i am looking for a good topwater rod and am wondering what type of rod i need, the two rods i am looking at is either a vendetta or a shimano compre.  in those two rods what action and such would be ideal for all topwater baits.

All you need is a regular reel, nothing special

For your rod, i suggest a 6'6" M/MF baitcasting. But idk if Vendettas or Compres come in that action.

why would you recommend 6 foot 6 over a 7 foot rod.

I also like a shorter rod (mine's a 6') for walking the dog. Less fatiguing and I have less tendency to overreact on the hookset and pull the trebles out of the fish's mouth. JMHO

Ronnie

I know this wasn't one of your choices but Cabelas has the All Star ASR topwater rod on sale for $60. It's a 7'2" M/M and might be worth a look.

Good luck with whatever you decide on.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166-cat20372&id=0053504122679a&navCount=1&podId=0053504&parentId=cat20372&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true

why would you recommend 6 foot 6 over a 7 foot rod.

Because when walking the dog i get less fatigued and the rod tip is down, so i like my rod tip out of the water.

I also like a shorter rod (mine's a 6') for walking the dog. Less fatiguing and I have less tendency to overreact on the hookset and pull the trebles out of the fish's mouth. JMHO

x2.

i use a 6' m/f compre and love it for top water.