Once the surface temperatures reach 62 degrees, it’s time to pull out the topwater arsenal.
When should I start throwing top water?
Early spring is a great time to cast topwater lures for big bass. These fish will strike surface baits well before most anglers realize they will.
What water temp is best for topwater?
“Basically, though, you want to focus your topwater efforts in water that’s 50 degrees or warmer.” As spring approaches, anglers are automatically drawn to topwater offerings; however, as fall transitions to winter, the question of when to put the surface plugs away can be tricky.
When should you use a Buzzbait?
Most people fish buzzbaits for bass in the spring, the summer and the early fall. However, I like to fish a buzzbait in the fall and the winter, especially in the Deep South where I live. The water temperature there generally doesn’t get so cold that bass won’t stop taking a topwater lure even in late January.
What action is best for topwater?
A fast action is also beneficial when making accurate casts around cover with topwaters like frogs and buzzbaits. When you pair the 7-foot medium heavy with a good all-around reel in the 7:1 gear ratio range, like the Abu Garcia Revo STX in 7.3:1, you have a setup that can handle a wide array of topwaters.
Will spawning bass hit topwater?
The spawn wears largemouths down, and if you want to catch them, you’ll have to adjust. During the spawn, or just after the spawn, when bass are still in the shallows and around vegetation or shallow cover, a subtle topwater can be just what you need to get yourself a bite.
Can you fish topwater during the day?
Fish topwaters throughout the day, not only during “prime times.” Experiment with your retrieve to discover what the fish want. Baits with rattles can help call fish in, especially during murky water conditions.
Do bass bite topwater when its cold?
Topwater baits are also effective in colder water because during the late fall bass spend the majority of their time gorging themselves on shad that are located in the upper half of the water column.
Is Top water good in the winter?
“Topwater is an underutilized tool for cold water conditions, but with the right trends, the winter can be some of the best days to throw it,” said Wheeler. Wintertime at Wheeler’s mid-western home waters can dip to near freezing, but that doesn’t stop him from fishing the surface.
Will bass eat topwater in the winter?
Yes, a topwater lure during the Winter can be productive but takes lots of patience. Black bass can be caught in the Winter, summer, spring, or fall on topwater. But your technique must change drastically to have success. In the Winter, they prefer easier-to-eat baits, such as a dying minnow.
What color Buzzbait works best?
Some newer buzzbaits are designed with metal keepers that make it easier to rig the soft plastic this way. Whichever way you rig it, the best colors are black or any dark shade when the sky is overcast, white when the sun is shining and green pumpkin for imitating bream.
What does a Buzzbait imitate?
A basic buzzbait will simply spin the blade on the top of the water making a slight trail behind it and a slight noise as it moves. A buzzbait with holes in the blade will leave a bubble trail that mimics thrashing bait and give it a unique noise on the surface of the water.
Should I use a trailer on a Buzzbait?
Even if you prefer to leave your buzzbait skirt, adding a soft-plastic trailer is a good idea. Tour pro Andrew Upshaw prefers to add a Gene Larew Sweet Swimmer to create a bigger profile that catches bigger fish.
What pound line should I use for topwater?
Snugged down bobber stops add just enough rigidity to the line to reduce the braid from wrapping around the front treble hook when casting or working topwater lures. Use 30- to 40-pound braid. Excluding frogs, these pound tests provide the ideal blend of manageability and strength.
What gear ratio is best for topwater?
The Best Gear Ratio for Topwater Fishing is a 7:1 or Higher.
What kind of rod do you use for topwater?
Rod/Reel/Line: Use a longer 7 or 7 ½ foot medium heavy power rod, and a fast 7.1:1 reel spooled with 15 pound monofilament or 30 pound braided line for this topwater fishing technique.
How do you fish topwater for bass?
STEPS TO TOPWATER FISH
You can use topwater lures such as poppers, which have a concave face that makes a big splash when you jerk the lure sharply on the surface. Cast the lure to your desired location, then reel in using a retrieval motion that mimics a fish’s meal.
How do you fish a whopper plopper?
The simplest and most basic way to fish it is just like a buzzbait with a slow steady retrieve. Make a long cast, and start slow-reeling it back to the boat. The Plopper also works when twitched like a popper or worked with a longer “jerk, jerk, pause” action like with a traditional prop bait.
How long does it take a bass to bite again?
We’ve found through our studies that fish do have a memory. “For example, if a bass is caught on a spinnerbait one day, it’s almost impossible to catch that fish on the same lure the next day. And if it is exposed to that bait every couple days for a week or so, it could be 20 days before it will strike the lure again.
Is topwater good on cloudy days?
Topwater fishing can be great when the conditions are cloudy. Bass don’t like staring at the surface with a bright sunny backdrop to look into. It makes it harder for bass to see food and likely hurts their eyes.
Do topwater lures work at night?
Topwater of all kinds are great choices for nighttime fishing. Spooks, poppers, frogs, prop baits and anything that makes a disturbance on the surface can work well. However, buzzbaits take the top prize for night fishing.