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What is the best time to fish for topwater?
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Early morning, when the light is low, is a traditional time to fish a topwater lure. Fish them around shallow cover where bass have moved to feed. Work your favorite lure around bushes, logs, stumps, rocks, and brush in the water.
What is the best time to fish for topwater? – Related Questions
Does color matter for topwater?
Color matters, just not as much. Topwater lures are obviously fished on the surface so fish won’t be able to see most of the lure, just the underside. And since most fish have white bellies, topwater lures with white bellies are typically the best choice.
White is a great topwater color for almost every condition, but it’s especially effective on cloudy days or in low-light conditions.” Black: “For whatever reason, Northern bass just love all-black topwater baits,” Yelas said. “If you fish up there a lot, it’s definitely something you need to try.
Should I use braid or mono for topwater?
When it comes to walking topwater baits, both monofilament and braid will work. “I use 15-pound PF Original for a lot of my topwater baits. It won’t break and still casts very well,” says Arey. “I also like that it has very little memory and still has a little bit of stretch.
What rod action is best for topwater?
Best all around – 7-foot medium heavy with a 7:1. Though one rod and reel can’t do it all when it comes to topwater fishing, a 7-foot medium heavy power rod with a reel in the 7:1 gear ratio range can do the most.
Should I use braid for topwater?
We all love that giant blow up that bass are known for on topwater baits. After hundreds and hundreds of bass on those beloved topwater baits with braid as the line, I can tell you without a doubt that you will land more bass with braided line. Braid will also last for a year or more on a reel, even with lots of use.
What pound braid should I use for topwater?
Use 30- to 40-pound braid.
Excluding frogs, these pound tests provide the ideal blend of manageability and strength. Go too light, and you’ll be breaking off and picking out backlashes for days; go too heavy, and you risk killing the bait’s action.
Although snap swivels can save you time, they’re too big and bulky and will most likely scare off the fish either by their unnatural look, or just their presence in the water. Sure, you might catch a few young, naive, aggressive with it, but if you want to maximize your chances of catching fish, it’s not a good idea.
What temp will bass hit topwater?
Bass will bite equally well if the water temps drop a few degrees. Once the surface temperatures reach 62 degrees, it’s time to pull out the topwater arsenal. I like to make contact with the cover this time of year to trigger bass.
Should you use a leader with topwater?
An important consideration for any lure is the need to make your leaders as “weightless” as possible, and topwater lures certainly will benefit. Even though a lure may be large in size, do not get caught up thinking you need a heavy leader.
Can you fish topwater all day?
Despite being a favorite, you’d be surprised at how many anglers consider topwaters a time-and-place presentation. That’s a big mistake; topwaters can be effective from sunup to sundown, and they are also a great way to trigger big bites.
What temperature do fish bite 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.
Contrary to popular belief, topwater fishing is not simply limited to lowlight conditions. In fact, some of the most vicious blowups you’ll ever see occur in the middle of sunny, bluebird-sky days.
What color bait is best for cloudy days?
In dark or muddy water and on overcast days, tie on a brightly colored lure to increase visibility, or use a very dark solid color to maximize profile visibility. A black and blue soft plastic is ideal; a white and chartreuse Glow Blade spinnerbait will also produce.
What size hooks for topwater lures?
Going up a size to two No.2 trebles works well for most walking-style topwaters between 4 to 5 inches in length. There are also long- and short-shank hooks in both these two popular bends as well.
Can you fish topwater with a spinning rod?
You can fish topwater lures on both baitcasting and spinning tackle. Most experienced anglers rely on baitcasting tackle for the lion’s share of their topwater fishing. But spinning tackle will work fine as well. In fact, it may offer distinct advantages in windy conditions or when casting light lures.
What fish bite topwater lures?
Schooling fish that are chasing bait will hit a topwater bait at noon in the middle of the lake. Good examples of this are the white bass at lakes like Boyd and John Martin Reservoirs. Bass aren’t the only fish that can be caught on a surface lure. Pike are notorious for vicious topwater strikes.