Tips for Topwater Bass
By Legendary Angler, Gary Roach - Mr. Walleye
1 – Topwater anglers always set the hook too soon and then cuss when the lure comes flying back at them. Count to two after you see the boil. I tend to reel in the slack and drop the rod tip when I see the fish strike the lure, which takes about two seconds. Hesitate and every time you set the hook there will be a bass on.
2 - After casting a topwater always wait a few seconds until the ripples are gone. Then twitch the lure a few times before starting the erratic retrieve.
3 - Always be prepared to set the hook immediately after that lure hits the water. It’s amazing how many anglers are so surprised that a topwater lure gets struck as soon as it touches down that they almost always miss the fish.
4 - If bass are just bumping the lure and not opening their mouths to inhale the bait, tie a three inch piece of red yarn around one of the hooks. This can trigger a fish to grab the bait instead of just nudging it.
5 - Some anglers like to burn a topwater buzzbait over slop and around lily pads and if a bass takes a whack at it, and misses, they grab another rod rigged with a topwater floater and they pitch the lure right out to that spot and let it sit until that hungry bass hits it.
P.O. Box 690
10360 Hall of Fame Dr. Hayward, Wis 54843 Phone (715) 634-4440
