Top Water Rod? Suggestions

[edwin]

I love my Falcon Cara's for sure (think I have 5 of them). That said, I've picked up a few St Croix Legend Tournament rods over the last couple seasons. The top water rod is really, really nice. I'm also a fan of the jerk bait rod in that same series.

Like Champ, I throw the topwater, spinner, etc on 17lb mono...Maxima for me please

[Bill Babler]

Fantastic discussion, from folks that fish and fish hard. Years of experence in this thread and advice that bears paying very close attention.

Thank you all for this type of information.

BB Moderator.

[Champ188]

I enjoy these kind of discussions myself and learn a LOT from them. You know, back in the day when bass clubs were big and nearly all the derbies were draw format, the best and most experienced anglers fished together. You were forced to if you wanted to fish tournaments. But this is the team and pro-am age, where the accomplished fishermen all either fish with their regular buddy or fish against each other from their own boats with a co-angler in the back.

I fished Central Pro-Am for six years and may be back soon with the new ownership and format change. I can't think of a single fellow "pro" that I didn't at least get along with well enough to hold a friendly conversation, and the majority of them became good friends over the years. But the one thing I always wished for was the chance to fish with some of them. What I would give to this day to get into the heads of Dave Barker, Charlie Campbell and others who've forgotten more about finding and catching bass than I'll ever know. We visited when we ran into each other on the lake, even shared info at varying levels. But never did any of us fish together because on practice days we were on the run looking for our own fish, and in competition we had co-anglers rather than being paired with each other.

I think what Bill was saying was that here on this forum, and especially in the coming months when inclement weather may keep us off the lake and on our computers more, we could use this time to learn some tips and tactics from each other. I'm not big on sharing specific spots where I've found fish and I don't expect or even want that kind of info from other anglers. If someone wants to point me in a general direction, great. But I enjoy the hunt enough to prefer finding the specific places on my own.

But when it comes to tactics, I'm an open book. I only know a lot about a very few things, but I know a little about most of it. Seems the forum has been down a bit lately, and I'll take my little portion of the blame for being selfish at times. Let's see if we can get the activity back up by helping each other more with subjects like this topwater rod thread.

Soapbox dismounted. Everyone have a great weekend.

[abkeenan]

Here is a video about using braid with topwater:

http://www.wired2fish.com/fishing-in-the-wind--part-3-m17377

Just thought it fit nicely in this thread.

[Flippin]

Champ,

That was a nice post. I appreciate all the guys on here that are willing to take the time to enlighten us less experienced anglers. I am not a tournament fisherman, so I am pretty open with my info for anyone that ask me (the way I have fished lately the only thing I can tell them is what not to do). I just enjoy the experience of the hunt and being in God's creation.

[Champ188]

You don't have to be an experienced fisherman to contribute to the conversation, Flippin. Glad to have you here.

[Quillback]

I enjoy these kind of discussions myself and learn a LOT from them. You know, back in the day when bass clubs were big and nearly all the derbies were draw format, the best and most experienced anglers fished together. You were forced to if you wanted to fish tournaments. But this is the team and pro-am age, where the accomplished fishermen all either fish with their regular buddy or fish against each other from their own boats with a co-angler in the back.

I fished Central Pro-Am for six years and may be back soon with the new ownership and format change. I can't think of a single fellow "pro" that I didn't at least get along with well enough to hold a friendly conversation, and the majority of them became good friends over the years. But the one thing I always wished for was the chance to fish with some of them. What I would give to this day to get into the heads of Dave Barker, Charlie Campbell and others who've forgotten more about finding and catching bass than I'll ever know. We visited when we ran into each other on the lake, even shared info at varying levels. But never did any of us fish together because on practice days we were on the run looking for our own fish, and in competition we had co-anglers rather than being paired with each other.

I think what Bill was saying was that here on this forum, and especially in the coming months when inclement weather may keep us off the lake and on our computers more, we could use this time to learn some tips and tactics from each other. I'm not big on sharing specific spots where I've found fish and I don't expect or even want that kind of info from other anglers. If someone wants to point me in a general direction, great. But I enjoy the hunt enough to prefer finding the specific places on my own.

But when it comes to tactics, I'm an open book. I only know a lot about a very few things, but I know a little about most of it. Seems the forum has been down a bit lately, and I'll take my little portion of the blame for being selfish at times. Let's see if we can get the activity back up by helping each other more with subjects like this topwater rod thread.

Soapbox dismounted. Everyone have a great weekend.

Good post Champ, and I agree, I've learned a lot on these forums and I'd also like to see more participation. And I also agree that folks don't need to divulge exact location info, but tips and tactics or what is working lately is greatly appreciated.

[Cblaine]

Great discussion guys. Since we've covered topwater rods I'm curious what gear ratio most of you are using on your topwater reels.

[Champ188]

Cblaine, the only topwater lure that I really see gear ratio being a factor with is a buzz bait, and for that I use a 7:1 reel for the simple fact that my wrists and hands are getting old and just don't have the energy to try to keep one of those things on top with a slower ratio reel. That said, one of the best buzz bait fishermen I know showed me one time that it can be very important to run one slow as possible (and still keep it on top) at times, especially as the water cools into the 60s and 50s in the fall. You can still use a 7:1, just be sure to reel slower. You can also bend a little more cup in the blade to add lift while reeling slower.

For a Spook, wake bait or popper, a good 6:3:1 or something in that neighborhood should work just fine.

[rps]

I matched the Revo MGX (it says 7:1 but fished like a 6.3:1) to the rod I built. I was going for the ultimate light weight rod. I fish 10 pound YoZuri and feel as if I am throwing nothing on nothing. Then I get hit and I hold on.