Winter 2026
®
always have a topwater ready. Topwater lures shine around shallow cover such as emergent vegetation and laydowns, and they’re also effective over offshore structure like weed lines and underwater points. The side-to-side action of the Super Spook attracts bass whether they’re chasing bait or reacting to surface movement. The Rebel Pop-R is great when you need pinpoint casts, and its popping action followed by a pause can be deadly near fish-holding cover. My go-to is a Heddon Super Spook and Rebel Pop-R.
CREATURE BAIT
From flipping and pitching shallow cover to dragging a bait along offshore weed lines, a Texas-rigged soft plastic creature bait is one of the most versatile tools in bass fishing. It allows you to slow down and target sluggish fish, and it works
Photo: Erik Gaffron
year-round. Stock your tackle box with tungsten weights from 1/8- to 1-ounce; if choosing only a few, go with 1/4- , 3/8-, and 1/2-ounce. Use the lightest weight that still allows you to fish effectively, as lighter weights give your bait more natural action. Keep an assortment of extra-wide gap hooks, traditional worm hooks, and flipping hooks in sizes 3/0, 4/0, and 5/0. My creature bait top choices are a Yamamoto Flappin’ Hog or Big Bite Baits Craw Tube.
TOPWATER FROG
Photo: Erik Gaffron
Whenever vegetation
thickens to the point where
sub-surface lures can’t get
through, a topwater frog
becomes a perfect choice.
You can work it across the
surface of matted vegetation
where bass hide underneath.
Productive areas include lily
pads and mats of hydrilla,
eelgrass, or milfoil. I like to tie on a Northland Fishing Tackle
Reed-Runner Frog.
With the new fishing season approaching, now is a great time to get someone who is interested in bass fishing their first assortment of tackle. It will prepare them for their first fishing trip and give you an excuse to look at and buy some fishing gear. •
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