the blood line of the bait fish. The Clear Series Ricos have been redesigned from inside out and are the first of their kind to have colored weights in the body.
Timing is everything when it comes to top water fishing. Taking in all the perspectives of the environment going on around you is a crucial step. Are there birds overhead, mayflies buzzing around, shad boiling etc.? Once you start to put the puzzle together and find the bait fish, it is time to start poking around and see what is going on. Old school mentality for top water fishing was first light and at dusk. This is hardly the case and your top water rod should be an absolute stand by on the deck from April to October.
When throwing a variety of top water baits the retrieve is the single most important factor on landing that fish. I always start my retrieve very slow with my popper baits and wait for the circles to disappear. If that doesn’t get a few strikes I will speed it up until the fish tell me what speed they like to see the bait coming back to the boat. The fish will tell you what your cadence needs to be, so pay attention! You may not land every blowup that hits the popper so don’t be disappointed. Setting the hook on a top water fish can be a little tricky. Over time you will get the hang of
setting the hook and how hard to set the hook based on your line of choice, whether it is braid or mono. Braided line, the fish usually will set itself. With Mono you’ll feel the stretch and have the ability to sweep set it and play the fish a little tougher.
In closing I will be doing some promotional give-a- ways that are exclusive to the western bass members and readers. This is going to be done on a gentleman’s
promise so here goes.
PROMOTIONAL GIVE-awaY
For any of the western bass members or readers who don’t own a Rico or Rio Rico, I want to be the first guy to give you the #1 popper bait on the market. Let’s face it, if you don’t own the best plug you’re fishing with a second rate bait. Send me your top water lure and I will send you back a brand new Rico or Rio Rico of my choice. The first 15 anglers who do this will have a Rico sent back to them at their provided address.
Good luck and see you next month!!
Issue 1 April 2011
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