How To Rig A Popper
I’ve been bass fishing for years, and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the heart-pounding thrill of a topwater strike. It’s a game-changer that’ll have you hooked from the first explosive hit.
Ever wondered when to start throwing those surface lures? I’ve cracked the code. It’s all about that magic number: 70 degrees. Once the water hits that sweet spot, it’s go time. Those bass become absolute gluttons, ready to smash anything that dares to disturb their surface.
But here’s the kicker – most anglers are doing it all wrong. They’re too eager, too impatient. I’ve learned the hard way that sometimes, the key to success is doing absolutely nothing. Letting that lure sit, tempting and teasing, can make all the difference.
From choosing the right line to mastering the perfect retrieve, there’s an art to topwater fishing. And don’t even get me started on location – knowing where to cast can mean the difference between a day of frustration and a cooler full of bass.
So buckle up, fellow anglers. We’re about to dive into the world of topwater fishing, where patience pays off and explosions on the water are just part of the game.
When Can You Start Throwing Topwater
The best time to start throwing topwater lures is when the water temperature hits 70 degrees or higher. As the water warms up, bass become more active and willing to chase down bait on the surface. This is because bass are cold-blooded, so when the water temperatures rise, they need to feed more to maintain their body temperature. In those warmer water conditions, bass become much more aggressive and are more likely to strike at topwater lures. The warmer the water gets, the better the topwater bite can become, as the bass are more willing to run down a bait and suck it off the top. Keep an eye on the water temperature, and once it reaches that 70-degree mark or higher, it’s prime time to start throwing topwater lures and enjoying some explosive surface strikes from hungry bass.
The Biggest Mistake Most Fishermen Make With Floaters
One of the biggest mistakes fishermen make when using topwater poppers is not letting the lure sit long enough on the surface before starting the retrieve. It can be tempting to start twitching and popping the lure as soon as it hits the water, but this causes them to miss out on some of the best strikes. It’s important to give the lure a few seconds to sit there first.
The writer recalls a time when they were fishing a small pond and could see bass cruising just under the surface, eyeing the popper as it was worked across the top. The bass would follow the lure and then turn away, never committing to the attack, because the lure was immediately retrieved.
Slowing down and letting the popper sit motionless on the surface for 5-10 seconds before starting the retrieve made all the difference. That’s when the bass would crush the lure, unable to resist the tantalizing target. The key is giving the fish a chance to zero in on the lure and commit to the strike before moving it away. A little patience unlocks the most explosive topwater action.
How Do You Float On Top Water
When fishing with topwater poppers, it’s important to use the right type of fishing line to help the lure float on top of the water. Monofilament and braided lines work best, as they have more buoyancy than fluorocarbon lines. This buoyancy allows the popper to sit on the surface and create that enticing surface disturbance that attracts fish.
The popper’s cupped face creates a lot of water pressure and drag when you retrieve it, causing the water to push out in front of the lure. This creates the signature popping and gurgling action that mimics injured baitfish and draws predators to strike. Using a line with good floating properties ensures the popper stays up high in the water column and can perform its magic.
Taking a few extra seconds to let the popper sit motionless on the surface before starting the retrieve makes a big difference. It gives the fish a chance to zero in and commit to the strike before the lure starts moving. Patience is key to unlocking the most explosive topwater action.
Where To Throw Top Water
The best place to throw a topwater popper is in shallow water, often right up along the bank. In clear water, you can throw the popper out a little further, maybe 10-12 feet deep. However, the majority of the bites will come in water that’s 5 feet deep or less. In 5 feet of water, the bass don’t have to travel far to strike the popper. Plus, the popper gets noticed more when it’s only 2-3 feet over the bass’s head, compared to 15-20 feet. Work the popper tight to the shoreline, making casts parallel to the bank and letting it sit motionless for a few seconds before starting the retrieve. This is where the most explosive topwater strikes occur.
Topwater Tips For Summer Bass
Topwater fishing for bass during the summer can be an exciting and rewarding experience. As the water warms, bass become more active and aggressive, making them prime targets for topwater lures like poppers.
Focus on fishing in the early morning and late afternoon/evening hours. This is when bass are most likely to be cruising the shallows and actively feeding on the surface. During the day, they’ll often retreat to deeper, cooler water.
