Using a topwater plug is an exciting and highly effective way to catch fish that strike on the surface, offering thrilling visual strikes that make it a favorite among anglers.
Topwater plugs are designed to mimic injured baitfish, frogs, or other prey struggling on the water's surface, enticing predatory fish to strike from below. Mastering their use involves understanding various retrieve techniques, timing, and environmental conditions.
Essential Topwater Plug Techniques
Different topwater plugs require specific retrieve styles to maximize their effectiveness. Here are the primary techniques:
1. Walking the Dog
This is perhaps the most iconic and effective retrieve for many pencil-shaped topwater plugs, creating a unique zig-zagging action that predatory fish find irresistible.
- Execution:
- Cast your lure to the desired spot.
- Point your rod tip down towards the water.
- Reel in any slack line until you feel slight tension.
- Give the rod tip a sharp, downward twitch while simultaneously reeling a quarter to a half turn of the handle to pick up slack. The lure will dart to one side (e.g., to the left).
- Immediately after, allow a slight pause for the lure to settle briefly, then repeat the process with another twitch and reel. This time, the lure will dart to the opposite side (e.g., to the right).
- Continue this rhythm – twitch, reel, pause, twitch, reel, pause – to create a continuous side-to-side "walking" motion. The action involves pulling the line, making the bait jolt to the left, and pulling the line again, making it jump to the right.
- Key: Maintain a consistent, rhythmic cadence. The pause between twitches is crucial as it often triggers strikes.
2. Popping and Chugging
This technique is used with "popper" style topwater plugs, which have a concave face designed to push water.
- Execution:
- Cast and let the lure sit for a few seconds.
- Give a sharp, short jerk of the rod tip, pulling the lure forward. The concave face will "pop" or "chug" water, creating a splash and gurgling sound.
- Immediately slacken the line to allow the lure to rest.
- Vary the intensity and duration of the pops, as well as the pauses between them. Sometimes a series of quick pops works, other times a single strong pop followed by a long pause is more effective.
3. Buzzing and Waking
Best suited for buzzbaits or certain prop baits, these lures create a disturbance on the surface as you retrieve them.
- Execution:
- Cast out and immediately begin a steady retrieve.
- The blades or propellers on the lure will churn the water, creating a "buzz" or "wake" effect.
- Maintain a consistent speed that keeps the lure on the surface and making noise.
- Vary your retrieve speed slightly to see what triggers a strike.
When to Use Topwater Plugs
Timing and conditions play a significant role in topwater plug effectiveness.
| Condition/Time | Ideal for Topwater Plugs |
|---|---|
| Light Conditions | Low light conditions: Dawn, dusk, overcast days, or even bright moonlight. |
| Water Temperature | Warmer water (generally above 60°F/15°C), when fish are more active and willing to look up. |
| Water Clarity | Clear to moderately stained water, allowing fish to see the lure's silhouette. |
| Forage Activity | When baitfish are near the surface or fish are actively feeding on insects or frogs. |
| Cover | Near lily pads, submerged timber, weed lines, or docks where fish ambush prey. |
Recommended Equipment
Using the right gear can significantly enhance your topwater fishing experience:
- Rod: A medium to medium-heavy power rod, typically 6'6" to 7'6" in length, with a fast action tip. This allows for accurate casting and effective lure manipulation while still having enough backbone to handle strong strikes.
- Reel: A baitcasting reel with a moderate gear ratio (e.g., 6.4:1 to 7.1:1) is popular for topwater, offering a balance of power and retrieve speed. Spinning reels can also be effective, especially for lighter lures.
- Line:
- Monofilament (Mono): Its buoyancy helps topwater lures float higher and gives them a more natural action. It also offers good stretch, which can prevent hooks from tearing out during aggressive surface strikes.
- Braided Line: Offers superior sensitivity and no stretch, making it excellent for feeling subtle bites and setting hooks. Many anglers add a short monofilament or fluorocarbon leader to braided line for stealth and to allow the lure to move more freely.
Tips for Success
- Vary Your Retrieve: Don't be afraid to experiment with different speeds, pauses, and cadences until you find what the fish prefer on a given day.
- Patience is Key: Sometimes, letting the lure sit motionless for an extended period after it hits the water can trigger a strike, especially with poppers.
- Observe Your Surroundings: Look for signs of baitfish activity, feeding fish, or likely ambush points near cover.
- Set the Hook Correctly: When a fish strikes a topwater, resist the urge to immediately set the hook. Wait until you feel the weight of the fish on your line before sweeping the rod back to ensure a solid hookset. Early hooksets often result in missed fish.
- Sharpen Your Hooks: Topwater plugs often have treble hooks; ensure they are razor-sharp for better penetration during fast, aggressive strikes.
By understanding these techniques and tips, you can effectively use topwater plugs to experience some of the most exhilarating fishing action available. For more fishing tips and techniques and to learn about advanced bass fishing tips, explore reputable fishing resources. You can also dive deeper into understanding fishing lures to expand your arsenal.
