I recommend you buy a true stickbait and not a popper rod.  There’s a big difference between the two types of rod in the tip in particular and the softer stickbait tip allows the stickbait to swim as it is designed to do.  A popper rod will cast further but be too stiff to swim the lure properly.  Also, you may find a stickbait rod a little easier on you in a kayak.  I'm lucky enough to have a Carpenter Blue Chaser which is fantastic for this stickbait top-water fishing and I fish off a jet ski so balance in the water is important for me too. 

If a Carpenter BLC is too expensive, consider a Caranx Kaibutsu L PE 4-6 Rod stickbait rod.

Best of all, first speak to Tony or John at Yeehaa Fishing in Panmure.  They’ll be helpful in giving you the options to choose from.  Cheers.