Topwater Preferences

[Guest Buck Creek Mike]

I am coming down over Labor Day and will be doing some fishing early in the mornings, and am a self professed topwater fanatic(maybe even sometimes to my own detriment). I guess first things first, is it a waste of time to try topwater at that time of the summer? (I would guess it's worth a try early, but I don't know for sure) I personally love to use a rapala skitter pop at LOZ and really anywhere else I fish, but with TR being as clear as it is are spooks better since you don't stop them as much? Also I have read a lot a red fin, which I am familiar with but have never used, is this a better option? i caught about a 3lb largemouth on LOZ a month ago with the skitter, but as I stated earlier, it is not as clear. I used to use spooks a lot more, matter of fact my first smallie (2.5lbs)came from Stockton with a Zara Puppy. I hate to be "that guy" just asking a bunch of questions, but it could really eliminate some trial and error time, which I will have little of that weekend. Thanks for any help. By the way I have looking at the maps and stuff on here and am formulating a plan that doesn't just involve topwater. I will be fishing with my father in law who likes to fish, but just isn't that experienced, so if I could put him on some fish I would score some good points.

[getfished]

The spook or smaller versions are good. So are chuggers. The alarm clock is your friend. Go very early. Often the bite is over just when folks get on the water. It doesn't usually last long unless it's cloudy and overcast.

[junkman]

I have always found this time of the year the best for top water. Usually late in the evening works for me. but I don't fish TR. so hopefully some one from there can help you better. By the way, the best top water plug I have ever used was a Chugger Jr. they don't make them anymore but keep your eye out for one.

[MstStudent10]

I've had the best luck with spooks and 'walk the dog' style of topwaters around TRL than I have poppers. Especially around shallower banks, or brush lines, or down the sides and inside of dock stalls. The best places I've had luck with poppers seem to be rocky areas right next to the bank while also being deep water, i.e. Rocky bluff banks.

[magicwormman]

The topwater bite has been very tough for me the last couple of months. You may catch a few short fish early or if you have some cloudy weather. I wouldn't waste too much time on it now. Come back in mid October or late April to early May and you will get your topwater fix. I prefer a spook, spook junior, giant dog x, or the fin. Good luck!!!

[Sore Thumbs]

Take a look at the Lucky Craft Gunfish. It can be walked and it has a cupped nose where it can be popped as well. The size is perfect for TR it is smaller than a Spook and bigger than a Spook jr. They have some great colors. Aurora Black is a great color. They also make one that is translucent on the bottom but the name of the color escapes me. Its a fish catching machine. As far as poppers go its hard to beat a Yellow Magic. Ima also makes an awesome wake bait called a Roumba.

[CaptainJoe]

I like the spook and PopR. I use the spook when they want continuous movement and the PopR when they want the occasional pause.

[rps]

The regulars on this board knew I would chime in.

Those are a few of many on a Norman Top Dollar. With practice you can walk it and you can fish it as a popper as well. It spits, dives, waddles, and walks as if it were drug afflicted. AND THEY ARE CHEAP!

[Ham]

It spits, dives, waddles, and walks as if it were drug afflicted. AND THEY ARE CHEAP!

until you have them custom painted.

[rps]

Shhhh. Everyone will do it.