Best Topwater Fishing Rods
We have compiled a list of topwater rods that check all the above boxes and don’t cost a fortune.
1. Zebco Rhino Spinning Rod
This rod has a length of 7 ft, making it a great topwater rod, and it is described as a Rhino Tough rod, with its body being a brute-tough blank. The cross-weave construction provides strength, and there are 6 guides and 1 tip for a balanced fishing experience. There is a built-in hook keeper, and the presence of an EVA handle ensures that you can fish for an extended period of time while remaining comfortable.
- Fast action.
- Medium power.
- Free line flow.
2. St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rods
With a length of 6’6”, this rod is one of the best topwater rods, and its body is made from mid-modulus graphite which has a higher strain rate than regular fibers. The Fuji DPS reel seat has a frosted silver hood, and the high-grade cork handle enables anglers to have a strong grip on the rod while fishing. Also, there are black-framed guides made from aluminum oxide, and it is coated by two layers of Flex-Coat slow cure finish.
- Strong and sensitive.
- Balanced use.
- Weight of 2.7 oz.
3. Kalex XT1 Casting Rod
The design of this rod features a carbon composite blank construction, and this boosts the strength and sensitivity levels of the rod. The rod has a four-piece body, moderate-fast action, medium power, and a length of 6’6”, all combined to make it perfect for topwater fishing. The reel seats are made from graphite, and they are equipped with an EVA twist lock.
- Split EVA grip.
- Aluminum-oxide inserts.
- It is durable.
4. Fiblink Baitcasting Rod
The design of this rod consists of a 30T Japanese carbon fiber blank, gifting anglers with an extra level of performance and sensitivity. The dynamic reel seat boasts of stainless-steel hoods that are corrosion resistant, and there is a hook holder also made from stainless steel. There are high-grade Fuji guides that ensure that reels are kept firmly in place and the line remains untangled while the rod is in use.
- Quality cork grip.
- It is corrosion-resistant.
- Great strength-to-weight ratio.
5. KastKing Crixus Casting Rod
Among the Crixus rods is a variation that is 6’6” long, has medium-heavy power, and fast action. The build of the rod consists of IM6 graphite which provides power and sensitivity, and it has stainless steel guides that are fitted with zirconium oxide rings. The rod can be used with various line types and it has a SuperPolymer handle for maximum comfort.
- EVA fighting butt.
- Two-piece build.
- Slip-resistant handle.
Topwater Rods Buying Guide
Topwater fishing trumps conventional submerged with so many advantages like knowing exactly when your lure has been struck, learning how to maneuver your bait, the ability to quickly reel in large fish before they dash for undergrowth, and allows for more compact rods.
In this buying guide, we have reviewed the five best topwater rods you can buy based on their specified features, price tags, and tested performance. To further help you in your search, we will now take a look at the key factors you should consider and the qualities you want to see in a topwater fishing rod before you make a purchase.
Power and Action
The power and action ratings of your topwater fishing rod are some of the most important factors that distinguish them from other rods. The ideal topwater fishing rod should come with medium-heavy to heavy power to handle the strain of dragging your lure along the water. As topwater fishing is usually done in areas with mild to heavy vegetation, your rod should pull the lure and your catch through the vegetation easily without buckling. The topwater rod should also come with fast action for excellent sensitivity, hook control, and quick setting.
Length
The length of your topwater fishing rod is another important factor to consider. The longer the rod, the farther you can cast. Greater lengths also help add some flexibility to compensate for your rod’s heavy power. Longer rods also give more control over your line and lure. The ideal topwater fishing should rod stand at anywhere between 6’ ad 9’ long.
Type
While fishing rods come in four general different types, baitcasting rods and spinning rods are the most commonly used for topwater fishing.
Spinning rods are the most popular types of fishing rods and are widely used by newbie, mid-level, and experienced anglers. They offer the advantage of easy handling, less tendency to backlash, very long casting range, and suitability to both left and right-handed users. They are ideal for small to medium-sized fish.
Baitcasting rods are better suited to catching larger species and are more popular among experienced anglers. They offer the advantage of more accurate casts, can handle larger baits, and offer higher reeling torque. They are, however, more prone to backlashing and have a steeper learning curve.