I want to become a better topwater fisherman. My problem is knowing when to throw a popper vs a chugger vs a walk the dog bait. What about a buzzbait vs a frog?
I want to become a better topwater fisherman. My problem is knowing when to throw a popper vs a chugger vs a walk the dog bait. What about a buzzbait vs a frog?
Poppers are best in calmer water, in a chop they won't do what they're suppose to. A "spook' type bait and buzzbait will work in calm and a chop. I have both tied on most the time, one will work better than the other, depending on time of year and conditions. Buzzbait will work with some scattered weeds. I reserve a frog for when none of the others will work(slop), or trees that are half out of the water. You can sometimes pick off a fish without getting to close, then move in and pitch it.
I like 4 topwaters (not counting frogs - different technique to me) and the 4 I like are :
P70 - Stumps, laydowns, grass line, sparse reeds, docks. Relatively light ripple to calm for me. Primarily postspawn through fall. I like a little stain but will fish in clear water as well. The P70 is a target bait for me. When I think they are on wood, dock pilings, etc. I prefer the P70. It will also work like a spook as well as splash.
Buzzbait -Stumps, laydowns, grass line, docks, riprap. Anytime the water is over 55 degrees, I will throw it and especially in dirty water and low light or shade. You can take a big blade, bend it and work it really slow.
Spook - Points, grass line, docks, open water, clear water, standing timber. I like relatively clear water with the spook. Works well in chop and windblown points.
Propbait (Brians, Mimic, LC Kelly J, H2o) - I love them during the spawn, when bream are bedding, around docks and grass line. I prefer it over the P70 during the summer and will fish it all day when the bream are bedding. Jason Quinn made this real popular a few years back, but grandpa showed it to me with an old devil's horse 25 year ago.
Those are just general things I like and I am by not means an expert at topwater fishing, but it is DEFINITELY fun. I like braid with the spooks and buzzbaits. I like 15-20lb CXX with the popper and the probbait. I find that the stiffer line does not tangle around the props or trebles like braid will. Also, I am target casting in clearer water and may let the bait sit for a while at times and prefer the green color of CXX in that situation.
Try this on points when the wind and waves are up. The large size Ozark Woodchopper uses 2.5 in. stainless steel props on the ends, is heavy, and throws through the wind. The large props really disturb the water and draw those bass which have come shallow with the wind and waves.
Good Fishing!
Flatlands Custom Tackle
Oscar Custom Baits
X-Factor Lures
Crimson Creek Baits
Try a yellow magic, zell pop, or a pop'n image. You can work them many different ways in a single cast. You can make them pop, quick spit,or walk fairly easy. Good luck.
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