Not really looking for specific rods. Just curious what you look for in your topwater rods. Do you have a one do it all rod or multiple setups? Mind sharing what you like and why?  I’ve been thinking about it and it seems to me like topwater lures need a variety of power and action. But just want to hear all your expert thoughts. Looking at poppers, buzzbaits, frog, and whopper ploppers. Thanks again

G.Loomis GLX PR844C

4 minutes ago, roadwarrior said:

G.Loomis GLX PR844C

So one for everything? 

2 minutes ago, clemsondds said:

So one for everything? 

No, this is designed for saltwater popping. It is strong, but might not be enough for frogging.

this is about as specific as you can get - the rod blade is Smith SS FO-56 Topwater Light (S-glass blend), the reel my braid-raced Ambassadeur 4600.  The rod is rated 5 g to 14 g, optimized for 12 g - my goal was 1/2-oz frog and Hutley's  11-12 g dog-walking plugs, Zara Spook Jr, etc. 

This combo skips 1/4 to 1/2 oz like crazy because the rod casts off the tip and the reel is set up so totally backlash proof.

 

 

 

my target is close kayak fishing in small water like this

This is a deep blue hole, where a river comes out of the aquifer into the coastal plain - can't tell you how many bass hopped from the tops of the watercress when I paddled up behind Josh.  Behind me is the confluence with another river, and wider water that looks kinda the same - cold and deep. 

For me I use poppers and whopper ploppers (75 and 90size) on one rod with monofilament  a 6’6 medium fast

st croix premier and frogs and Buzzbaits on another rod with braid a 7’3 heavy fast Abu Garcia Veritas plx 

 

that’s just what I do as I have a limited setup from a kayak ??‍♂️

I like a 6 to 6'6 med heavy casting rod with a little tip flex. A composite rod can be good.

I was thinking

poppers might be best with a medium rod with xf tip.  Shorter 6’8-6’11
buzzbaits/wp: mh or h rod with  moderate longer 7-7’4

frog: heavy/xh with a fast tip. I like a shorter 6’6-6’10

But I don’t fish much so that’s why wanted to get your thoughts. 

 

G. Loomis 844C IMX.  It's a heavy fast but it is a little softer at the tip. 

Frogs - Dobyns Fury 735c 

Popper - Dobyns CHAMPION XP 685CB 

Buzz - Dobyns Sierra 734c 

I like a 7'0" mh/f for large topwaters around 1/2 oz and up.  For lighter topwater baits I use a 6'6" m/f rod.

Popper…Phenix mh/f M1

(Fairly soft action with good backbone) 

 

Frogs…Dobyns Kaden 715C

(Power all the way through)

 

Buzz bait…Ark mh/reg Lancer Pro

(See M1 but more back bone)

 

 

 

 

Mike

Zolo skipper for frogs and buzzbaits zolo jerkbait for trebles. I also have 6’6” tatula for smaller stuff. 

Thanks! Does everyone mostly use the same rod for whopper plopper and a buzzbait?   Also, are these dedicated topwater rods or do they double duty in other techniques? I know alot do topwater in the morning and then switch and use the rods for other techniques 

4 hours ago, Mike L said:

Buzz bait…Ark mh/reg Lancer Pro

I'm probably gonna pick one of those up, but I might oughta wait awhile. Just spent 7K on a boat, and another 37K on a downpayment and closing costs. Still need a stove and fridge. If a rod tube shows up on the porch right now, I might get put in timeout.  Then again...

57 minutes ago, T-Billy said:

I'm probably gonna pick one of those up, but I might oughta wait awhile. Just spent 7K on a boat, and another 37K on a downpayment and closing costs. Still need a stove and fridge. If a rod tube shows up on the porch right now, I might get put in timeout.  Then again...

I get it, been there more than once!

 

I really like it!

Its a great compliment to the 7’ fast I bought at the same time. 
Way underpriced in my opinion. 
 

I think You’re gonna like it too. 
 

 

 

 

Mike
 

I just bought an Expride B, extra Heavy for the number 1 task of throwing hollow body frogs on. But I also want to try flipping a big jig in thick grass on it. That's my plan this summer.