My brother is buying his first quality rod...
What length, action, tip would you suggest as
an all around Rod?
He is leaning towards a Falcon, must include
Topwater use...
Thanks.

I would go with a medium or medium heavy action with a fast tip. Probably a 6'6" or a 7'. Falcon makes a great rod especially for the price.

The more I use the Cara CC-5-167MH and the Lowrider LFC-5-167MH the more uses I have for them. Had a buddy pick one up today at Southwest Parts to use for small lipless cranks, topwaters and jerkbaits. These are the weightless worm rods but they have a ton of other uses besides their name. seem to be a pretty versatile rod.

6-6 0r 7' MH action should fir the bill nicely. I'm a big fan of Lowriders.

For topwaters, I would much rather have a medium action that's moderately fast. I think the CCB crankbait series rods would work better. The Cara CCB's are dark green. I fish mostly Falcon Cara rods, but I fish topwater plugs and buzzbaits with a 7' medium action Allstar Classic with a reel with a larger spool. It allows for much longer casts with plugs like Zara Spooks, and picks up line quickly. The rod bends much farther down the shaft than a fast action rod, making it much easier to cast far and also it's not as likely to pull the lure away from a bass when you react too quickly on the strike. Just my $.02.

Artie

Another vote for the Cara or LowRider 5-167MH. I had 2 of the LowRiders and sold them with the intent of buying Cara's but am currently waiting for the T7's to show up. Like Mark said they do alot of things well.

Another couple that I like is the 5-1610 and the 6-1610. They both are "all around" rods though they may be a bit stiff for crankbaits. I use my 7-17 Cara alot for sandbass and hybrids with slabs and Humdingers.

Check around a bit as Cara's can be had for less than LowRiders right now due to the T7's coming out.

So many rods, so little time!!

If you are just breaking into the higher end rods, and want a great quality rod, I would definatly go with the original series. I still use the FC-6-16 that I bought 15 years ago. You name it and this rod can handle it, Cranks/Spinnerbaits/worms/topwater


Go with the FC-6-166 Falcon Original

Med. Heavy Action
6'6" Length
Great all around rod.

I use the falcon cara series and as mark said the weightless worm rod is good for several different applications.

The 6'10" Lowrider, AKA "Eakins Jig Special", is a nice all around rod. It's a good in between length and it has a tip light enough to feel the wobble of a crankbait, tick of a willow blade, and enough back bone for soft plastics. Also, like Mark said, the 6'7", AKA "Weightless Worm" rod, is a good choice. They have similar actions with 3" of difference.

And to sweeten the pot Academy is running their "Rod Riot" starting this morning..

My favorite is the 5-167 weightless worm rod. I can use it for any weightless presentation, small crankbaits, spinnerbaits, top water, rattle traps. Probably not heavy enough for a jig or t-rig but it is my favorite all around rod. Hard to find one to use for everything. I also have a Cara 5-166 that is stiffer than the other rod that could be used for a little heavier baits if needed. Coach

Just my opinion, the best all round lowrider is the weightless worm rod. I have six of them and use them for all types of fishing and have never been disappointed with them.
Rick

I HAVE TO AGREE ON THE 5-167 WEIGHTLESS WORM ROD. I BOUGHT ANOTHER LOWRIDER TODAY FOR $69 AT ACADEMY. THAT IS 4 FOR ME. I USE THEM FOR SEVERAL APPLICATIONS. GREAT RODS.

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I love the Falcom Herm Spin. It's 6'6", MH. Great rod!
Caught my personal best using it with a Shimano Symetre. Awesome! Great fun.

I got the Falcon LowRider for Lizard Dragging on sale. 7 foot. I'm hoping it will do me justice. Most expensive rod I ever bought! But sure seems like a nice one. Check it out. I just got it and haven't tried it out yet. I still haven't decided on the right bait cast reel. I am new at that so it will take a lot of practice before I can use it. Always used spinning gear before now.