Top water rod

[Jordan Bozarth]

u guys using braid

[fishincreek]

Not me.

[jdw174]

The best topwater rod I've ever seen is the one I use....an older model AllStar Zell Rowland Topwater Special IM6. It's 6'6" and I use it with all topwater lures but a Spook. It's a superb rod for walking baits, most all topwater lures, jerkbaits and shallow running cranks. If it ever broke, I'd have to find it's twin somewhere. Don't know if AllStar still makes a comparable model or not. Rowland is now with, I believe, American RodSmith Rods and they have a topwater model with his name on it. Is it the same? Can't say.

[hairball]

The best topwater rod I've ever seen is the one I use....an older model AllStar Zell Rowland Topwater Special IM6. It's 6'6" and I use it with all topwater lures but a Spook. It's a superb rod for walking baits, most all topwater lures, jerkbaits and shallow running cranks. If it ever broke, I'd have to find it's twin somewhere. Don't know if AllStar still makes a comparable model or not. Rowland is now with, I believe, American RodSmith Rods and they have a topwater model with his name on it. Is it the same? Can't say.

I just bought 2 of these rods to back up the 2 I already have. I believe they are discontinued and that's why I found them on the Internet for $50. They're the only rods I use for topwaters and jerkbaits.

[jdw174]

I just bought 2 of these rods to back up the 2 I already have. I believe they are discontinued and that's why I found them on the Internet for $50. They're the only rods I use for topwaters and jerkbaits.

Please don't tell me you paid $50 for the TWO OF THEM???????? At $50 each they're worth every penny....

[rhthomas333]

Please don't tell me you paid $50 for the TWO OF THEM???????? At $50 each they're worth every penny....

Any idea what a good price for one of these is. I just picked one up and the plan is to resell it but idk after reading this forum.

[toomanycasts]

Amen in the Zell Rowland rods

[mhall]

St Croix Avid...6' or 6'-6'' medium action with soft tip..............Sweet

[DJD]

u guys using braid

I don't use braid for topwater. I use mono and I use a 6'6" GL3 loomis 3 power (last time I tossed a topwater). To me it's more about what rod NOT to use than it is on what to use. As long as I have some good tip action and a quality rod I will use it with a topwater bait because some baits I use are heavier and bigger than the others so I have several rods that can switch over as needed.

For example....I won't use a 4-5 power 7' Loomis for Topwater Bassfishing (pop'r or sammy type bait). I also won't use a 5' pistol grip either because I don't like the loss of control and power with that short rod. If I had to choose something it would be a 6'6"-6'9" rod with a fast action tip...that is the perfect size rod for me and can handle about any topwater I toss. If I am tossing buzzbaits I like my 7' rods. If I'm tossing frogs in slop I like a 7' with heavier action depending on the weight of the bait. Like I said to me it's easier to not use certain ones because I can use various rods with various actions for topwater.

[Crankinstein]

My fishing buddy is a topwater guy and for ten years he would kick my butt when they were bitting on top. About five years ago I took every rod I had and spent a week trying them out, my concern was not could I work bait correctly but could I get the fish in. I found my set up. This may or may not work for you. I use a 7' mh rod that has a slow tip. It is a old loomis G2. I use 15lb big game or 17-20lb reg mono. I can cast a mile and seldom loose a fish. It bends so much that when a fish jumps it will always be loaded. It took a while to get use to because you dont feel you get a good hook set, but it has changed topwater fishing for me. I also use bow wax on the first 5' of my line to keep the line up out of the water. A loop knot will help with the walking action, but is not a requirement. Hope this helps and remember everybody is different. My buddy could use a broom stick and yarn and wack them but not me.

[stoner]

Popping and walking baits I like something with a little play in the tip and the old pistol grip makes it easy for working. Buzz baits and frogs I like a heavier longer rod with braid. I don't see any point in investing big $ in any top water rod though.
Jmo