WHY USE TOPWATER BAITS?
The attraction of fishing topwater baits lies in the visibility of the action. There is nothing more exciting than seeing the surge of predatory fish chasing your bait and the explosive bites on the surface. This technique is particularly effective during the early morning or late evening hours, or just before a storm, when predatory fish are active and ready to surface.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF TOPWATER BAITS:
- Popper: Popperbaits, with their concave front, are designed to be loud. They create a distinctive sound and intense water movements, making them irresistible during rod jerking.
- Stickbaits: Also known as pencil baits, these baits perform a 'walk the dog' action and are effective in enticing pike and perch, especially during pauses in reeling in.
- Propbaits: These baits have a spinning propeller that produces bubbles and sound as they are reeled in, ideal for stimulating active predatory fish.
- Frog Imitators: In summer, when pike feed on frogs, artificial frog imitators are perfect for fishing in and around aquatic plants and other hiding places.
EFFECTIVE USE OF TOPWATER BAITS
To use topwater baits effectively, you need a sturdy rod with little stretch in the line to answer fast and hard bites immediately. Choose a short to medium rod with fast action to ensure the best control and responsiveness. It is crucial not to react too quickly to visible bites; often predatory fish miss at the first attempt, and reacting too quickly can scare them off.