Choose a popper with a concave face that will create a loud “popping” sound when worked across the surface. This helps grab the attention of nearby bass. Rig the popper on a medium-heavy baitcast or spinning rod with 20-30 lb test line to have the power to drive the hook home.
Work the popper with short, sharp pops of the rod tip, allowing it to sit motionless for a few seconds between each pop. This enticing action mimics injured baitfish and frogs, which bass love to ambush. Pay attention to any subtle swirls or boils on the surface – that’s often a sign a bass is eyeing your popper.
Target summer bass on topwater around docks, fallen trees, submerged vegetation, and along the edges of weed lines. Make casts parallel to these structures and work the popper methodically.
When you get a strike, let the bass take the lure for a second before driving the hook home with a solid hook set. This will ensure a solid hook-up and land more fish.
Topwater fishing for summer bass is an absolute blast. With the right lure, presentation, and location, you can experience thrilling strikes.
Never Too Early For Topwater Bass
A lot of folks think topwater fishing is just a summertime thing, but some of the most exciting bass catches come on topwater lures in the early spring. Even when the water is still cool, bass can’t resist an enticing popper or walking bait worked across the surface.
I’ll never forget a tournament I fished a few years back in late March. The water temp was only around 52 degrees, but I decided to tie on a big, noisy popper and start working the shallows. It didn’t take long before I had a giant largemouth absolutely crush my lure right at the boat. The explosion on the surface was unforgettable – that fish must have been at least 6 pounds.
Don’t be afraid to throw topwater even when it seems a little “too early” in the season. Bass are always on the prowl for an easy meal and will gladly ambush a tasty-looking bait on the surface. Use a stout rod and line to drive those treble hooks home when you get that violent strike. It’s an adrenaline rush like no other.
When, Where And How To Throw Which Topwater
Early in the season, the water is still a bit cool, and topwater lures can be effective. Bass are actively feeding but may be more lethargic, so focus on areas with warmer water like shallow flats, creek channels, and the backs of pockets. Work the topwater lure slowly and methodically, letting it sit for a few seconds between pops or twitches. The bass may be more tentative to strike, so patience is key.
As the water warms up through the spring, topwater action can become explosive. Look for bass busting baitfish on the surface and cast right into the commotion. Poppers, walking baits, and hollow-body frogs all excel during this time. Work these lures with more aggressive cadences to trigger vicious strikes.
Don’t overlook topwater opportunities in the fall as water temps start to drop. Bass will often gorge on shad and other baitfish near the surface, making them prime targets for topwater presentations. Focus on areas like creek channels, points, and the mouths of coves where bass will be herding baitfish. A steady, erratic retrieve is usually best for fall topwater fishing.
Use a stout rod and line to drive those treble hooks home when you get a violent strike. It’s an adrenaline rush like no other.
Topwater Tactics For Spring Bass
Early spring is a prime time to target bass with topwater lures. Focus on areas with warmer water like shallow flats, creek channels, and the backs of pockets. Work the topwater lure slowly and methodically, letting it sit for a few seconds between pops or twitches. The bass may be more tentative to strike at first, so patience is key.
As the water warms, the topwater action can become explosive. Look for bass busting baitfish on the surface and cast right into the commotion. Poppers, walking baits, and hollow-body frogs all excel during this time. Work these lures with more aggressive cadences to trigger vicious strikes from aggressive spring bass.
Don’t overlook topwater opportunities in the fall as water temps start to drop. Bass will often gorge on shad and other baitfish near the surface, making them prime targets for topwater presentations. Focus on areas like creek channels, points, and the mouths of coves where bass will be herding baitfish. A steady, erratic retrieve is usually best for fall topwater fishing.
FAQ:
Best Topwater Lures For Bass For
Poppers are a classic choice for targeting bass on topwater. Their gurgling, splashing action is irresistible to hungry bass. Working a popper with short, erratic twitches and pauses, letting it sit for a few seconds before the next pop, can trigger vicious strikes from the bass.
Walking baits are another popular topwater option. The side-to-side “walk the dog” action creates an enticing target that bass will aggressively strike. Maintaining a steady, rhythmic cadence while occasionally mixing in more erratic twitches can provoke explosive blowups.
When the vegetation is thick, a hollow-body frog is hard to beat. These lures can be worked through the nastiest cover, with bass exploding up to crush them. Hopping the frog across the surface, letting it sit for a beat before the next hop, creates anticipation for the explosive strike.
