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Topwater Bass Fishing Tips And Lures

Besides being the most exciting lure for fishing both largemouth and smallmouth bass, topwater lures can also be very productive and actually out produce other bass lures. For the most part topwater lures are most effective for bass in warm or cool waters versus extremely cold waters where jigs and worms are more effective. The cut-off point for fishing topwater lures is about 55 to 60 degrees. Generally speaking topwater lures produce the best in low light conditions such as early or late in the day, or before an approaching storm hits.

Topwater Bass Fishing Lures

Buzzbaits – These lures are very similar to spinnerbait and will sink if not retrieved fast enough. These lures can create a real racket and can be fished right across logjams and submerged weeds, as this lure is also very resistant to becoming snagged.

Propbaits – Designed much like a stickbait these lures feature a propeller in the front and rear of the lure. This lure can be fished with a steady retrieve or jerking retrieves and does not sink.

Poppers or Chuggers – These lures attract bass with a popping sound best described as a gurgling sound made by water. These lures are best fished in a series of starts or stops, basically a jerking retrieve.

StickBaits – A classic example of this lure is the Zara Spook by Heddon Lures. These lures produce no action on their own such as a Rapala, but rely on the fisherman. The technique used to fish these baits is refered to as walking the dog. This technique results in the lure swimming in a zig-zag motion on the surface of the water.

Frog Baits – No bass fishermans tackle box would be complete without a frog. These topwater lures float and are pretty much snag-proof. Frogs are perfect for fishing heavy vegetation.

Topwater Bass Fishing Tips

Many bass have been caught by allowing a floating topwater lure to sit motionless 5-10 seconds when it first hits the water or during the retrieve. At times the best action is no action at all.

A common mistake made by fisherman is to set the hook when they see a bass striking a topwater lure. The proper time to set the hook is when the fish is felt through the fishing rod.

The Original Rapala floating minnow is a very versatile bass lure as when fished slowing or with a jerking retrieve the lure will stay on top. Increase the speed of retrieve and it will dive.

When fishing stained or dirty water try using a larger lure. The increased profile of the lure will help fish find your lure easier.

While the white bottom of a lure may be realistic to most baitfish species, this color also helps hide the lure against the sky when viewed from below. Try darkening the belly of your baits with a magic marker or spray paint to increase the visibility of the lure.

When the wind comes up try using a smaller lure that creates a lot of noise or vibration and will ride the waves versus plowing through the waves.