2 1 T
opwater fishing is the undisputed most exciting
way to catch bass and there are many different
baits to choose from and they all have their time and place. Most of the topwater attention is on the
largemouth, which is generally a shallow water approach
with shallow water targets seeing the most action with
walking baits, poppers, frogs, and buzzbaits.
But, when it comes to other bass species, much more
of the water column can be in play and some different lure
types excel for spots and smallies. Targeting bass of all
types with topwater share some similarities, but these two
sometimes play by their own rules.
WORK THE FLATS FOR SMALLMOUTH
The smallmouth bass is an adept hunter and one of the primary places they search when looking to feed is on the flats. Shallow flats can be some of the best areas for fishing topwater for smallmouth, because you can fish them quickly and effectively. The shallow water also lends itself to surface baits because the fish can find them from great distances and if they are in the feeding mood, they can’t resist a topwater lure.
Finding the perfect flat can be done with some map study and experimentation, but having deep water nearby is the most significant part of the equation. Smallmouth bass are fish on the move and having deep water nearby allows them to feel secure while being close to flats to feed and they can move back and forth as needed. If a smallmouth is up shallow on the flats, it’s likely just to feed and they will be ready to eat.
Walking baits and small poppers are two of the best lure types for fishing the flats for smallmouth as you can fish them quickly and effectively. When fishing around shallow targets like small rockpiles and docks, it can be hard to beat a small popper, although it is much harder to cover water efficiently.
LOCATE THE BAIT
This is an obvious one, but the presence of baitfish is one of the best ways to ensure that you are around spotted and smallmouth bass and it can lead to some excellent topwater action.
As they are schooled up and actively chasing baitfish, the spot and smallmouth will act more like a striper and thrash on the surface or boil and lead to some exciting surface action. Largemouth will do this, but where spots and smallmouth tend to live makes it a much more common situation.
Modern electronics have made
finding schools
of shad and
baitfish
much easier,
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Summer 2022
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