{"id":21915,"date":"2020-09-22T09:44:56","date_gmt":"2020-09-22T09:44:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/?p=21915"},"modified":"2023-03-29T10:24:30","modified_gmt":"2023-03-28T23:24:30","slug":"what-is-the-best-beginner-rod-and-reel-for-topwater-fishing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/what-is-the-best-beginner-rod-and-reel-for-topwater-fishing\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the best beginner rod and reel for topwater fishing?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Finally decided to bite the bullet and buy yourself a saltwater topwater fishing outfit? We\u2019ve got the perfect starting point for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">With 2020 pretty much down the drain in terms of international travel and fishing, anglers have adjusted to the \u2018new normal\u2019 way of online tackle shopping. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">As you all should know by now, the add to cart button has become some sort of stress relief but also keeps tackle shops in business.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Online shopping has exploded during these pandemic-driven times. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">And one might be forgiven to think that a new rod and reel outfit has been well deserved after months of baby-sitting and home-schooling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Newer anglers to the sport may have stumbled upon the crazy world of topwater fishing for GT and other apex predators of the ocean and have developed a lust for the ecstasy seen on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This lust for fishing nirvana pulled on your heartstrings and pushed you to invest in a GT popping outfit for your next trip when borders are finally open.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You jump into your favorite online tackle store and click through to the popping section, only to be surprised with the plethora of options available.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If you are new to the game and feel a bit overwhelmed, not knowing where to begin, read on and we might have the best option for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Maybe you\u2019ve got a quiver of GT and Tuna rods ready at your disposal and are just looking to add a \u2018daily-driver\u2019 to your arsenal. Read on and you might find this post helpful.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">I want to go GT popping!<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><div class=\"wpb_wrapper td_block_single_image td_block_wrap td-no-img-custom-url td-animation-stack td_block_wrap vc_single_image tdi_1  td-single-image- td-pb-border-top td_block_template_1 \"  data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_1\"><a \r\n\t\t\tclass=\"td_single_image_bg td-lazy-img\" \r\n\t\t\tdata-type=\"css_image\" \r\n\t\t\tdata-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/WhatsAppImage2020-01-07at1.17.01PM.jpeg\"  \r\n\t\t\thref=\"#\"  ><\/a>\n<style>\n\/* custom css *\/\n.td_block_single_image.td-image-video-modal{\r\n                  cursor: pointer;\r\n                }.td_block_single_image a{\r\n                  display: block;\r\n                }.td_block_single_image.td-no-img-custom-url a{\r\n                  pointer-events: none;\r\n                  cursor: default;\r\n            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.td-single-image-style-circle-outline,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-shadow,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-border-shadow{\r\n                  border-radius: 50%;\r\n                }.td-single-image-style-round a,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-border a,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-outline a,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-shadow a,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-border-shadow a,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle a,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-border a,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-outline a,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-shadow a,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-border-shadow a,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round a:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-border a:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-outline a:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-shadow a:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-border-shadow a:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle a:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-border a:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-outline a:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-shadow a:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-border-shadow a:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round a:after,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-border a:after,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-outline a:after,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-shadow a:after,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-border-shadow a:after,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle a:after,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-border a:after,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-outline a:after,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-shadow a:after,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-border-shadow a:after{\r\n                  border-radius: 50%;\r\n                }.td-single-image-style-round-outline a:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-border-shadow a:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-outline a:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-border-shadow a:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-outline a:before:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-border-shadow a:before:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-outline a:before:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-border-shadow