Nothing, and I truly mean not a single thing, compares to a topwater blow up. This is the aquatic equivalent of a chess game, the World Cup, and a Super Bowl, all rolled into one. Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the thrilling world of topwater bass fishing, where the action is fast, the strikes are furious, and every cast is a potential story waiting to be told.
Choosing the Right Lures
There’s a myriad of topwater lures available, each with its own unique advantages.
- Poppers: These lures make a splash that mimics the action of prey on the water’s surface. They’re great for long casts and require a unique “pop and pause” retrieval technique. My personal favorite is the Rebel Pop-R. Tried and true, this bait still catches the big ones and doesn’t break the bank.
- Walking Baits: Ideal for covering large areas, walking baits are manipulated with a technique known as “walk the dog,” causing the lure to zig-zag across the surface, mimicking an injured baitfish. I will always recommend the Super Spook and Spook Jr – for colors I have always had great luck with the color “Baby Bass” and “Foxy Shad”.
- Prop Baits: These lures use one or more propellers to churn the water, creating enticing bubbles and disturbances. They’re perfect for calm, clear water where subtler lures might go unnoticed. The Whopper Plopper or competitor equivalent are hands down some of the most fun you can have while fishing. Just bomb that puppy and burn it back to the bank or the boat and hang on.
- Buzzbaits: These are technically wire baits, but they function much like topwater lures. Their loud, splashing retrieve can draw bass from deep hiding places. I haven’t ventured into many companies for buzzbaits, because I feel like the cheaper options work just as good as any. I personally prefer the Booyah Buzz Buzzbaits. As a hot tip, I typically remove the skirts and use a frog or craw style trailer for bulk.
Highlight: Topwater Frogs in Summer
While all these lures have their place, there’s something special about topwater frogs, especially during the summer months. This period marks a time of heavy vegetation in many waters, making it perfect for frog lures.
Topwater frogs are designed to mimic the natural movements of a frog. They are perfect for “walking” across lily pads and thick moss without getting caught up in the vegetation – places where bass love to hide and ambush prey in the warm weather. The soft, hollow-bodied design of most frog lures also means they collapse when bitten, allowing the hook to set effectively. There is no wrong way to fish a frog in my opinion, burn it back, twitch and pause, pop it, whatever. Let the bass tell you what they want and don’t be afraid to throw it into the thickest of slop. I recommend throwing a frog on a Medium Heavy to Heavy rod, depending on vegetation.
What Frog to Throw
In regards to what frog to throw, there are so many great options it is so hard to not throw a variety. But, if I only had to ever pick up a single frog again it would be the Booyah Pad Crasher. It is durable, comes in fantastic colors, and doesn’t blow your wallet up like many other brands. I have caught more fish on the Ole Smokey color than I have any other topwater bait combined. I have about 30 in stock, that’s how much I like it.
Conclusion
Every lure has its day, but when the sun is shining, the water is thick with vegetation, and the bass are feeling aggressive, nothing quite matches the thrill of a topwater frog lure. It’s a testament to the strategy, anticipation, and adrenaline-filled payoff that makes topwater bass fishing so beloved. Remember, each outing is a chance to learn and refine your technique. So get out there, try these lures, and enjoy the thrill of the strike.
Enjoy those blow ups and hold on!
Tight lines,
Dawson