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An "On The Water Fishing Minute

When It Makes Sense To Fish On Top

Q. How Do You Know When It Is Time To Fish Top Water?

ZR. When water temperature reaches the 56-58 degree mark, you can begin to have success with top water.

An angler must use common sense however, when water is in the high 50's, you can't be rippin that bait a thousand miles per hour.  Slow it down and keep it in the strike zone.

I actually like to use a sub-surface bait like a minnow when the water is that cold.

As the water warms, you can begin to increase the speed of your surface presentation.

Q: Is top water a better technique for early morning and late in the day?

ZR: That is why you wake up at 4:30 AM.  The better bite is usually early and late, however the better top water fish often come at mid day.

I like to fish top water in the middle of the day around long points that go off into deep water.  I like spots that have about two feet on top, however have sharp drops on the sides.  Often, bass will suspend in the darker, deeper water and wait for an opportunity.

An erratic moving top water bait, mimics just what they are looking for.

Of course, you should always target visible cover when throwing top water, pay close attention to the shadows.

Post spawn is usually the time when a good top water bite develops.  Bass are geared to looking up when guarding fry or when feeding on shad.