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one untimely critical failure to become committed to upgrading your hardware.
I like to use Gamakatsu trebles and SPRO Power Split
Rings. I like to upsize both the
gauge and size of my hooks,
where applicable. In doing so. it
is important to consider how the
replacement hook will impact
the action of the lure. A hook that
is too large or heavy can negatively
impact the action of a topwater bait.
The only way to determine how the
bait will perform is to experiment
with different hook combinations.
ADD A FEATHER
One of the easiest ways to make your topwater offering more attractive is to swap out the undressed tail hook with a feathered treble. While some topwaters come with a dressed hook, not all are created equal.
I like to tie my own by using chicken hackles adding a few strands of krystal flash for a little extra attraction. Feathers are effective because they pulse and flash with the slightest movement. Even when the bait comes to rest motionless, the feather will continue to pulse. This subtle attractant can be key to triggering weary bass.
While there are many good off the shelf trailers with quality feathers and hooks, I prefer to tie my own using Gamakatsu trebles and chicken hackle to which I will add a few strands of krystal flash. Most of the time I stick with white feathers, but when targeting smallmouths or spotted bass I will add a hint of chartreuse. The advantage of tying your own trebles is that you can tailor the color, length and bulk to your liking. Just remember, too much bulk can impair a bait’s desired action.
Another simple and effective trick is to slip a feathered treble over the hook shank of a buzzbait (works great on a spinnerbait as well). While adding a treble may not be practical when fishing around heavy cover, there are plenty of opportunities when casting around sparse cover or open water to put this into practice.
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Adding a dressed
treble has two benefits.
First, it can increase the
strike to hookup ratio.
This is particularly true
when fishing for both
smallmouth and spotted
bass as they have a
tendency to slash at the
bait. Secondly, a feathered
treble can be a powerful
strike generating attractant.
Many anglers rely on
shrink tubing to keep the
trailer hook in place. A neat
little alternative I learned
from a buzzbait aficionado is
to thread a rubber skirt collar
onto the hook shank above the trailer hook. This allows the hook to move freely rather than being rigidly held in place. The end result, more hookups.
TECHNIQUE SPECIFIC
An all-purpose stick will certainly suffice, but if your passion is catching fish on top, a technique specific rod can go along way to increasing your success and enjoyment. A good topwater rod should be lightweight and well-balanced. A light tip helps to impart the proper action to the lure and also allows the fish to more fully engulf the bait. The rod must also have sufficient back bone to create a positive hookset but with enough flexibility to keep fish from pulling away from the hooks.
Most topwater anglers prefer a rod measuring between 6’6” and 7”. A shorter rod allows for accurate casting around cover while a longer rod aids in casting distance. There are many manufacturers who make great topwater rods. I have come to rely on two rods made by Cousins Tackle. For walking baits, poppers, and prop baits I like the GP 704T, a 7’ graphite popping rod. For buzzbaits, I like an FRB 733PT glass reaction bait rod. At 7’3” the added length helps to increase casting distance as buzzbaits are notoriously non aerodynamic.
With these five tips in mind, grab your favorite topwater. It’s time to take advantage of some of the most exciting fishing of the year.
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