🧠 Why Topwater Lures Work
Bass are ambush predators. In summer, especially in the low light of early morning or evening, they move into shallow water or near cover (like lily pads, logs, docks) to hunt. A noisy, twitchy, or skittering thing on the surface drives them wild—because:
- It looks like an easy meal struggling.
- It creates sound and vibration that triggers their strike instinct.
- It’s right above them, and they can explode upward to attack.
🎣 Types of Topwater Lures & How They Work
1. Poppers
- Looks like: Injured baitfish or bugs
- Action: Pops and splashes water when you twitch the rod
- Sound: Creates that “bloop!” noise that calls fish in
- Best time: Calm mornings or evenings
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2. Walking Baits (“Walk-the-Dog” style)
- Looks like: A baitfish zigzagging on the surface
- Action: With side-to-side rod twitches, the lure darts back and forth
- Famous example: Zara Spook
- Best for: Covering open water when you know bass are chasing bait
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3. Buzzbaits
- Looks like: Chaos
- Action: Bladed arm spins on the surface as you reel, making a gurgling buzz
- Speed: Constant retrieve—not twitchy
- Best for: Covering water fast, especially around shallow cover
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4. Frog Lures
- Looks like: A real frog hopping across lily pads or weed mats
- Weedless design: Hooks are tucked into the body, so you can throw them right into thick vegetation
- Best time: Summer mornings/evenings, over heavy cover
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🕒 When to Use Topwater for Bass
- Early morning (sunrise) or late evening (sunset)
- Overcast days keep bass active on top longer
- When water temps are warm and bass are feeding shallow
- Near cover like weeds, wood, or docks where bait gets trapped
🔥 Pro Tip: Pause for the Blowup
When a bass smashes your topwater lure, your instinct is to set the hook immediately. Don’t.
Wait until you feel the weight of the fish, then set the hook hard. If you react too fast, you’ll rip the lure right out of its mouth.