Best Casting Rods For Topwater Bass Fishing

Having the best casting rods for topwater bass fishing is one of the most important purchases you need to make as an angler. It’s a game-changer.

Without a specialized topwater rod and the right topwater lures, it’s nearly impossible to create the lifelike action that gets bass fired up and ready to strike. The subtle pop of a frog, the perfect “walk-the-dog” movement on a spook, or the splash of a prop bait—each requires precision and control that a good topwater rod provides.

The wrong topwater rod decreases your chances of catching your trophy bass.

A rod with the right length, power, and action can mean the difference between missing bites or not getting them at all. With a quality topwater setup, you’ll have the sensitivity to detect even the slightest interest and the backbone to set the hook when it counts.

In this guide, we’ll explore what makes a topwater rod great and share our top picks, so you can be fully prepared for every explosive strike.

Affiliate Disclaimer: Links in this post will earn Matt’s Playbook commission at no extra cost to you. We thank you for supporting our business so we can continue to make helpful, high quality content. 

The Casting Best Rods For Topwater Bass Fishing

Want to skip the read? Here are the best casting rods for topwater bass fishing. With these rods you’ll maximize your chances of having topwater success

• Dobyns Fury Series Casting Rod – Best All-Around Topwater Rod
• Lew’s Custom Speed Stick Topwater Casting Rod – Best for Control and Casting Distance
• St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod – Best for Sensitivity and Power
• Shimano SLX A Casting Rod – Best for Lightweight Topwater Lures
• Abu Garcia Veritas PLX Casting Rod – Best for Heavier Topwater Lures

Characteristics Of The Best Casting Rods For Topwater Bass Fishing

When purchasing the best casting rods for topwater bass fishing, it’s important to know what to look for. Here are the main specs and characteristics you need to know to purchase your topwater fishing rod.

1. Length (6’6” to 7’6”)

A topwater casting rod for bass fishing should generally fall between 6’6” and 7’6” in length. Shorter rods in this range (around 6’6” to 7’) give you more control when working lures close to cover or in tighter spaces.

Longer rods (7’ to 7’6”) provide extra casting distance and allow you to cover more water. For most anglers, a rod around 7 feet strikes the perfect balance between accuracy and range.

2. Power (Medium to Medium-Heavy)

Power refers to the casting rod’s strength or resistance to bending. For topwater bass fishing, medium to medium-heavy power is ideal.

A medium power rod is great for lighter topwater baits like poppers and walking baits, while a medium-heavy rod can handle larger, heavier baits like frogs or buzzbaits. Choosing the right power ensures you have enough backbone to set the hook effectively, especially for larger bass.

3. Action (Fast to Extra-Fast)

Action is the rod’s flex point, and for topwater, fast or extra-fast action rods are highly recommended. A fast-action rod bends mostly at the tip, allowing for quick, precise movements that bring out the full action of your lure.

Whether you’re twitching a walking bait or popping a frog, fast action helps you achieve a lifelike presentation that entices bass to strike.

4. Handle Type (Longer Handle)

A longer handle gives you more leverage when casting and setting the hook. This extra leverage is essential when using topwater lures that require powerful, sweeping hooksets, such as frogs.

Additionally, a longer handle offers better control, letting you work the lure exactly how you need to for an effective retrieve.

5. Weight and Balance

Since topwater fishing often involves continuous casting and retrieving, the rod’s weight and balance play a crucial role. A lightweight rod is easier to handle, reduces fatigue, and lets you fish longer without discomfort.

Look for a rod that feels balanced in your hand, which will allow for smoother, more controlled movements when working your topwater lures.

6. Sensitivity

Topwater strikes are explosive, but subtle taps can happen too. Sensitivity is key to feeling both big hits and soft, tentative bites, especially when working lures in weedy areas or open water. A sensitive rod gives you better control and allows you to react instantly, which is critical for successful hooksets.

Choosing a rod with these characteristics will give you the ideal setup for topwater bass fishing, making sure you’re always ready for that perfect topwater blow-up.

5 Top Picks For The Best Casting Topwater Rods

It’s time for the picks! Below are my favorite casting topwater rods, all designed to give you the edge you need to catch bass. Let’s take a look!

Lew’s Custom Speed Stick Topwater Casting Rod – Best for Control and Casting Distance

I’ve relied on the Lew’s Custom Speed Stick for years, especially when I need a rod with precise control and strong casting power.

This rod offers excellent balance and action, making it ideal for accurately placing topwater baits even in windy conditions. It’s also sturdy enough to handle aggressive bass strikes without missing a beat.

St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod – Best for Sensitivity and Power

The St. Croix Mojo Bass delivers when you need the perfect mix of sensitivity and backbone.

I find this rod ideal for fishing topwater lures like walking baits or poppers. Its medium-fast action helps keep the line taut, reducing slack on the hookset, which is essential when bass explode on topwater baits.

Dobyns Fury Series Casting Rod – Best All-Around Topwater Rod

The Dobyns Fury is my go-to choice for versatility. It has a forgiving action that’s ideal for working topwater baits over long casts or close quarters.

With its impressive casting range and control, this rod allows me to cover various fishing spots, making it a trusted companion on any bass fishing trip.

Shimano SLX A Casting Rod – Best for Lightweight Topwater Lures

This Shimano SLX is excellent for throwing lighter topwater lures. It’s lightweight and provides just the right amount of tip flex to work smaller walking baits or poppers effectively. I often use it in open water, where casting accuracy is key, and it handles like a dream in those settings.

Abu Garcia Veritas PLX Casting Rod – Best for Heavier Topwater Lures

The Veritas PLX is my choice when I need a rod to handle heavier topwater baits like frogs or large walking lures. Its stiffer backbone allows for powerful hooksets, and it has enough muscle to pull bass out from cover.

This rod excels at throwing larger lures without sacrificing sensitivity, making it versatile across topwater techniques.

Final Thoughts

Wrapping up, finding the perfect topwater casting rod doesn’t have to be complicated, but it’s all about choosing the right tool for the job. With the picks we’ve explored here, you’re well-equipped to get the performance, control, and action you need for successful topwater bass fishing.

From the precise, lightweight build of Lew’s Custom Speed Stick to the balanced versatility of the Dobyns Fury, these rods all bring unique strengths to the table.

Whether you’re looking to walk a frog through heavy cover or get perfect lure placement, investing in a high-quality casting rod is a game-changer for your time on the water. Thanks for trusting Matt’s Playbook to guide you—keep exploring for more gear tips and fishing insights!

FAQ