There’s something electric about early summer mornings—the kind where the mist hovers low on the water, the birds are just waking up, and the first cast of the day draws a violent explosion on the surface. That’s the magic of topwater bass fishing in early summer. If you haven’t tapped into this adrenaline-packed window, now’s the time. Let’s break down why this season is prime time for topwater bites, and how to get your game dialed in.
Why Early Summer Topwater Fishing Hits Different
Early summer is a transition period. Bass are coming off the spawn and are hungry, territorial, and more than willing to crush something skimming across the surface. The water’s warming up, baitfish are schooling tight, and there’s just enough calm in the mornings for topwater lures to shine.
This is your chance to target aggressive bass in shallow and mid-depth water while the sun is low and the bite window is hot.
Timing: When to Hit the Water
Your best chance? 30 minutes before sunrise to about 9 a.m. After that, the sun starts climbing, and bass tend to slide into deeper or shaded structure. You’ll also get a second bite window in the last hour of daylight.
Pro Tip:
Watch the moon phase. Mornings following a full moon can be slower—bass may have fed heavily overnight. New moon mornings, however, tend to fire off strong at first light.
Where to Target Early Morning Bass
Location is everything in early summer. Focus on:
- Shallow flats with scattered grass or lily pads
- Back pockets and coves where bluegill are bedding
- Points with submerged structure (logs, rocks)
- Shorelines with overhanging cover or docks
Bass will cruise these areas looking to ambush baitfish, frogs, and insects. Targeting transitions—where deep water meets shallow—is key.
Topwater Lures That Deliver Explosive Strikes
You’ve got options when it comes to topwater. Here’s what belongs in your early summer arsenal:
1. Walking Baits (e.g., Zara Spook, Sammy)
- Best for calm mornings.
- Use in open water and over submerged structure.
- Work it with a steady “walk-the-dog” motion to mimic fleeing baitfish.
2. Poppers (e.g., Rebel Pop-R, Rapala Skitter Pop)
- Great around docks and shaded banks.
- Short pops and pauses can trigger big bites.
- Bass often hit on the pause, so watch your lure closely.
3. Frogs (e.g., Booyah Pad Crasher, Spro Bronzeye)
- Ideal for heavy vegetation and lily pads.
- Cast deep into cover and hop it slowly across.
- Use braided line for strong hooksets and to cut through weeds.
4. Buzzbaits
- For covering water quickly.
- Excellent around submerged grass or wind-blown banks.
- Cast and retrieve steadily—change blade styles depending on water clarity and chop.
Gear Tips for Topwater Success
- Rod: A 6’10″–7’2″ medium-heavy casting rod with a fast tip for good casting distance and control.
- Reel: High-speed baitcaster (7.1:1 or faster) to quickly pick up slack and set hooks.
- Line: 30–50 lb braid for frogs and buzzbaits; 12–17 lb monofilament for walking and popping baits (mono floats better than fluorocarbon).
Reading the Bite: Stay Alert
Early summer topwater hits aren’t always loud. Some bass suck in a bait with barely a ripple—others blow it up like a cannonball. Either way, don’t jerk the rod too fast. Wait until you feel the weight, then swing for the fences.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Morning Mayhem
There’s nothing quite like watching a bass erupt on a topwater bait just as the sky turns pink and gold. It’s pure heart-racing action that only early summer can offer. Whether you’re bank fishing a local pond or launching the jon boat at dawn, make the most of these topwater windows.
So grab a thermos of coffee, tie on your favorite surface lure, and get ready to start your day with a bang. Your bass game starts here—and it starts early.
