I made up my mind to get the high speed Daiwa Zillion. I will be using it for topwater (frogs, buzzbaits,etc.), jerkbaits and lipless cranks. Any suggestions on a rod (length and power)? I am kind of partial to St. Croix and Loomis but would like to here opinions on whatever?

Gloomis MBR844C.  The best rod for what you are looking for.

Would it be safe to say, I need a 7' heavy, fast action rod?  

I have been wanting to fish a pond that is infested with lilly pads. So l'll need something that will be able to pull some big fish out of some thick cover.  Any other ideas would be great but I think Redlinerobert may have picked a good winner.

Thanks again.