Topwater
Also called surface lure, top water
Any lure fished on the surface, where the strike happens in full view. Best at dawn, dusk and low light.
Topwater covers several families that share a location rather than a design: poppers that spit and chug, walking baits that glide side to side, prop baits that churn, buzzbaits that plane across the top, and hollow-body frogs that crawl over matted grass. What they have in common is that the fish has to leave the water column to eat.
Low light and warm water are the conditions. First and last hour of the day, overcast afternoons, and any time bait is showing on the surface. Cold water kills it, since bass will not come up through forty-five degree water for anything.
The hardest part is not fishing it, it is not reacting. A blowup makes everyone set the hook instantly, and instantly is too early.
Wait until you feel the fish's weight before setting. Setting on the splash pulls the bait away from a fish that has not closed on it yet.
Common questions
When is the best time to fish topwater lures?
Dawn and dusk in warm water, plus overcast days and any time you see baitfish on the surface. Topwater falls off sharply once water drops into the 50s.
Related terms
Where this comes up
The guides that use topwater and show it on real gear.
Topwater is one of 206 terms in the glossary.
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