Regardless of the topwater lure, the key is working it slowly and methodically. Patience is crucial, as those first few casts may only get tentative follows before the bass commit to a full-blown assault. But when they do, hold on tight – those topwater strikes are an adrenaline rush like no other.
Best Times To Use Topwater Lures
The best times to use a walking topwater lure are when you have calm water or a slight ripple. Because of the bigger profile and commotion these baits put off, it’s easier for the bass to find them when the water has a slight chop. In general, fishing with topwater lures for bass, they will strike a topwater plug most consistently during low light times when the water temperature is cooler, such as early morning, evening, night, or on overcast days. Learning how to read the water to decide which topwater lure to use and how to work it will significantly increase your chances of getting that aggressive topwater bite during any conditions.
When Do You Like To Fish Poppers
Fishing with poppers can be an exhilarating experience, especially during the low-light conditions of early morning and late afternoon/evening. The commotion and disturbance of a popper can be irresistible to fish, even on those calm, overcast days when the water is like glass. In the days after a cold front, when the fish might be feeding less aggressively, a well-placed popper can still trigger some exciting strikes.
One of the best times to fish with poppers is when baitfish like shad or minnows are breaking the surface. This is a sure sign the gamefish are keyed in on those surface-feeding baitfish, making it the perfect opportunity to mimic that activity with a popping lure. Whether it’s largemouth, smallmouth, or even spotted bass, poppers can be deadly effective when the conditions are right.
Best Topwater Lures For Summer Bass
When the water warms, bass become more active and aggressive near the surface. Topwater lures can be effective during this time. The popper is a personal favorite for summer bass. The commotion and disturbance a popper makes on the surface is irresistible to hungry bass, especially early or late.
Another great topwater option is the walking bait, sometimes called a “walk-the-dog” lure. These baits have an enticing side-to-side action that drives bass wild, especially when they’re keying in on surface-feeding baitfish. Spitting or chugging baits also work well, as they mimic the sounds of baitfish breaking the surface.
Regardless of the topwater lure, the key is to work it slowly and deliberately. Pause and let the lure sit for a few seconds before twitching it again. This is often when you’ll get the most explosive strikes from bass. With the right topwater presentation, you can experience exhilarating action when targeting summer bass.
Best Topwater Lures For Bass
Popper lures are a classic choice for targeting bass on the surface. These baits create a loud “popping” sound and disturbance that attracts aggressive bass, especially early or late in the day when they’re most active near the surface. Popular popper lures include the Rapala Skitter Pop, Heddon Zara Spook, and LIVETARGET Hollow Body Popper.
Walking baits, also known as “walk-the-dog” lures, are another great topwater option. These elongated baits can be worked side-to-side across the surface, creating an erratic, life-like swimming action that drives bass wild. Effective walking bait models include the Heddon Spook, Zara Spook Jr., and LIVETARGET Hollow Body Walkers.
Prop baits with spinning propellers on the front and/or back also excel at creating surface commotion to trigger topwater strikes. Top prop bait choices are the Booyah Buzz, Spro Bronzeye Frog, and Snag Proof Ish’s Phat Frog.
For fishing heavy cover like lily pads and laydowns, hollow-bodied topwater frogs can be deadly. These lures can be slowly walked across the surface or hopped/twitched to mimic a struggling frog, enticing bass to explode from the cover. Great topwater frog lures include the Booyah Pad Crasher, LIVETARGET Hollow Body Frog, and Scum Frog.
When choosing topwater lures, consider factors like water conditions, cover, and the current mood of the bass. Experiment with different actions, sizes, and colors to see what the fish are responding to on a given day. Proper presentation and working the lure effectively is also key to triggering those heart-pounding topwater strikes.
Best Pencil Poppers
Pencil poppers are a versatile and effective topwater lure for catching bass. Some of the best options include the Yo-Zuri 3DB Series Pencil Popper 135, Evergreen Shower Blows, and Ima Little Stik 135. These lures feature a slender, cigar-shaped body that creates a subtle “popping” sound and disturbance on the surface.
The key when working a pencil popper is to use a gentle, twitching retrieve. Avoid making big, aggressive pops, as this can turn off finicky bass. Instead, use short, quick twitches of the rod tip to make the lure dart side-to-side across the surface. Pause periodically to let the lure sit still, then resume the twitching action. This erratic, life-like movement is irresistible to hungry bass.
