Very good topwater rod

[froggerbass1]

Hi, been a few years since i've been on here a bunch. I'm looking for a really really really good topwater rod suggestion. I had been using the dobyns dx 743. It was good but definitely not my favorite dobyns. I'm looking at the majorcraft ms-1 7'5" mhxf or the st croix legend x 7'1 mhxh- i know that's a range of $169 to $429. I really just want to find a rod I can spend the rest of my life with, haha. I throw pupfish ALOT, as well as super spooks, but dabble in chug bugs, basically anything you can imaging chunking as far as humanly possible in open CLEAR water at schooling spotted bass. Thanks for any info/suggestions.

[freelancer27]

What didnt you like about the Dobyns? Are you fishing from shore, boat or kayak?

Topwater, as you know, is mostly a visual bite, so high end rods may be a bit overkill.

[Hobie-Wan Kenobi]

Are you using braid or mono? With a long cast, it can make a difference what power or action rod you use.

I agree a high end rod isn't needed for a dedicated topwater rod. The Abu Garcia Veritas has been a nice topwater rod for me. I have the 7ft Medium in the winch series (more of a moderate fast). I have mono and still sink hooks into big smallies long casting in clear water.

If your clear water doesn't have high weeds, you can do a medium graphite rod. I have high weeds and I still get 4lb smallies in. Keep em high but still in the water and reel fast. The line and rod give enough to crank them in before they get into trouble.

[bbates3]

I really like the madbull for topwater

[HobeyBaker]

I have the 7’1 MHXF Legend Elite which is the same rod as the X, but with a full cork grip. The rod has a nice soft tip on it that I would assume would be good for top water. I use the rod for flipping milfoil.

[froggerbass1]

I fish from a boat. Have to make very very long casts to herring chasing spotted bass. The dobyns was really good as far as action imposed on the baits, but I’ve just lost so many fish. That’s with owner and evergreen trebles. Just seems like something that’s more like a fiberglass composite might keep them pinned better.

[godshippy]

Might want to give the Dobyns 765CB or 764CB a try if you want some more bend in your rod. This might help keep fish pinned on a bit better. I've also tried dabbling in those Mustad KVD 2x short 1x strong hooks as well. I feel like the EWG style hook helps keep them pinned on a bit better.