3 2 1 C
ool mornings and warm afternoons are a
sure sign that fall is in the air. Just as we
sense the changing seasons, so do the
bass. With shortened periods of sunlight and cooling water temperatures bass respond by
aggressively feeding up for the coming winter.
While there are many windows of opportunity
during the year to throw surface baits, fall is certainly
one of the best times to catch them on top. Here are
five easy tips that can help you put more fish in the
boat and increase your fishing enjoyment.
CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON WISELY
There are many different types of topwater baits on the market. Prop baits, walkers, poppers and buzzbaits are popular offerings and each has its own optimal time and place. Prop baits have enormous drawing power making them well suited to target fishing. Walkers and buzzbaits excel at covering large expanses of water while poppers with their spitting walk the dog action are candidates for double duty. A basic understanding of each bait style is an important key to success.
Are you ready to be challenged? Let’s take your topwater IQ to a higher level. For example, do you know when to select between a loud rattling stick bait and a wooden surface walker? Both are walk the dog style baits, but they are each very different. There are many factors to keep in mind: the attitude of the fish, the amount of wind, the amount of light in the sky, where the fish are positioned in the water column, etc. With a little homework and time spent on the water with rod in hand learning how each bait performs, selecting the proper bait for the conditions on hand will soon become second nature.
BRAID UP
Braided line possesses many key attributes which makes it the ideal line choice for throwing
FALL 2015
topwater baits. Braid allows for maximum casting distance, which is critical to efficiently cover large expanses of water. Because it has nearly zero stretch, braid helps to facilitate positive hookups by directing every bit of force generated by the hookset straight to the fish.
An additional benefit of braid’s lack of stretch is that topwater baits dependent on rod tip manipulation require far less angler effort, an important plus for those who spend long days on the water. Last but certainly not least, braid floats and won’t pull your favorite topwater under the surface.
I have found 30lb Sunline FX1 to be ideal for topwater fishing. Because braided line is very supple and has no memory, it can sometimes catch in split rings or tangle in treble hooks. A short leader length of 20 lb Super Natural Monofilament serves to nullify this concern.
HARDWARE UPGRADES
Even though more and more manufacturers are finishing their baits with better quality hardware, it is still a wise idea to inspect each bait and replace any hooks or split rings that may be suspect. Over the years. I have had hooks and rings fail. It only takes
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