There’s nothing quite like it—the sound of a frog lure slapping the water at dawn, a pause, then BOOM! A bass explodes from below in a heart-pounding strike that sends ripples across the surface. For many anglers, summer is topwater season, and mastering it can take your bass fishing game to another level.
When the water warms and bass move shallow in the early morning and late evening, topwater lures become your best friend. This guide will show you how, where, and when to throw topwater baits for the most explosive summer strikes.
🎣 Why Summer is Prime for Topwater Action
As water temps climb into the 70s and 80s, bass activity shifts:
- Shallow Feeding Windows: Bass often move shallow to ambush baitfish during the cooler parts of the day.
- Aggressive Behavior: Warm water means faster metabolism—bass strike more violently.
- Surface Prey: Frogs, insects, and minnows become plentiful, drawing bass upward.
☀️ Morning and evening are your magic hours for topwater chaos. On overcast days, that window can stretch all day.
🪝 Best Topwater Lures for Summer Bass
Not all topwater baits are created equal. Here’s a quick breakdown of the must-have baits:
1️⃣ Walking Baits (e.g., Zara Spook, Heddon Super Spook Jr.)
- When to Use: Calm mornings and evenings.
- Why It Works: The “walk-the-dog” motion mimics a wounded baitfish.
- Pro Tip: Pause occasionally—many strikes happen when the bait stops.
2️⃣ Poppers (e.g., Rebel Pop-R, Strike King KVD Splash)
- When to Use: Over shallow structure like rocks and docks.
- Why It Works: The popping sound attracts bass from a distance.
- Pro Tip: Short pops followed by a pause trigger aggressive hits.
3️⃣ Frogs (e.g., Booyah Pad Crasher, Spro Bronzeye Frog)
- When to Use: Heavy vegetation and lily pads.
- Why It Works: Slides over weeds where other lures can’t go.
- Pro Tip: Don’t set the hook immediately—wait until you feel the weight.
4️⃣ Prop Baits (e.g., Whopper Plopper, Devil’s Horse)
- When to Use: When bass are active and chasing.
- Why It Works: Creates a commotion that pulls bass in from far away.
- Pro Tip: Vary retrieve speed to see what triggers strikes.
🌾 Where to Target Summer Bass With Topwater
Location is everything. Focus on:
✅ Shady Shorelines – Bass seek cooler water under overhanging trees.
✅ Weed Mats and Pads – Prime real estate for ambush predators.
✅ Points and Flats – Great for walking baits and prop baits in low light.
✅ Docks and Submerged Timber – Bass hide here during midday heat.
📍 Bonus Tip: On windy days, fish the calm side of the lake where baitfish gather.
⏰ Timing is Key: When to Throw Topwater
- 🎯 Early Morning (5:30–8:00 AM): Cooler water and active bass.
- 🎯 Late Evening (6:30–9:00 PM): Golden hour for surface strikes.
- 🌥 Overcast Days: Extend topwater action well into midday.
Avoid high sun periods unless you’re fishing shaded or heavily vegetated areas.
💪 Tips for Maximizing Your Topwater Success
✔️ Use the Right Gear
- Rod: 6’6”–7’3” Medium-heavy with fast tip for walking baits and poppers.
- Reel: High-speed baitcaster (7:1 or faster) for quick pickups.
- Line: 30–50 lb braid for frogs; 12–15 lb mono for walking baits.
✔️ Pause and Wait
Many anglers set the hook too early. Wait until you feel the fish before swinging.
✔️ Mix It Up
Bass can be picky—switch between lure types and retrieve speeds until you dial in what they want.
🏆 Why Topwater Fishing Is So Addictive
It’s not just about catching fish—it’s about watching the drama unfold on the surface. Each strike feels like a shot of adrenaline, and in summer, opportunities abound.
🎯 Put in the time now, and you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable blowups and trophy catches.
🎒 Quick Summer Topwater Checklist
✅ Walking baits for open water
✅ Frogs for heavy cover
✅ Polarized sunglasses to spot shade lines
✅ Early alarm clock for morning missions
