Rod for topwaters - Jackpot, Hawg Wobbler, et al?

[Gary Coggon]

Grateful for recommendations of a rod to dedicate to throwing topwaters, which, for 90% of the time, are 6.5” Jackpot (51 g), Hawg Wobbler (50 g) and Top Raider (66 g), with the remainder being Magnum Jitterbug and Frogzilla. Reason for asking is that I noticed last night that my (permanent) rotator cuff tear is preventing me from loading my jerk-bait rod sufficiently to get the distance I’ve happily achieved in years gone by. In other words, I’m after a less strenuous cast.

Thanks for your help.

[Mark Phillips]

You don't need a dedicated rod for top waters and I'd doubt you'd find one either. I wouldn't use a jerk bait rod to fish them either, most will be too stiff and too short. Choose a medium to fast action baitcaster rod based on casting weight, so between 40 and 100g is fine. A Daiwa Prorex AGS would be perfect for larger top waters, medium sized jerks and swimbaits.

[Gary Coggon]

You don't need a dedicated rod for top waters and I'd doubt you'd find one either. I wouldn't use a jerk bait rod to fish them either, most will be too stiff and too short. Choose a medium to fast action baitcaster rod based on casting weight, so between 40 and 100g is fine. A Daiwa Prorex AGS would be perfect for larger top waters, medium sized jerks and swimbaits.

Seems I’ve managed to create a tumbleweed moment, so thanks for this, Mark. I make that mostly right: yes, there’s no such thing as a rod labelled ‘topwater’ - this is more me taking the opportunity of a new gap in my armoury to find the perfect, sweetest tool for Jackpots et al. And, yes, most jerk-bait rods aren’t ‘it’. I’ve been lucky in that mine’s been 90% there - it’s me that’s changed, not the rod

May I take it that that Daiwa Prorex AGS is the 30-70 g model you’ve recommended a couple of times before?

[Mark Phillips]

You don't need a dedicated rod for top waters and I'd doubt you'd find one either. I wouldn't use a jerk bait rod to fish them either, most will be too stiff and too short. Choose a medium to fast action baitcaster rod based on casting weight, so between 40 and 100g is fine. A Daiwa Prorex AGS would be perfect for larger top waters, medium sized jerks and swimbaits.

Seems I’ve managed to create a tumbleweed moment, so thanks for this, Mark. I make that mostly right: yes, there’s no such thing as a rod labelled ‘topwater’ - this is more me taking the opportunity of a new gap in my armoury to find the perfect, sweetest tool for Jackpots et al. And, yes, most jerk-bait rods aren’t ‘it’. I’ve been lucky in that mine’s been 90% there - it’s me that’s changed, not the rod

May I take it that that Daiwa Prorex AGS is the 30-70 g model you’ve recommended a couple of times before?

No, that rod would be too light and just a tad too short, much more suited to small jerk or swim baits, spinner baits, etc. You'd want the 100g or even 120g if you're looking at a Daiwa Prorex AGS or similar from another brand. I tend the use the 120 most, despite the rating, it's very forgiving and can cast/work a wide range of baits. I'm sure others will be along to recommend what they use... cheers.

[Andy Tighe]

St Croix Legend Tournament Top n Tail is the one i can think of made for topwaters and bucktails

[andrew_nagel]

Been using a DLST Axiom 7013 for top water for years and it does the job spot on. Casts and works the lures well. Length at 7' works from boat or bank.

[Gary Coggon]

Nice short-list, chaps - thank you.
While we’re on… I was just going to use the C3 6501 running 65 lb Powerpro that normally resides on my DLST Sledgehammer I; however, it then struck me that it would be rude not to pair the new rod with a new reel. Wondered whether a Curado K201 or C3 5501/C4 5601 with 50 lb Powerpro might give the optimum balance - bearing in mind I’m planning only on 40 - 70 g (topwater) lures here.
Cheers

[andrew_nagel]

I use heavier/greater diameter braid with top waters to keep it from sinking. Typically I use 100lb PP on a 6501 C3 with a DLST Axiom 7013. I used to have a pair of the Sledge Hammer 1s built on the original blanks. Really regret selling them - lovely rods with a bit more give in the mid section than the Axioms.

[Gary Coggon]

I use heavier/greater diameter braid with top waters to keep it from sinking. Typically I use 100lb PP on a 6501 C3 with a DLST Axiom 7013. I used to have a pair of the Sledge Hammer 1s built on the original blanks. Really regret selling them - lovely rods with a bit more give in the mid section than the Axioms.

Is that for Sledgehammer I vs Axioms in general across the range or for working the topwaters I’ve been on about? Thanks.

[andrew_nagel]

I use heavier/greater diameter braid with top waters to keep it from sinking. Typically I use 100lb PP on a 6501 C3 with a DLST Axiom 7013. I used to have a pair of the Sledge Hammer 1s built on the original blanks. Really regret selling them - lovely rods with a bit more give in the mid section than the Axioms.

Is that for Sledgehammer I vs Axioms in general across the range or for working the topwaters I’ve been on about? Thanks.

Just a comment about the original Sledge Hammer 1s. I used them for all types of lures. I also had a pair of the Sledge Hammer 4s for heavier lures. They were nice rods. Replaced them with 7013 and 7024 Axioms. Very happy with those too.

[Gary Coggon]

I use heavier/greater diameter braid with top waters to keep it from sinking. Typically I use 100lb PP on a 6501 C3 with a DLST Axiom 7013. I used to have a pair of the Sledge Hammer 1s built on the original blanks. Really regret selling them - lovely rods with a bit more give in the mid section than the Axioms.

Is that for Sledgehammer I vs Axioms in general across the range or for working the topwaters I’ve been on about? Thanks.

Just a comment about the original Sledge Hammer 1s. I used them for all types of lures. I also had a pair of the Sledge Hammer 4s for heavier lures. They were nice rods. Replaced them with 7013 and 7024 Axioms. Very happy with those too.