Hey Guys,

Looking for Rod/Reel and line recommendations for throwing small topwaters ( Zell Pops, 1/4 oz. Chug bugs). Think I've got just about everything else covered. Thanks In Advance

I use a St. Croix AC62MXF with a Daiwa Sol and 10 pound copolymer line.  It is perfect for short, accurate casts to docks, and isolated cover.

Hope this helps.

Steve

My main topwater rig is a St. Croix Avid AC66MF, but for light lures I prefer spinning gear: Fenwick Techna AV AS70MM.

8-)

The main thing to look at in a topwater rod is the length. Match it to your size. Make sure it won't slap the water on the retrieve. A shorter than usual handle is a big plus too. A long trigger handle just gets in the way.

Most people prefer a moderate action rod over a fast action for treble hook baits. I'm not really in that camp. I want a fast action rod for topwaters. A soft rod makes it harder to make the bait do what you want. SteveF's recommendation sounds right on to me.

No need for a burner reel for topwaters, but I don't like a slow reel either. 6.3:1 works for me.

This is an application for mono line, not flouro and not braid. Flouro would be OK if you never stopped the bait. But, occasionally what you want is a twitch followed by a long pause, the longer the better some times. Flouro will sink, and that will screw up the works. Braid will often tangle when walking the dog, or when jerking and popping.

Cheers,

GK

St. Croix Legend Tournament Medium, Xtra Fast, 6'8".  Revo S in LH (that LH is essential for walking the dog).  10lb clear mono suffix elite.

That being said, I haven't fished with that one very long.  As others pointed out, you want a faster action to impart more movement.  It is hard to get the poppers to pop when the rod is taking up all the movement.  All other things are options and will depend on the angler's tastes.

J

St. Croix AC66MF with a 7:1 Shimano Curado spooled with 14lb P-Line Evolution.  I feel that a burner reel is necessary mainly because there have been many times when fish are schooled and are feeding on the surface its good to be able to retreive my bait from dead water as fast as possible  ;D.

For lures the size of what you mentioned, I would use 6 - 10 pound mono or copolymer line, with a 6'6" medium action spinning rod with a slower action, much like a crankbait rod. Spinning gear is best unless your working big poppers or full sized spooks.