A topwater is a type of fishing lure that is typically able to float and can be moved around the surface of the water to better attract your target fish and entice them to strike the lure. There is also a nonfloating version that you can purchase, and these can be retrieved at sufficient speed to cause them to travel at the surface of the water.
Topwater Lures Are Considered Surface Bait
If you are looking to go bass fishing, then a topwater lure may prove to make your next trip quite the adventure. In order to use this type of lure more efficiently, it is important to understand a big myth that passes around the angler community. Some anglers believe that topwater lures, or surface bait, is only good to use in low light conditions. Otherwise they believe they may lose quite a few fish.
However, we have found that this type of lure is actually good to use throughout the entire day and as long as they are properly rigged, they can yield much success.
Surface bait is designed to be used on the surface of the water, as the name implies. The lures are able to jerk, pop, splash, and make other movements on the surface of the water to effectively attract fish because they can easily emulate the prey the fish are usually already trying to catch.
The Advantages of Using Topwater Lures for Fishing
One of the biggest advantages of using topwater lures and surface bait is being able to see the bait getting pulled on and eaten. You are awarded the immense and enjoyable opportunity of watching a full strike as well as being able to watch how the water moves and how the bait works.
Topwater lures can also be used throughout the year, depending on the type of bait you choose, and they are versatile in the fact that there are many ways in which an angler can choose to fish with this type of lure.
The Disadvantages of Using Topwater Lures for Fishing
Some anglers find that topwater lures are harder to use, even though they are typically a lot easier to cast and retrieve. They also require a bit more patience when it comes to learning the technique and the proper way to use them. Additionally, they may be a bit more expensive than other types of fishing lures you can purchase.
When to Use Topwater Lures for Bass Fishing
If your goal is to hook a bass that is a bit bigger than you usually catch and a bit larger than the average bass, then a topwater lure may be the right choice for your next bass fishing trip.
Topwater fishing for bass is usually more successful when done in the summer months. However, the spring and fall can also be opportune times to catch some bass. Topwater lures will always be more effective though when the water is warmer, and the bass is a bit more aggressive; this may be valuable information to consider when planning your next fishing trip.
Early Morning Fishing: Low light conditions are the ideal time to use topwater lures
Late Afternoon Fishing: Find a shady spot that the sun has moved from in a shallow area
Night Fishing: The water is at its warmest during nighttime hours throughout the summer, so it is best to go during the later hours of darkness during this time
Cloudy Weather Conditions: Always fish shallow areas because the cloudy days help move the bass to these areas and continue to use the topwater lures until you see that the fish have stopped striking or have slowed down completely
The Most Common Types of Topwater Lures
There are many different variations and types of topwater lures a good angler will want to learn to master at some point during their fishing career. Here are just a few of the more common types to touch on to get you started on your topwater lure journey:
Frog Lures: This type of lure is ideal to use when fishing in areas with thicker than normal vegetation and cover. You can choose either a hollow bodied plastic variety that will float or a plastic toad version. This type of lure is the most effective when the water is a bit warmer-typically in the sixties and above and can also be used all the way through the fall months as well.
When using frog lures, you should begin casting it out very slowly and then twitch it back toward the boat while pausing in strategic locations on the water’s surface to help attract the bigger fish.
Buzzbait: This type of lure is very similar to spinnerbait, but these have a different shaped blade that helps it to lift and sputter on the surface of the water. To fish with this classic and effective type of lure, simply cast it out and wind it back while making sure that the bait is staying on top of the water.
They are also suitable to be used in the thicker cover of shallow water and can be used from the pre-spawn time all the way through the fall months.
Poppers or Chuggers: Known as either a popper or chugger, this type of lure is made of a hard plastic material or wooden plug that has a flat or concave face. It can be jerked around and splashed to imitate the fish’s prey and can be used in areas with rocks or docks or wherever you feel that the bass would be hiding. Like the other lures, they are good to use from pre-spawn and through the fall.
To fish with this type of lure, feel free to experiment with different movements on the surface of the water to help nail down what will attract the fish the most.
While topwater lures may seem like something that might not be worth the time to learn and master, you will regret not taking the time to do so. With just a little patience and some time, you can learn a very effective and even fun technique to reel in that big catch you are always on the hunt for.
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