Topwater Rods
Topwater rods for casting stickbaits and poppers at kingfish and kahawai, from boat rods to long landbased models. Our range is led by Daiwa, alongside CD Rods, PENN, Okuma, Shimano and Ocean's Legacy.
A topwater rod needs length for long casts, power to throw heavy lures and the backbone to stop a kingfish heading back to the rocks. Pair one with a large spin reel and heavy braid, and fill your box with topwater lures, or choose a matched topwater combo.
Feel the power and balance at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about topwater rods
What length topwater rod should I buy?
Boat-based topwater rods are usually around 7 foot 6 to 8 foot 3, giving long casts while staying manageable on deck. Landbased topwater rods are longer, around 8 foot 6 to 10 foot, to cast further from the rocks and keep fish away from the shore. Longer rods cast further, while shorter rods are easier to work stickbaits with and give more leverage on big fish.
What PE rating and lure weight do topwater rods use?
Most kingfish topwater rods are rated around PE 4 to 8, with lure weights of roughly 50 to 150 grams, depending on the size of stickbaits and poppers you throw. Lighter rods around PE 3 to 5 suit kahawai, trevally and smaller kingfish with smaller lures. Choose a rod rated for the lures you use most, and match it with braid and a reel that suit the same rating.
What makes a landbased topwater rod different?
Landbased topwater rods are longer and often more powerful, because you need to cast further from the rocks and then lift and steer fish away from the shore, sometimes from a height. They usually have a longer butt for leverage and are built tough to handle being fished in rough conditions. Safety matters too: fish with a buddy, wear lifejackets and check the swell before you go.
What reel should I pair with a topwater rod?
Most anglers use a large spin reel, typically 8000 to 14000 size, with a high gear ratio, a powerful drag and enough capacity for 300 metres or more of PE 4 to 8 braid. The reel should balance the rod so it is comfortable to cast and work all day. Overhead reels are rarely used for topwater because spin reels cast heavy lures more easily. A balanced outfit also casts noticeably further.
How do I cast heavy stickbaits safely?
Check behind you and around the boat before every cast, and agree with others on board who casts from where. Use a smooth, powerful two-handed cast with a long drop of line from the rod tip, rather than a jerky flick, which loads the rod properly and reduces the risk of breakoffs. Wear sunglasses and a hat, keep fingers clear of trebles, and keep the bail closed until you are ready.
Can a topwater rod be used for other fishing?
A topwater rod can double for casting heavier metal jigs, large soft baits and live baits for kingfish, thanks to its length and power. However, it is usually too heavy and stiff for snapper soft baiting or light fishing, and too long for comfortable vertical jigging. Most anglers keep a topwater rod as a specialist tool, alongside a lighter all-round rod.