Looking for recommendations for a topwater casting rod 6'8" or shorter in Medium / Moderate Fast.  

 

Would be nice to have:

-Made in USA

-Cork

-Split grip

Budget?

5 hours ago, PaulVE64 said:

Budget?

$300ish

I have a 6’6 medium fast st croix premier split grip that meets all your requirements other than being moderate fast….. I will say the tip in reality isn’t far off from a moderate fast though……

 

I use the rod for topwater, jerkbaits, lipless crankbaits, and squarebills 

 

essentially all my treble hook baits and I think the rod does a good job of these things I like it a lot 

 

 

I use the St Croix Mojo Bass which is a 6'8" M/XF for topwater. While it's an extra fast tip, it's a lighter power than the other mediums in the line so it bends past the tip and is by no means too stiff. You can buy the same rod in higher lines as well.

Put your hands on a StC Mojo Bass Glass. 

Not certain they come in that length but they feel great. 

ALX Zolo series has a few 6’8” & 6’9” Medium off the shelf premium cork split handle casting rods that should work for you. The big advantage is Alex can make you a custom rod that is everything you want. 

Tom

 

10 minutes ago, WRB said:

ALX Zolo series has a few 6’8” & 6’9” Medium off the shelf premium cork split handle casting rods that should work for you. The big advantage is Alex can make you a custom rod that is everything you want. 

Tom

 

I have a Zolo twitch. 6’8 ml+. Great for smaller topwater, jerkbaits, and small cranks. They also make a 6’8 m

18 minutes ago, WRB said:

ALX Zolo series has a few 6’8” & 6’9” Medium off the shelf premium cork split handle casting rods that should work for you. The big advantage is Alex can make you a custom rod that is everything you want. 

Tom

 

I have the zolo 6’9” m+ jerkbait rod. It is great for anything in 1/2-3/4 range. Great rod overall, but it has fast action. 

Under your budget, nice.

I use a 6'8 Lew's custom med action moderate.

 

Dobyns Champion XP 685CB...end of story! Look no further! This is your dude! 

Loomis IMX-PRO 783C CBR 

If you want  medium-M action 6’8” rod Alex can make it within the OP’s budget. ALX was and is a custom rod builder before offering over the counter rods.

Tom

It's a MH but the Falcon weightless worm rod is a great topwater rod as well as being one of the best jerkbait rods going .

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22 hours ago, Boomstick said:

I use the St Croix Mojo Bass which is a 6'8" M/XF for topwater. While it's an extra fast tip, it's a lighter power than the other mediums in the line so it bends past the tip and is by no means too stiff. You can buy the same rod in higher lines as well.

I have the LE version of that rod for the same thing.  I wouldn't call it a lighter power than other mediums, but it has a really fast tip and then a limber mid-section while still having some power on the butt.  It is the perfect rod for walking baits and other top water trebles.