish. Just get a uglystik, its never gonna get a bite anyways. Jk

I prefer using a stout heavy action rod for my frog fishing/fishing heavy aquatic vegetation and have landed many +8 pound bass this way.

7-7'3" HF will work just fine.That 7'4" HXF Tatula XT is next on my list though.

Take a look at a few more.. you have time.. I've been told the Scott Martin Okuma rods are very good.

 

I'm always fishing heavy cover with Jigs, toads and frogs. I use a Lews Custom Lite Magnum Grass, Abu Garcia 7'6" Villian and a 7' Villian.

 

Ill be back out in the water in a couple more weeks. It's about time.

Winter sucks.

Since no two rod manufacturers rate a rod the same lets look at some really good options for a frog/sunfish rod.

I would start by considering a Irod Genesis II IRG754F or as they call it the Fred Magic Stick.  That rod is $149.  It is also available in the less expensive Fiber series  for $110.

 

Powell offers a mag heavy frog rod called the MAX3D 736CEF  it runs $160 or they offer an Inferno 725CF for $110.

 

 

Finally look at a Dobyns Fury FR 735C for $110