Baitcasting or spinning rods for topwater, which are important? What is the best rod for you to start topwater fishing? Many anglers have no idea which rod type you have to choose. These questions are new anglers’ concerns.
Each spinning rod or baitcasting rod is precisely suited for different kinds of topwater fishing. Baitcasting rods are perfectly designed for throwing large lures or fishing close to heavy cover. On the other hand, spinning rods are better choices for casting light lures into the wind.
So, which type of rod should we get? Here is some information for you.
Baitcasting Or Spinning Rods For Topwater? (Baitcasting Rods Are The Top Choice)
Many bass anglers prefer to use a baitcasting rod and baitcasting reel setup for fishing topwater lures. The main reasons for this are most topwater lures tend to be on the large side, and topwater tactics are usually used when fishing close to heavy cover.
So why are baitcasting rods a good choice for this situation?
Firstly, baitcasting rods often perform better when using larger lures than spinning rods, which can only be used with light lures. Because of that, for most bass fishing tactics that have to throw full-sized or oversized lures, baitcasting rods are the best choice.
Secondly, baitcasting rods have higher casting accuracy than spinning rods. A baitcasting rod will be a significant advantage when fishing near a shelter, as it will allow you to drop your bait right next to your bed, or underneath a tall tree, without getting hung up.
Finally, baitcasting rods and reels are greatly suited for spooling heavy braid; this makes them match for catching big lures in a heavy cover place since you need as much power as you can get to drag a trophy-sized fish away from the cover as fast as possible.
Related post: Best Baitcasting Reels For Bass – Top 10 Baicasters
What Time Is Perfect To Use A Baitcasting Rod For Topwater?
Using large-sized lures such as frogs is the perfect time to use a baitcasting rod and reel setup for topwater fishing. These lures extensively perform with a casting setup, and you’ll find that you can cast them further and more accurately with a baitcasting rod.
Another reason for using a baitcasting setup for this kind of fishing is when you’re fishing near a heavy cover spot (most of the time when it comes to bass fishing).
A baitcasting setup will help you accurately cast your lure into small gaps between branches when fishing under overhanging trees or place your lure right next to a hollow tree.
Besides, when you get a blowup from a bass grabbing the lure, you need to have enough power to keep the hook and then keep the fish pinned down before getting into the cover and getting stuck on the trap. The wonderful thing about a baitcasting reel is that it works well with a heavy braid, up to 50 or 60 lb test. This is very perfect for this kind of fishing.
Can We Use Spinning Rods For Topwater Fishing?
Spinning rod and reel setups can all be used for bass and surface fishing, but they’re only suitable for small, light lures. A spinning setup is unsuitable if you want to throw lures from large to oversized.
If you want to try a spinning setup instead of a baitcasting setup for this type, you can choose similar rod specifications for both rods.
Even bass professional fishermen like Ott Defoe love to use a spinning rod setup for topwater because it helps them win tournaments by using finesse techniques.
Who Should Use A Spinning Rod For Topwater?
If you’re a freshman or if you throw small lures, easy casting into the wind. A spinning rod would be the best choice for you.
It might be good to start topwater fishing with a spinning rod if you’re just getting started because it is easier to use than a baitcasting rod. It will give you some experience, and catching fish will be easier.
Once you’ve mastered this setup, you can try setting up baitcasting to see how that works for you. If you use a baitcasting rod and reel on your first fishing trip, you will be extremely confused and exhausted; this is not a great way to start your fishing journey.
Professional bass angler Ott Defoe loves to use a spinning setup for tournament fishing when using lower-finesse topwater lures. While these lures can perhaps catch smaller fish than the big ones, you can get a lot of fish, which can be exciting.
At last, it’s tough to cast straight into the wind with a baitcasting setup, and trying to do this will frequently affect backlash and bird’s nest formation, which can take all your pleasure out of fishing. If you are in this situation, you better switch to a spinning setup, which performs better under these dire conditions.
Besides, a spinning rod is a perfect choice if you’re planning to do topwater fishing for striped bass in saltwater; you will find out that casting into the wind much more frequently than in freshwater.
Conclusion
We’re sure you’ll be hooked on topwater fishing after your first bite, as there are few moments when fishing is more enjoyable than seeing a fish jump out of the water surface for bait.
If you are a bigmouth or smallmouth bass angler, you will probably prefer one of the baitcasting rods, and if you are a shore angler, spinning rods might be suitable for you. So, baitcasting or spinning rods for topwater is up to your needs and your skills.
