Topwater Fishing

Nothing in fishing rivals a topwater explosion. When a bass smashes a popper or a snook crushes a walking bait, the strike is unforgettable. Topwater excels in low light (dawn/dusk), warm water, and around active baitfish. It requires patience - many fish miss on the first swipe, and the angler must resist setting the hook until the fish is pulling line.

Medium 6.5-7 ft baitcasting rod (for hard baits) or heavy frog rod. Monofilament (stretch cushions missed strikes) 14-20 lb. Popper, walking bait, buzzbait, prop bait, hollow-body frog.

Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, snook, tarpon, pike, muskie, redfish.

1) Wait for weight - set hook when you feel the fish, not when you see it. 2) Vary retrieve speed - short pauses trigger strikes. 3) Fish topwater in low light and calm water. 4) Buzzbaits sluggish? Use a trailer.