How to Topwater Fish

Topwater Fishing Basics

Fish respond very differently to different types of topwater lures. Smooth water usually calls for a quiet and gentle presentation while choppy water requires anglers to make a statement. You will need to learn how to rig a topwater lure for different conditions. Swim a slider or a soft plastic erratically around rocks, edges, deadfall, or weeds but aggressively chug a popper around the same type of water when a strong wind creates a chop. If it isn’t working, try experimenting with a different approach.

Steps To Topwater Fish

1. You can use topwater lures such as poppers, which have a concave face that makes a big splash when you jerk the lure sharply on the surface.
2. Cast the lure to your desired location, then reel in using a retrieval motion that mimics a fish’s meal.
3. When learning how to topwater fish for bass, try “walk the dog” type lures that shake their head back and forth when you just twitch the tip of your rod in a rhythm. This shaking head action mimics a dying baitfish on the surface.