I use my Avid 6'6 M casting rod, Revo STX and 14lb Suffix Siege. The rod has a F action, but a really soft tip so it works really well. I also use this for jerkbaits.

I've had a Spook tied on a St. Croix LT Teaser 7'0 Med. action (the old one with a full grip) for several years now. The looser tip on it lets you keep the bait in one place.

Walking the dog is my thing. I have an Allstar "waking dog rod" just for that. What you're thinking is a perfect setup man. If you use a glass rod, then you can get away with braid due to the softer tip. Graphite rods, like mine, will have a faster tip, so use mono. Mono helps for the treble hooks on the lure and the "throw factor" I'll call it. We probably all know here, that oddly enough, a three-pronged hook (treble) can be easily thrown, and that's the last thing you want when a big'n blows up your topwater.

Looking to get a technique specific setup for walking the dog with 5/8 oz to 1 oz cigar type baits (Sammy, Bowstick, Zara, etc.)

Rod Action, Length, Brand

Reel Ratio

Line

What are you hard core topwater guys using?

I was thinking a 6'9' to 7' 0" Medium action with a fast tip in graphite or glass with at least a 6.x to 1 gear ratio.

I am in the 'short rods for topwater' camp. For the baits you listed I use a few combos: a Kistler LTA 5'9" MH with a Daiwa Fuego; a 6'2" MH Carrot Gold with a Daiwa Zillion; and a Loomis Bronzeback 5'10" MH with a Curado 201E7.

I generally use 10-12lb Yo-Soft.

I've got a 6'6" rod with MH/F action. Combined with a 12-15lb mono it seems to have about the right amount of stiffness/recovery for walking top water spooks.This is my primary jerkbait rod as well.

For me, a short handle is a must for twitching spook/pointer type lures.