a:before:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-outline a:after:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-border-shadow a:after:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-outline a:after:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-border-shadow a:after:before,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-outline a:after,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-border-shadow a:after,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-outline a:after,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-border-shadow a:after,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-outline a:before:after,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-border-shadow a:before:after,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-outline a:before:after,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-border-shadow a:before:after,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-outline a:after:after,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-round-border-shadow a:after:after,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-outline a:after:after,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-border-shadow a:after:after{\r\n                  border-radius: 50%;\r\n                }.td-single-image-style-circle a,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-border a,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-outline a,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-shadow a,\r\n                .td-single-image-style-circle-border-shadow a{\r\n                  height: 0;\r\n                  padding-bottom: 100%;\r\n                }.tdi_1 .td_single_image_bg{\r\n\t\t\t\t\theight: 400px;\r\n\t\t\t\t\tpadding-bottom: 0;\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                background-repeat: no-repeat;\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                background-position: center top;\r\n\t\t\t\t}.tdi_1:hover .td_single_image_bg:before{\r\n                    opacity: 0;\r\n                }@media (max-width: 767px) {\r\n                  .td-stretch-content .td_block_single_image {\r\n                    margin-right: -20px;\r\n                    margin-left: -20px;\r\n                  }\r\n                }@media (max-width: 767px) {\r\n                  .td-single-image-style-border,\r\n                  .td-single-image-style-round-border,\r\n                  .td-single-image-style-circle-border,\r\n                  .td-single-image-style-outline,\r\n                  .td-single-image-style-bordered-shadow,\r\n                  .td-single-image-style-round-outline,\r\n                  .td-single-image-style-round-border-shadow,\r\n                  .td-single-image-style-circle-outline,\r\n                  .td-single-image-style-circle-border-shadow {\r\n                    margin-bottom: 32px;\r\n                  }\r\n                }\n<\/style><\/div><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">We\u2019ve discussed GT fishing before and how hard this kind of fishing is to our gear and equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The constant abuse from the elements, traveling, and fishing requires the gear to be as close to bulletproof as possible, making specialized topwater fishing equipment very expensive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Let\u2019s face it. Unless you live in Vanuatu as we do, how often would you be in a situation where you can cast to GT infested waters?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">For those unlucky enough to live far inland, or to over-fished and unhealthy reef systems, there is a need to travel long distances to find quality big game topwater fishing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If you are just starting and want to test the waters to find out how keen you are to test your physical and mental abilities to battle giant saltwater fish we recommend a PE 4 \u2013 6 outfit.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Should I splurge on specialized tackle? Or test the waters with an intermediate set-up?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">We\u2019ve always preached \u2013 \u201cbuy the best that you can afford\u201d when setting up saltwater fishing gear.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The ocean is no place for substandard fishing gear.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">But this doesn\u2019t mean that your setup should cost you an arm or a leg.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">There are plenty of reasonably priced high-quality options available that can perform very well consistently when the pressure is on.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If you have the money to spare and you are 100% set on chasing GT for the most of your fishing life, then please, by all means, get the best of the best. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You will soon find out how demanding this type of fishing is on equipment. Having the best gear can give you the upper hand at times.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">But remember, having the best gear won\u2019t matter if you don\u2019t have the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/how-to\/topwater-fishing-why-stick-baits-work-and-how-we-should-use-it\/\">techniques<\/a> down pat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Expect to spend around US$ 5000 \u2013 6000 for one top of the line rod and reel outfit.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">What does a good \u201cstarter\u201d topwater outfit consist of?