Pencil poppers excel in both open water and around shallow cover like docks, lily pads, and fallen trees. Their slender profile allows them to be worked through tight spaces where other topwater lures may get hung up. Experiment with different colors and sizes to match the local baitfish.
To increase your hook-up ratio, try adding a small trailer hook to the back of the pencil popper. Use a short, light wire trailer hook to avoid interfering with the lure’s action.
When To Use Topwater Poppers
Topwater poppers are exciting and effective lures for catching bass. They work well in various situations and appeal to anglers of all skill levels.
Poppers shine when bass are actively feeding on the surface, often during low light conditions like early morning, late afternoon, or on overcast days. The commotion and splashing of a popper can trigger aggressive strikes from bass prowling the shallows for baitfish or other prey.
Working a popper around docks, fallen trees, and other shallow cover is effective. The slender profile allows it to be worked through tight spaces without getting hung up. Experiment with different retrieves, such as short, sharp “pops” to make the lure dart side-to-side, or a “walking the dog” retrieve to make it dance across the surface.
Poppers are also deadly when bass are relating to schooling baitfish. When you see surface boils, quickly fire out a popper and work it through the area. The commotion can draw strikes from bass chasing the baitfish.
Topwater poppers are always an exciting option. The explosive strikes and splashing surface action make them a blast to fish. Give them a try the next time you’re out on the water.
How To Fish A Popper
When fishing a popper, use a moderately fast retrieve, keeping the rod tip held high. This helps keep the popper moving along the surface at a variable rate, which is key for triggering explosive strikes from bass. The standard retrieve involves using a snapping motion with the rod while retrieving at a steady pace. Keeping a tight line to the lure is very important – you don’t want any slack when a fish hits. The more splashing and surface commotion the popper creates, the better.
Poppers work great in the springtime, but they can be effective any time of year when bass are actively feeding on the surface. To rig a popper, try to find one that resembles a dying baitfish – that’s what really drives the bass crazy. A popper with a concave front also helps increase the water displacement during the retrieve.
Use a monofilament or braid line, and consider using a clip instead of a loop or clinch knot. When working a popper, land it as close to your target as possible, wait for the water to settle, keep the rod tip high, and retrieve it at a steady, relatively quick pace, making a snapping motion to create a popping cadence. The more noise and commotion you can create, the more likely you are to get those explosive topwater strikes. It’s an exhilarating way to fish!
Why You Should Use A Topwater Popper For Fall Bass
As the water cools in the fall, bass become more aggressive and active, feeding heavily to prepare for winter. This makes topwater poppers an excellent choice during this time. The splashing and commotion created by a well-worked popper is irresistible to hungry bass looking to ambush their prey.
One of the best times to use a popper is during a mayfly hatch. As the mayflies emerge, the bass go into a feeding frenzy trying to eat them. Strategically placing casts around active mayfly hatches can lead to explosive topwater strikes, as the bass are focused on the easy meal and will strike a popper without hesitation.
Even when there’s no obvious hatch, a popper can still be deadly in the fall. As the water cools, the bass become more active and start roaming the shallows and around cover looking for an easy meal. Poppers worked around docks, fallen trees, and weed lines are a great way to trigger aggressive strikes. The splashing and commotion of the popper seems to drive the bass wild.
If you’re looking for heart-pounding topwater action this fall, be sure to tie on a popper. The bass will be waiting!
Mastering the Art of Topwater Fishing
Topwater fishing is an exhilarating experience that can yield incredible results when done right. I’ve spent countless hours perfecting my technique, and I can tell you, there’s nothing quite like the rush of a bass exploding on your lure. The key? Patience and precision. Let that popper sit. Give the fish time to notice it. And when they do… BAM! It’s game on. Remember, topwater isn’t just for summer. I’ve had some of my best catches in early spring when everyone else thought it was too cold. Trust me, those bass are always looking for an easy meal. So grab your rod, tie on a popper, and get out there. Whether you’re casting along the shoreline or working a weed line, the surface is where the action’s at. And who knows? Your next cast could be the one that lands that trophy bass you’ve been dreaming about. So what are you waiting for? The water’s calling, and those bass aren’t gonna catch themselves!
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