3 Best Rod and Reel Combo for Topwater (Top Pick for 2024)

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Fishing gets more fun as you learn different fishing techniques. Topwater fishing is a fun and engaging activity that will leave you craving more time in the water. You never know; you might walk out with a musk, walleye, or even bass. Topwater fishing is not a hard technique to learn, and with the right gear, you will be hitting the water without a guide in a few days. Choosing the right fishing combo can be exhausting as you need to do your research thoroughly. To ease your work, we have reviewed three combos for topwater techniques so you will have an easy time.

Best Top 3 Rod and Reel Combo for TopWater Fishing :

Abu Garcia Veracity & Villain Rod and Abu Garcia Revo Beast Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel

Over the years, Abu Garcia products have stood out for their quality and incredible performance. Their combos are unmatched, especially in TopWater Fishing. The fishing rod has been crafted specifically for topwater fishing with the Powerlux 300 blanks that increase the rod’s strength without compromising on the weight.

Additionally, the rod features a Fuji soft touch reel seat for increasing sensitivity and comfort. Furthermore, there are titanium alloy guides and zirconium inserts that are super light, making them perfect for topwater fishing.

On the other hand, the reel provides incredible results with the 7+1 ball bearings for smooth casts and a gear ratio of 7.3:1 for speedy retrieves. Additionally, it is super light with an infinite brake system and an infinite II spool for improved durability.

Key Features

  • Gear Ratio 7.3:1
  • Ball bearings 7+1
  • Reels weight  9.52oz

Pros

  • Super light and sensitive
  • Superior comfort
  • Sturdy construction
  • Material Powerlux Resin

Cons

  • The combo is a little expensive

PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos

PLUSSINO fishing combo lets you enjoy an unparalleled performance at an affordable price. This fishing combo works perfectly when in Topwater fishing, and it can be used in sea fishing and boat fishing. It consists of a graphite construction plus aluminum oxide guides.

Additionally, the combo comes with stainless steel hooded reel seats and an EVA grip handle for increased comfort when topwater fishing. It also ensures unmatched smoothness and speedy retrieves with a gear ratio of 5.2:1 and 12+1 ball bearings. Moreover, the handle is a right or left handle interchangeable handle plus a thick coiled bail spring. Furthermore, an S-curve oscillation system provides a good line winding, making your topwater fishing manageable.

Key Features

  • Gear Ratio 5.2:1
  • Ball bearings 12+1
  • Weight
  • Length 5.91 ft

Pros

  • Lightweight and increased sensitivity
  • Telescopic with closed length design
  • S-curve oscillation system

Cons

  • The handle is too short

Dr. Fish Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

You will never go wrong with this combo, especially when topwater fishing. The rod’s length makes it perfect for this application. The construction consists of an aluminum spool, aluminum handle,  graphite body, and a stainless steel shaft. This construction ensures maximum strength and lightness.

The combo has 9+1 ball bearings and a gear ratio of 4.4:1 that enhances steady retrieves for enhanced smoothness. The 12 feet long rod is super sensitive and lightweight. It also comes with stainless steel brackets and ceramic guides that help reduce line twists.

Key Features

  • Length 12feet
  • Maximum Drag 35lbs
  • Gear Ratio 4.4:1
  • Ball Bearings 9+1

Pros

  • High strength
  • High sensitivity
  • Powerful drag

Cons

  • It is difficult to attach the rod
  • Poor delivery

Top Water Rod and Reel Set Up

To ensure optimum success when topwater fishing, you need to have the right combination of a reel and rod. When topwater fishing, you need large lures with 2 to three big treble hooks. Here we will be discussing baitcasting set up and spinning set up.

Baitcasting Setup

When topwater fishing, you need a baitcasting reel with a gear ratio of 7.1:1 to 7.3:1. A reel with such a gear ratio will help you maintain fast retrieves even when fishing under heavy vegetation. This reel powered with a  6’4″ to 7′ rod will work magic in topwater fishing. The lengths mentioned above are best suited for topwater fishing as this fishing technique requires you to point the rod tip to the water surface and twitch the rod tip to give your lure a jerking movement. Additionally, the rod should have a short handle to ensure maximum comfort during retrieves. Finally, always check the rod’s power and action. For this technique, you will need a fast-action rod with medium power.