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><div class=\"wpb_wrapper td_block_single_image td_block_wrap td-no-img-custom-url td-animation-stack td_block_wrap vc_single_image tdi_2  td-single-image- td-pb-border-top td_block_template_1 \"  data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_2\"><a \r\n\t\t\tclass=\"td_single_image_bg td-lazy-img\" \r\n\t\t\tdata-type=\"css_image\" \r\n\t\t\tdata-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/rods-scaled.jpeg\"  \r\n\t\t\thref=\"#\"  ><\/a>\n<style>\n\/* custom css *\/\n.tdi_2 .td_single_image_bg{\r\n\t\t\t\t\theight: 400px;\r\n\t\t\t\t\tpadding-bottom: 0;\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                background-repeat: no-repeat;\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                background-position: center top;\r\n\t\t\t\t}.tdi_2:hover .td_single_image_bg:before{\r\n                    opacity: 0;\r\n                }\n<\/style><\/div><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A saltwater \u2018outfit\u2019 consists of a rod, reel, and the fishing line. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">But lets focus our efforts on matching a multi-purpose rod and reel build for now.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">For a first or \u2018starter\u2019 setup, we want to build an all-around topwater outfit. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Something that can be used to target a wide range of saltwater species but will also be more than capable of handling GT and Tuna in the 20kg to 30kg class.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This is where the PE4 \u2013 PE6 class outfits will shine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">What is PE4 \u2013 6? Around 50 \u2013 60lb or 20 \u2013 30kg class.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Capable but not too demanding on the body and you will be able to cast and fish the whole day without too much fatigue. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Depending on your current physical fishing fitness of course.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Physical fitness? What does that have to do with how I select my rod and reel?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You\u2019ll be playing tug of war with some of the strongest saltwater predators willing to take an artificial lure. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Without a balanced outfit, the battle will either feel underwhelming or overpowering depending on the gear you use.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">We highly recommend the PE4 -6 class range of rods and reels because they require the least amount of physical strength from the angler while still being capable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">For example, if an inexperienced angler uses a near-locked PE10 setup and hooks up to a 50kg class GT. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A lot of pain and struggling for both the angler and fish. Also, a prolonged battle will be detrimental to the fish&#8217;s chances of survival.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Start with a medium-light outfit to get your casting, lure working, and battle techniques honed and refined. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Once these movements are second nature, upgrading to \u201cbigger\u201d gear will be a cinch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Getting used to catching 10, 15, and 20kg class fish will improve your fishing skills drastically, making the move to larger gear easy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Now that we\u2019ve gone through the basics, let\u2019s proceed to the meat and potatoes portion of this post. The rod and reel recommendations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Please note that we are not sponsored by any of the brands mentioned below or are getting any sort of payment for recommending them. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">We\u2019ve just personally used them and find that they work well for the purpose, without being too expensive.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Rods<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You\u2019ll want to get yourself an all-around rod that can handle both poppers and stick baits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Japanese made rods are second to none, and they get quite expensive. Luckily, we have former rod blank supplier and now specialty rod builders <a href=\"https:\/\/yamaga-blanks.com\/product\/shore-casting\/new-bluesniper\/?lang=en\">Yamaga Blanks<\/a> offering reasonably priced, high-quality fishing rods fit for the job.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Our top recommendation is the<a href=\"https:\/\/yamaga-blanks.com\/product\/ohushorecasting\/bluesniper-boatcasting\/?lang=en\"> Yamaga Blanks 82\/6<\/a> .&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It can cast lures from 50g to 130g making it extremely versatile, allowing you to target schooling tuna to even 30kg class GT. It is rated PE 5 \u2013 6 so it sits perfectly within our PE class range.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">With a length of 8 feet 2 inches, long-distance casting will be easy, and applies to both popping and stick baiting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If you aren\u2019t that keen for a Japanese rod just yet, look no further than trusty ole Shimano.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shimanofish.com.au\/content\/fish\/oceania\/au\/en\/homepage\/productdetail.P-OCEA_PLUGGER_FULL_THROTTLE_JDM.html\">Shimano Ocea Plugger OPFTS80M <\/a><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">is an amazing value that performs extremely well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Just to keep it in the middle of our class range, the specifications below will be based on the PE5 model.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The PE5 model is 8 feet long, allowing long-distance casting with ease.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Lures from 30g to 100g can be used with this rod, which also allows us to target a multitude of saltwater species using poppers or stick baits.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><em>But remember, having the best gear won\u2019t matter if you don\u2019t have the techniques down pat.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Reels<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Top tier reels are the way to go for saltwater topwater fishing to avoid disappointment. Shimano and Daiwa are considered the best by most fishermen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In the Shimano range, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/gear\/the-2020-shimano-saragosa-was-it-worth-the-wait\/\">Saragosa<\/a> would be the bare minimum while the Stellas are the best overall option.