There’s nothing quite like the heart-pounding explosion of a bass hammering a topwater lure. As late spring rolls into early summer and water temperatures climb into the 60s and 70s, the topwater bite ignites — and smart anglers know it’s the prime time to capitalize. But topwater fishing isn’t just about tying on a popper and hoping for the best. Success hinges on matching your tactics to the conditions. Here’s how to dial in your topwater game and trigger those epic strikes.
1. Timing Is Everything
When it comes to topwater fishing, early morning and late evening are your golden hours. Low light levels create prime conditions for fish to move shallow and hunt aggressively. During the heat of the day, bass often retreat to deeper, cooler water, so don’t waste precious energy flogging the shallows at high noon.
Tip: On overcast days or breezy mornings, you can stretch the topwater window a little longer. Bass will stay active longer if the sun stays hidden or if there’s surface chop that obscures their approach.
2. Choose the Right Topwater Bait
Not all topwater lures are created equal. Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right bait based on conditions:
- Walking Baits (e.g., Zara Spook, Heddon Super Spook Jr.)
Great for covering water quickly and triggering reaction strikes on calm or lightly rippled water. - Poppers (e.g., Rebel Pop-R, Rapala Skitter Pop)
Best when bass are finicky. The pop-pop-pause action mimics a wounded baitfish struggling on the surface. - Buzzbaits
When you need to call fish up in windy or choppy conditions, a buzzbait’s loud clatter can trigger aggressive strikes. - Frogs
Perfect for heavy cover like lily pads, grass mats, or flooded vegetation. Big bass love ambushing from the slop.
Pro Tip: Match the size of your bait to the local forage. If you see lots of small shad or bluegill, go smaller. If the forage is big, don’t be afraid to upsize for a true trophy.
3. Master the Retrieve
The biggest mistake many anglers make is working the bait too fast or too predictably. Here’s a breakdown:
- Walking Baits: Work with a steady “walk-the-dog” side-to-side motion, but vary your cadence to see what triggers strikes.
- Poppers: Cast near cover, let it sit until the ripples disappear, then give it a soft pop. Pause longer than you think — sometimes 5-10 seconds between pops.
- Buzzbaits: Keep the bait moving steadily, just fast enough to keep it on the surface. A slow-rolling buzzbait can be deadly.
- Frogs: Twitch them gently over the thick stuff, pausing over openings. Bass will often crush a frog when it hesitates.
Remember: Bass key in on erratic, wounded prey. Don’t make your retrieve look too perfect.
4. Location, Location, Location
Fish positioning changes fast as water warms. Here’s where to focus your efforts:
- Points and secondary points: Bass use these as highways to move from deep to shallow.
- Shallow flats with adjacent deep water: Perfect early summer ambush spots.
- Riprap, docks, and submerged vegetation: Structure that holds baitfish and provides ambush cover.
- Shade pockets: Especially midday, bass will position under overhanging trees, docks, and vegetation mats.
If you’re fishing a new lake or pond, start shallow early, and gradually move deeper as the sun climbs.
5. Gear Up for Success
Topwater fishing demands gear that can handle explosive strikes and rugged fights. Here’s the setup you’ll want:
- Rod: 6’6” to 7’ medium to medium-heavy fast action rod.
- Reel: High-speed baitcaster (7.1:1 or faster) to quickly pick up slack and set the hook.
- Line:
- Monofilament (15-20 lb): Great for walking baits and poppers because it floats.
- Braided line (30-50 lb): Essential for frogging or fishing in heavy cover.
Important: Avoid fluorocarbon for most topwater baits — it sinks and can kill the action of your lure.
Final Thoughts: Commit to the Strike
Topwater fishing is a mental game. Watching a bass blow up on your lure and missing it is maddening — but swinging too early often leads to more missed hookups. Train yourself to wait until you feel the weight of the fish before setting the hook. It’s one of the hardest but most important habits you can build.
As the water warms and the fish move into high gear, few tactics deliver more adrenaline and action than topwater fishing. Pick the right bait, fish smart, and stay sharp — this early summer could deliver some of your best catches yet.
