Top Water Set-up

[robfisher]

Top Water Set-up

I’m going through the episodes of Bass Pro Shops Second edition DVD and loving every second of KVD, Rick Clun, Tim Horton and 3 others whose names escape me right now… and I was thinking that I really should have a dedicated Top Water Rod and wondered what recommendations you guys would have for the rod… it would seem that Monofilament line is ideal and that pretty much any reasonable reel would suffice… but what rod… length and power?

Frogging I know is a heavy rod and braid but I’m thinking more conventional top water like Poppers and Spooks etc.

It was so interesting watch the session on Top Water and again the Pro says that Top Water is not only for early morning and late afternoon and demonstrated by catching a couple of PIGS at midday! Bryan also says top water is an all day affair for as does Jackie from Lions Tackle who actually got his whole 6kg bag on top water at the last ESA at Inanda.

OK you top water specialists spill the beans!

[crankystanley]

i am by no means a specialist...but what i have seen on most DVDs is that the rod must be shorter than normal so that you can retrieve easily without the tip hitting the water...you would normally point the rod down and retrieve the bait...i would think a soft tip to get the action required.

[seadog]

Yo bud, the only thing to bear in mind, (im a recent popper nut) is that you need a bit of give and a BIT of back bone. I was out sunday throwing spooks and heddon poppers, and you get plenty blow ups and swirls, and now and again, theylle Smash it.

So its by no means a spinnerbait where if you get a knock your more than likely on. I think treat it like a crank bait rod with GIVE, if the actions too fast the bait will just pop out. They are normally juuuuust hooked in any case.
I use an old 5"9 lexus,(el cheapo but its caught its my lucky rod, and its almost a M the whole way, and have landed plenty on it.
yOulle need a short rod for the zara to get the walking action but jussuss it cooks.....really.
My 1 cents.

[robfisher]

Thanks Guys... I have a Cumara 6’8” Power: Medium, Action: Fast on its way and think that may be the one for Top Water!

[Justy]

Rob. I know you are not a fan of G Loomis. But when in the store again find the 6ft3 spinnerbait rod. Match the feel of that rod to your best make and that will be the one. This is what we have found to work the best in all situations. For the spook its actually better to break off the last 2cm of the rod and replace the tip eye. Sounds crazy but it makes for better action on the spook and G Loomis does not make a rod 6ft3 minus 2cm. :blue-cool:

[robfisher]

Thanks Justy... I will visit my local shop later to play... just whether I can break the tip off of a rod worth that much remains to be seen. :blue-biggrin:

I have never used such a short rod so that will be interesting as well.

[seadog]

thats why that lexus 5,9 is so kick ass for the spook, But the kak is, that then you have two rods for topwaters,,,,you need a 6.6ft =-ish for the popper, and at a push frogs and stuff, AND a 5.9 for your zara...AND THE RODS JUST START PILING UP!~!!! Im trying to cut down, so i use teh 5.9 for all my topwaters, i cant take 15 rods with me.....

[Justy]

Ya right seadog. Thats why the boat you used at the von bach friendly looked like it had a brushpile tied to the deck. :blue-lol: :blue-badgrin: :blue-biggrin:

[seadog]

They forced that boat on me, it wasnt even mine, If i had it my way, i would have fished with my scumfrogg. middle consol, and it retails for 40K. AND itlle kick ass....
Ille up load some sweet sweet pics....Its the most well known boat in nam.

[Xavier]

bwahahahaha.......you are too observant...actually the first day it was my brush pile....i guess he felt he couldn't be outdone by the pitchin biaatch

Ya right seadog. Thats why the boat you used at the von bach friendly looked like it had a brushpile tied to the deck. :blue-lol: :blue-badgrin: :blue-biggrin:

[crankystanley]

problem with g-loomis is getting them...very few shops stock the range...i have been waiting patiently for a 7.6 cranking stick...for about 2 years now...i am considering going all out in the new seasons...still got a few more things to sort out...kid on the way in 4 weeks time...house is almost ready...from all the complaining about the ESA there should only be a few entrants i might have a better chance :blue-lol:

i might be looking for a fishing partner in the new season.

[Tyson]

While fishing topwater, I saw that my hookup ratio was not good. (Missed three good ones in a row). Then decided to change the rod. The lure (a popper) was doing its job, they were hitting it all over the place. The rod I changed to had a slower action (more give in the tip as I understand it) The result was this beauty. :blue-shock:
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