Spinning Set-Up

Although baitcasting reels are the most preferred gears in topwater fishing, you can also use a spinning reel and spinning rod for this technique. With the spinning rod, you a rod between 6’6” to 7’ should work just fine. This technique requires you to work with the rod tip down, so the rod should be suitable for this position. A medium-power spinning rod is effective in topwater fishing, while a fast or extra-fast action spinning rod will match this technique. However, you need to ensure that the spinning rod has a soft tip. Now coming to the spinning reel, make sure the spinning reel has a big spool, so you’ll be going for spinning reels ranging from size 2500 to 4000. A gear ratio of 6.0:1 to 6.2:1 spinning reel will work perfectly for topwater fishing.

What Makes a good Top Water Combo

When choosing a topwater combo, you need to ensure efficiency and optimum performance. Otherwise, you might end up with no catch. That’s why we are helping you identify factors that make a good combo.

Rods length

When choosing a fishing rod combo, you need to ensure the length of the rod. A rod ranging between 6’6″ to 7′ will work perfectly in topwater fishing. In this technique, you have to point the rod tip to the water. Without the right rod length, you will find yourself struggling to remain stable even in your boat. Therefore, a very long or short rod will lead to unsuccessful fishing and could result in fishing accidents.

Reels gear Ratio

 The gear ratio of your reel is essential in determining the retrieves. When topwater fishing, the recommended lures are the larger lures; therefore, you need a reel that will enhance fast retrieves even with these gear ratios.  A standard gear ratio of 6.0:1 will work for this technique and improve your fishing success.

Sensitivity

In the topwater fishing technique, you need to ensure the maximum sensitivity of your combo. Without a highly sensitive combo, you will probably miss a catch or not feel the fish taker a bite. Therefore, make sure the combo is constructed with materials that ensure maximum sensitivity so you can feel the tiniest movement of the lure and fish.

Weight

The fishing combo for top lure fishing should enhance your comfort and not tire you easily. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the combo is light enough so you can enjoy long hours of topwater fishing. The lightness of the combo will be determined by the material and make of the combo. Materials like graphite will ensure the lightness of your combo while maintaining the required strength. You can also consider other materials like aluminum but always ensure you countercheck on their weight.

Construction

When purchasing a topwater combo, always be extra careful about the construction. The construction of the combo will determine its compatibility, strength, and performance. A good combo will ensure unparalleled performance and maintain maximum strength, especially with different fish species. Therefore you’ll need to consider how the reel and rod are made to ensure compatibility even after regular use, the material used in the different parts of the combo, and its durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of rod and reel is the best for topwater fishing?

Determining the best rod for topwater fishing can be challenging as people have different likes and preferences. However, you need to ensure you get the right rod and reel to ensure your success. A good rod will be determined by its length, power, and action. A 6 to 7′ rod will be perfect with medium power and fast action.

Can you use a baitcaster rod and reel for topwater frogs?

When topwater frog fishing, baitcasting gears excel in this technique. A baitcaster will cast accurately, work a bait proficiently and winch more easily when caught up in a fight. Therefore the baitcaster is the most preferred by anglers and also the most recommended.

What types of fish can you catch with the topwater combo?

When topwater fishing, there are different types of fish you can expect to catch. The most common fish include musk, tarpon, pickerel’ bluefish, redfish, ladyfish, walleye, spotted seatrout, and bass.

Final Verdict

Do you enjoy fishing in the morning? Then, it’s high time you tried topwater fishing. Although you can go any other time, this technique is better done in the morning hours.  During this time, fish like bass have moved to the bushes to feed. So, you can choose your weekends to enjoy the morning breeze as you perfect on topwater fishing. Additionally, this technique is fun, and it will leave you more accurate and precise.

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