As the fog lifts off the water on a calm Fall morning, you cannot help but scan for fleeing baitfish. When the sound of fish exploding the surface breaks the silence, and the sight of feeding predators sends your heart racing, make sure you have the right gear in hand. As we prepare for Fall, here’s a breakdown of recommended gear for one of the most-beloved and effective tactics – topwater!
Combos Under $200
Speed Stick Rod
Featuring a premium IM8 graphite blank and full-length cork grip with Duracork inlays, the Speed Stick is built for comfort cast after cast. This medium power rod allows for optimum castability with the right amount of flex for keeping aggressive topwater feeders hooked up.
Speed Spool LFS Reel
An updated version of the fan favorite, Lew’s Speed Spool LFS is a reliable tool to make long, accurate topwater casts and fight powerful, aggressive fish.
Combos under $400
Sig Series - KVD Topwater Rod
When surface action is hot and money and reputation are on the line, the KVD Signature Series Topwater Rod is what the legendary VanDam reaches for. With Medium Action and plenty of tip, the KVD Signature Series is ideal for accurately placing a popper under a boat dock or pitching topwater lures short range around cover.
Hyperspeed LFS Reel
Whether you’re launching a lure at schooling fish or pitching a buzzbait around shallow cover, the 9.5:1 gear ratio and 40 inches per turn offered by the HyperSpeed allows the angler to be as efficient as possible.
Combos under $500
Custom Pro Rod
Built from tip to base for explosive topwater action. The ideal length and action for precision casting into fast-moving schooling fish. The Custom Pro Topwater Special ensures you won’t miss the action. Featuring Lew’s exclusive multilayered proprietary LFS-X5 graphite blank and a full-length handle with A-Grade cork/EVA and Duracork inlay, the Topwater Special is designed with performance and comfort at the forefront.
Custom Pro SLP Reel
Compact, light and powerful. Weighing in at 5.8 ounces and boasting a super low frame, the Custom Pro SLP is the ideal tool for those grinding days of working a heavy topwater lure or making long casts for schooling fish. Make quick adjustments for wind and lure weights with the QuietCast® Centrifugal Brake System.