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Topwater
by Bud Fields
Now that the surface temperature of the water is warming
up, many bass anglers will start altering their fishing techniques
to one of the most explosive methods. That is "Topwater"
fishing.
Many anglers will tell you they would rather catch one bass
on topwater than 6 bass under the water. Why Is this? It is plain
and simple..When a bass hits a Topwater lure, you can actually
see them do it and the explosion of the water is certainly very
surprising and pleasurable.
As most of us know, the bass' metabolism is governed by water
temperature. The warmer the water temperature, the more active
the fish will be. Of course, this also works in reverse. The
cooler the water temperature, the less active the fish will be.
We have all heard and read the phrase "Strike Zone"
and when the water temperature is warmer, the strike zone of
the bass will be larger. This means simply the bass will travel
farther to strike your lure.
In the early Spring, one of the most important electronic
devices I have on my bass boat is a surface temperature gauge.
I constantly observe the changes from location to location.
As the surface temperature starts to get into the mid 60
degree range, I will start using some of my topwater plugs, especially
in the early morning and late afternoon and evening hours.
A bass likes to seek cover and ambush prey as it comes past
him. If you are using a Buzzbait for example, it will very often
excite the bass into hitting what it will think is an injured
baitfish or frog.
Just as an example, I will offer some of my favorite topwater
lures and the techniques I use for topwater action.
I like to use a 6 1/2 foot baitcasting rod in medium/heavy
action and I also like it to have a long handle. I use a high
speed reel with Super Tough line since I will normally be fishing
close to stumps, docks, standing timber or laydowns.
I will normally position my boat to cast the lure the length
of the target and I will often make repeated casts. Often, the
bass will not hit the lure on your first offering. I will also
cast from different angles to the target.
My favorite topwater lures consist of buzzbaits, Zara Spooks,
Pop-R's, floating frogs and Sluggos. They are a lot of different
topwater lures available and I know most of them will work. If
you have confidence in a particular topwater lure, by all means
use it.
One word of caution when using topwater baits, don't set
the hook when you SEE the strike. Wait until you FEEL the weight
of the fish pulling on the lure and line. You need to reel in
the slack then and set the hook very harshly. Normally, there
will not be much slack as you are retrieving your topwater lure
unless you bare using some of the Jerkbaits.
It is very easy to see the bass strike the lure and get excited
and set the hook and actually pull the bait away from the fish.
I know this sounds unusual but believe me, I have done it so
many times. Even now after bass fishing for many years, I will
still make the mistake and set the hook too soon. Even if I am
anticipating a strike, it can be very nerve racking to watch
the topwater lure working and you know in your mind..this is
it.
Another word of advice..Even if you see the bass coming up
for the lure, DO NOT CHANGE THE ACTION. Continue to keep the
lure moving and do not concern yourself with slowing down the
lure. That will often discourage the bass. If the bass wants
to hit your lure, you can not reel it fast enough to get it away
from him.
Make sure you have sharp hooks, quality line and "nerves
of steel" and you will certainly become hooked on Topwater
fishing. I have caught bass on topwater in our Midwest section
as early as Late March and as late as November. It is certainly
the most explosive action an angler will enjoy. Give it a try.
Good Luck and Good Fishing,
Bud Fields Pro-Staff
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