I want a good spinning rod to chuck topwaters , and light stuff a country mile! So something long 7’6" or 7’9" I think… with a fast or Xfast tip. It would be paired with a shimano or Penn. Not looking to break the bank, no more than $150. Open to any and all suggestions
What are some baitcaster combos either already put together or separate, for under $200 that would be great for this application?
Spinning rod setup for under $200 good for topwater?
What rod length for topwater? I was under the impression 7(+ is ideal and I’m not sure what length baitcasting rods. Thanks!
To me that is too different rods, for topwaters I like a medium to med hvy depending on maker fast 6’6". The shorter length is much easier on the wrist and easier to work a topwater with especially out of a yak. I also prefer baitcaster for topwaters. Just my 2 cents
5151 is spot on. I use 6’6" St. Croix medium action with a fast tip. Casting rods only for me with topwater.
Iain Pelto
Sea Hunt Triton 160 w/ 90 ETEC “JB3”
Native Manta Ray 14
7’3 medium light tfo tactical.
And spool with 12lb FINS windtamer for great casting distance.
FINS prostaff-http://www.finsfishing.com/
A little more than your budget but the G-Loomis Greenwater is what I use with top waters for stripers. I can cast a “mile” with this rod and a Stradic 3000.
5151 & Hairball- I was under the impression the longer the rod the better for topwater. I know some people like baitcasters but I’m not good with one yet. I suppose I could look at one though and get a lot of practice.
Coosawkane thanks ill look!
Dcmsigns how much are those greenwaters? I always eyeball em when I go into haddrells
Just my opinion , but accuracy is better than distance but having said that most topwaters throw pretty far anyway. The shorter rod allows me to work a topwater with much better action and control and I will have one rod with a topwater tied on all day if I get a blowup I will throw a jig,jerk bait or zman shrimp right back at it. I am doing all this mostly sitting down in a kayak so again shorter rod is more practical. I have more control with baitcasters but I do use a couple spinning setups as well for 1/16 and unweighted stuff.
A shorter rod is much better IMHO for walk the dock types lure which is 90+% of what is used around here. For poppers and chuggers the longer rod is better because you need move the lure more. Growing up I fished a creek chub popper for stripers in Narragansett back almost every evening from May to October with 7 to 8 foot rods. After converting to Zara Spooks for reds and trout, I switched to the shorter rod.
Iain Pelto
Sea Hunt Triton 160 w/ 90 ETEC “JB3”
Native Manta Ray 14
Here is the one I use for top waters, though I’m not suggesting you buy it on Ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-Loomis-Greenwater-Spinning-Rod-GWPR-843S-70-Medium-1pc-/400383244042
7’ Medium Action, the tip is awesome for walking the dog. They also just came out with the NRX inshore rod which I might get to try out this Saturday, but way out of my price range at +$600.
I use a Gloomis 7’ ML X-fast GL2 classic Popping rod with a 2500 Shimano sustain and 10lbs test power pro braid. Works great with Zara Spook jr’s, plugs, and casting grubs or jerk baits. The downside is that anything made by Gloomis is not cheap, but you get what you pay for–Gloomis makes excellent rods. I have never had any warranty issues with Gloomis either. Hope this helps a little.
2012 Skeeter ZX22 Bay
Yamaha 250 hp SHO
Minnkota Riptide 101
I’ve got a 7’ medium heavy lightning rod with a abu 5500 with 20 lb mono. Great for spooks and carolina rig on the bottom.
Any rod you’d use for largemouth bass you can use for inshore topwater. If you’re in a kayak, a shorter rod might be easier to use.
Basically, any good medium action rod that’s 6’-7’ will work for most topwaters. If you’re throwing a bigger spook, you might go to a medium heavy. I have an old 5’6" MH pistol grip ■■■■■■■ that works surprisingly well for spooks.
No need to get fancy…you can get a Berkeley Lightning rod for $30-$40 (spinning or baitcasting) that’ll work just fine, and you can use it also for throwing grubs, etc.
UPDATE Demoed the new G-Loomis Inshore NRX rod yesterday. It’s a sweet looking rod, high end guides, heavy duty construction but doesn’t cast top waters near as good as the Greenwater. I did decide to change something though, I’m respooling with teflon coated Spiderwire Ultracast 10 lb.