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Poppin’ the Top

Category: article

 Aug 8th, 2008 by OutdoorsFIRST 

Modified Aug 8th, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Poppin’ the TopSure, topwater lures are often thought of as a springtime option for luring bass to strike, but they are not just for late spring. They work great in the spring when the bass are getting ready to bed down, but the summer months can be a terrific time to take bass on top, and not just during the low-light periods of the day.The obvious times and locations to fish topwaters during the summer months are early and late in the day along shoreline cover. Topwater options will work then, but don’t put ‘em away during the middle of the day, especially if you’re fishing deeper, clear water and smallies or spots are your target.Smallies and spots will often take topwater offerings throughout the day off deep points and submerged humps. It’s not uncommon to see these fish charge your lure from 20 feet away.Try walking baits such as Zara Spooks or Lucky Craft Sammys to draw the largest, most aggressive fish. Poppers or spitters like Pop-Rs, Ricos or G-Splashes are also very effective, especially when the water is calm.Line choice can be very important for topwater action. A floating line is generally best. A co-polymer or monofilament is generally chosen first, but many anglers have switched to braided line to get a more solid hook-set. The braided line allows you to make longer casts and still get solid hook-ups. Braid is especially effective when using fast-moving walking baits. The bass don’t have as much time to investigate the lure, so the braids visibility isn’t that important.The other benefit of fishing the top is the strike itself. It’s just plain cool to see the fish explode on a lure. Even the little peanuts are exciting to see on top. Keep a topwater on at all times and see if you can have some fun this year poppin’ the top.