I want a rod that i can use for topwater, like popers or zara spooks. I also want that rod to be able to be used for crankbaits.

I'm pretty new to this sport and i dont know too much about rods, if you could just tell me like what kind of action or length i would need, that would be helpfull.

That's a tough call since most people prefer a moderate (or mod-fast) for cranking and a fast to X-fast for working topwaters.  I will say this though, if you were to settle on a mod-fast, it would be a good all around treble hooked lure rod.  Your spooks would require a little bit of working by timing versus by feel but it would only take a little geting used to.  

If I were in your shoes, I'd probably get a med power, mod-fast.  (or med-heavy, depending on what the fish are like up there)

hope that helps.

i was standing in your shoes about a month and a half ago... after getting some input from the forums, i went with a custom made 6'6" mf st croix avid

For topwaters your ideal action would be a fast or extra fast tip so when the fish comes up it allows her to inhale the lure more and it helps work the bait on top.

For cranks your ideal rod would be a medium power moderate action unless your slinging out big cranks then you would be better off with a medium heavy. The reason for the moderate action is so the rod puts constant pressure on the fish, this is good because treble hooks can become dislodged easily because they have three hooks.

I use a 7' medium heavy moderate fast rod for my cranks because thats what im comfortable with. For topwaters i have been using a 6'6'' rod because its shorter which is easier for me to work the bait on the top.

As Flechero said, the medium heavy moderate fast would be a nice rod for general treble hook lures.

i was standing in your shoes about a month and a half ago... after getting some input from the forums, i went with a custom made 6'6" mf st croix avid

The St. Croix Avid AC66MF has a soft tip. This is my all-around rod for treble hook lures, buzzbaits and spinnerbaits, but it really shines working topwater and jerkbaits.

8-)

well what about if im gonna do more cranking than topwater,

does a 7' MH rod sound good?

Also what reel speed would be appropiate?

Sure, most of my rods are 7' and many guys prefer MH rods.

Personally, I think Medium Power serves a wider range of lures,

but that's up to you.

A reel with a standard 6.2:1 or so is probably what you want.

Lower gear ratios are generally for guys that spend a lot of time

deep cranking.

8-)

well what about if im gonna do more cranking than topwater,

does a 7' MH rod sound good?

maybe, but I'd be sure to look at the action as well.  Power and action are 2 different things.  Mod-fast is the action, med and MH describe power.  The slower action of a mod or mod-fast is what makes cranking more comfortable and makes it easier to retain fish hooked with trebles.

i was standing in your shoes about a month and a half ago... after getting some input from the forums, i went with a custom made 6'6" mf st croix avid

The St. Croix Avid AC66MF has a soft tip. This is my all-around rod for treble hook lures, buzzbaits ans spinnerbaits, but it really shines working topwater and jerkbaits.

8-)

By input from the forums, I meant input from roadwarrior...  

I also use a Med Fast Avid but recently I broke a MH Fast Avid and took advantage to upgrade to the Tournament Med XF that they call a Tpwater model. Boy what a great rod. Maybe it is the IPC technology but it has a great feel. Can not go wrong with an Avid Med Fast for a all-purpose cranking and topwater rod though.