Fishing is a great way to enjoy when you want to spend time with your friends and family outdoor. The only idea of getting near some water, catching a fish and cook it there seems amazing. And the actual process of catching a fish is even more adventurous. For fishing, you need a plan, of course, then select a fishing spot such as a well-stocked pond, lake or river. Find out what kind of fish you want to catch then go to the place where it lives. Take your time to know about that fish and the kind of bait you need.
What are topwater lures?
You can use lures to attract and catch a fish. Topwater lures are fun to fish. It is also known as the surface lure. It is a type of fishing lure, that floats on the surface. Fish get curious and try to strike the lure. They often resemble smaller creatures that serve as food for target fish species. The action that a topwater lure makes as it travels along the surface is one of the key features of surface lures. And the more effective ones are those whose action resembles that of an actual living creature.
Topwater lures are used to catch a variety of fish. These are effective whether the fish prowls in two feet of water or deep in vegetation. Different types of topwater lures are available in the market these days and they all make noise. By noise, we don’t mean sounds like a bomb exploding but noise such as some pop, splash, vibrate or bubble. Few also some combination of these. These may seem silent for you but not for fish in the water. Let’s discuss some of the types and how to use topwater lures.
How to use a topwater lure?
Fish respond differently to various types of freshwater lures. How you work it also depends on the conditions of the water. Smooth water requires gentle presentations, whereas choppy water requires you to make a statement. When you need to retrieve, topwater lures also guide you according to its type.
- Cast the lure. It will splash on calm or little breezy water. Then let it sit there for a while until it gets quiet.
- Cast it so that it lands gently. It will make rings on hitting the water surface. Wait for the rings to slow down and disappear until the lure gets quiet again.
- The next step depends on the types of lure you use. If you are using a popper, snap it. It will make rings and then let it sit quietly again. You might have got the idea of what are you trying to do here. This process of popping the lure and making rings attracts the fish.
- When there comes a fish behind a lure, you will see a boil behind a topwater. The boil refers to swirling and flattening of the water.
- When the rings and splashed water disappears, fish will strike the lure and that is the time to retrieve.
Now you see it is not that difficult as you might have thought. It just takes time and practice. And you also need to be patient enough to look for the signs. Timing is important.
To ease out the fishing process using a topwater lure for you, let’s discuss some of the types of topwater lures and how you can use those specific ones.
Hollow Bodied Frogs:
Around thick grass and matted vegetation, the hollow-bodied frog is the best topwater lure. And it also comes through clean because of its weedless nature. For this topwater lure:
- Use a high-speed reel, a long heavy flipping stick and a heavy braided line of about 50 to 65 pounds.
- Cast the frog out and twitch it.
- If there is an open spot along the matted grass, pause and twitch it in place.
- Make sure it is completely submerged when you get a blowup.
- Retrieve.
Walk-The-Dog Stick Bait:
This topwater lure is best for catching topwater bass when they are feeding on shad or they are present in open water.
- Attach a 50-pound monofilament with spool and fast reel, use a heavy power rod with a longer foot medium of about 7, 71/2.
- Cast the lure far from you so that the fish doesn’t see you while chasing the lure back during the retrieve.
- Twitch the tip of your rod a few centimeters or sometimes inches, then at once drift it back towards the lure. It will create a slack in your line.
- Jerk and repeat and bring it to the boat. Twitching against the slack will create that left-right action.
Buzzbait:
Buzz baits are weedless. You can use it along docks, loose pads or shallow grass. It is very effective for catching brass when the fish is shallow and feeding. Use a 6.4:1 reel with a 30-pound braided line. Use a 7-foot medium-heavy rod. Using a buzzbait is very simple.
- Cast it out near the fish you want to catch.
- Then wind it back. Make sure that it is on the surface.
- Keep it slow enough to make a good bubble trail and also fast enough to keep it on the surface.
Propbaits:
Propbaits have an additional moving component, propellers. When you retrieve propbaits, they create a rippling effect on the water. You can hear them as they move along the water. Propbaits also kick up a small amount of water. If you want to attract brass, these topwater lures are excellent.
Conclusion:
Many artificial lures are available in the market these days. And the methods of fishing with them are almost similar. As these lures mimic that actual bait, you should be well aware of the difference between a variety of topwater lures as well as the kind of fish you want to capture and water conditions as well. Fishing with topwater lures is not difficult, it just requires practice.