Looking at this reel for a lighter frogging reel (anything not in heavy cover) and heavier top water. My dilemma is should I go with a 7 speed or an 8 speed?

My frog rod is sometimes a magdraft freestyle combo.  I find a 7 speed more versatile and still good for frogging and jigs.  That's my pick.  I really like that bantam model, it's slightly heavy but it feels like a forever reel.

 

scott

If it’s just topwater then I go to an 8. However, mine also does double duty to I have a 7 in my bantam. Not a huge difference and both will work. 

I only use an 8 speed reel like the Shimano Bantam when the target is far and you have a lot of ''dead water'' between the target zone and the boat.  I fish close to where you live and there are lots of holes in the grass, so I prefer to retrieve  the frog back a fairly long distance before scooting it in for the next cast.