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The same applies to Daiwa with the Catalina and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/gear\/brooksy-puts-the-daiwa-saltiga-to-the-test-what-does-he-think\/\">Saltiga<\/a> models.&nbsp;<\/span><div class=\"wpb_wrapper td_block_single_image td_block_wrap td-no-img-custom-url td-animation-stack td_block_wrap vc_single_image tdi_3  td-single-image- td-pb-border-top td_block_template_1 \"  data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_3\"><a \r\n\t\t\tclass=\"td_single_image_bg td-lazy-img\" \r\n\t\t\tdata-type=\"css_image\" \r\n\t\t\tdata-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/P-SARAGOSASWA-2.png\"  \r\n\t\t\thref=\"#\"  ><\/a>\n<style>\n\/* custom css *\/\n.tdi_3 .td_single_image_bg{\r\n\t\t\t\t\theight: 400px;\r\n\t\t\t\t\tpadding-bottom: 0;\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                background-repeat: no-repeat;\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                background-position: center top;\r\n\t\t\t\t}.tdi_3:hover .td_single_image_bg:before{\r\n                    opacity: 0;\r\n                }\n<\/style><\/div><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">But, I will always recommend the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/gear\/shimano-saragosa-sw-review-standing-test-time\/\">Shimano Saragosa SW<\/a> when it comes to reels as it has a<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">mazing longevity and performance at a reasonable price.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">There you have it, folks. We hope this post provided some insight as to where you should begin when it comes to setting up your first GT popping or topwater fishing outfit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Don\u2019t be surprised when this outfit turns into your \u2018daily-driver\u2019. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">No matter where your saltwater fishing takes you, you\u2019ll have this jack of all trades setup with you, perfect for the odd bust-up or feeding frenzy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Do you have a multi-purpose outfit for your saltwater fishing yet?&nbsp;<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you are looking for a true sport fishing company that offers you more than just a <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/\">Vanuatu fishing adventure<\/a><strong>, look no further than Ocean Blue Fishing. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>For more fishing news, updates, gear reviews, tips and tricks, don\u2019t forget to subscribe to our Web Magazine<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/\"><strong>www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/<\/strong><\/a><strong> .<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Call us now at (AU) 1300 564 616 or at (INTL) +61 436 020322 or you may also contact us through our website at www.oceanbluefishing.com\/enquire<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Finally decided to bite the bullet and buy yourself a saltwater topwater fishing outfit? We\u2019ve got the perfect starting point for you. With 2020 pretty much down the drain in terms of international travel and fishing, anglers have adjusted to the \u2018new normal\u2019 way of online tackle shopping. As you all should know by now, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":109,"featured_media":21930,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"Beginner Rod and Reel | Topwater Fishing | Ocean Blue Fishing","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Finally decided to bite the bullet and buy yourself a saltwater topwater fishing outfit? We\u2019ve got the perfect starting point for you.","_links_to":"","_links_to_type":0,"footnotes":"","_metasync_otto_title":"","_metasync_otto_description":"","_metasync_otto_keywords":"","_metasync_otto_og_title":"","_metasync_otto_og_description":"","_metasync_otto_twitter_title":"","_metasync_otto_twitter_description":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"","_aioseo_title":"","_aioseo_description":""},"categories":[2098,2107],"tags":[196,609,378,18,37,455,680,394,678,654,681,377,373,21],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Beginner Rod and Reel | Topwater Fishing | Ocean Blue Fishing<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Finally decided to bite the bullet and buy yourself a saltwater topwater fishing outfit? 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We\u2019ve got the perfect starting point for you.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/what-is-the-best-beginner-rod-and-reel-for-topwater-fishing\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Ocean Blue Magazine\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-09-22T09:44:56+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-03-28T23:24:30+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/74610033_10156608135176892_5460320106703749120_n.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"933\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"677\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"John Cruz\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"John Cruz\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/what-is-the-best-beginner-rod-and-reel-for-topwater-fishing\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/what-is-the-best-beginner-rod-and-reel-for-topwater-fishing\/\",\"name\":\"Beginner Rod and Reel | Topwater Fishing | Ocean Blue Fishing\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2020-09-22T09:44:56+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-03-28T23:24:30+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/#\/schema\/person\/6d84ea1474d258911aed6efb1a727f86\"},\"description\":\"Finally decided to bite the bullet and buy yourself a saltwater topwater fishing outfit? 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