Topwater Categories
Floating worms and slugos are ideal as follow up baits for missed strikes! Cadence is Key - the general rule of thumb is the clearer the water the faster the cadence, the more stained the water the slower the retrieve. Think about forage. Are you imitating a fast moving shad? Are you mimicking a slow zig zagging snake? Know the forage. Smallmouths by competitive nature like a fast moving bait.
Delayed Hook Set - the most common problem with topwater fishing is missing the strike because you are reacting on the sight and sound rather than the feel. It's exciting, but you have to force yourself to delay. In addition to a glass type rod. I use sweep-step type of hook set. This allows me the opportunity to first feel the fish then follow through with the set. If I begin my sweep and do not feel the fish or If I visually detect a miss, then the bait will remain in the strike zone for another chance. Using monofilament type line also aids in the delay.
Ultra Clear Water - think about really natural looking baits. Here the fish often feed from a hunger strike. Japanese Baits are perfect here. You can draw them up from extremely deep water.
- Poppers and Chuggers - Pop-R's, Chug-n-Spits, Chug bugs, Rico's, Splash It's, Hula Poppers, ideal for both clear and stained water with a light chop.
- Stick baits and Darters - Zara Spooks, Disco Dogs, Sammys, ideal for stained to clear water with water conditions ranging from calm to choppy.
- Prop baits - Torpedos, Devils Horse, Wood Choppers, ideal for water with a chop of more stained to muddy water.
- Minnow Baits - Rapalas, AC Shiners, Ideal for clear water and calm conditions. COLORS - I always select lure color based on two factors: primary forage and water clarity. As a general rule I'm either trying to imitate some form of shad or minnows, bluegill and perch species, insect, or amphibian. I try and keep it pretty simple. Shad/Minnows - white, silver, pearl, translucent Bluegill/Perch - something with chartreuse in it, firetiger, Insects - blacks, darker colors, and translucent Amphibian - greens, yellows, browns
- Frogs and Rats - Mann's and Scum Frogs. ideal for slop fishing!(White,Char.,Brown)
- Other - can include buzz baits, floating worms and Slugos, weedless spoons.
Floating worms and slugos are ideal as follow up baits for missed strikes! Cadence is Key - the general rule of thumb is the clearer the water the faster the cadence, the more stained the water the slower the retrieve. Think about forage. Are you imitating a fast moving shad? Are you mimicking a slow zig zagging snake? Know the forage. Smallmouths by competitive nature like a fast moving bait.
Delayed Hook Set - the most common problem with topwater fishing is missing the strike because you are reacting on the sight and sound rather than the feel. It's exciting, but you have to force yourself to delay. In addition to a glass type rod. I use sweep-step type of hook set. This allows me the opportunity to first feel the fish then follow through with the set. If I begin my sweep and do not feel the fish or If I visually detect a miss, then the bait will remain in the strike zone for another chance. Using monofilament type line also aids in the delay.
Ultra Clear Water - think about really natural looking baits. Here the fish often feed from a hunger strike. Japanese Baits are perfect here. You can draw them up from extremely deep water.