Pop-R (Manufactured by Rebel) This type of bait can produce a great many bass when fished correctly. This bait right out of the package will make a gurgling kinda disturbance in the water when you twitch it. Once again, try to work this bait in one area as long as possible, after the twitches, let it sit while reeling in the slack.
Now, a little tip for you. If you take a straight file and file down the "Lower Lip" of this bait it will cause a "Spitting" action like some of the more expensive poppers.
Tournament Frog (Manufactured by Snag Proof) This bait is simply awesome when casting it in and around; lily pads, matted grass, fall downs, reeds, and simply any structure areas.
Spinner Bait (Manufactured by many companies) A Spinnerbait is probably one of the most versatile bass baits an angler can use because it can be worked (or presented) several different ways. One of the most effective ways to work a spinnerbait is to use it as a "Top Water" bait. You can use this as a top water bait by a technique known as "Waking or Bulging." You simply do this by casting it out, now, right when it hits the water you start your retrieve fast enough to keep this bait on the surface. It will flutter and pop up and down just under the surface, but make sure that you keep it more on top than in the water.
Now comes the tip for top water fishing. Most anglers will set the hook too early on a top water bait because of being a visual type of fishing. The excitement of seeing a bass blow up on a surface bait is such a rush that you sometimes get so excited you set the hook to soon! If you remember this tip I'm about to share with you, you'll find that you will probably catch more surface fish than you ever did before.
The key is to "Confirm the Pressure" of the bass before you set the hook. This can make all the difference in the world, believe me.. Let the bass take the bait and draw the slack out of your line causing a straight pressure between you and the fish. Once you FEEL the bass on the line, then set the hook. That's all there is to it!
In sharing this article with you, I hope that you will catch more fish and learn to be more confident with your baits. Don't over work your baits and you will become much more successful when it comes to increasing your numbers in catching bass. I hope this will help the many anglers that have sent me emails with questions concerning top water fishing as well as any angler that loves the sport of bass fishing.
If you wish to inquire into my 3-Day Bass Fishing School or simply wish to charter a bass fishing trip on the famous Lake Champlain or Lake George located in upstate New York, you can email me at: rlbrown@capital.net or simply call me at: (518) 597-4240, or you can visit my websites at: www.capital.net/~rlbrown or at www.fishing-boating.com/basscoach .
Anyway, I'd love to hear from you! Until next time, take care & God Bless!.."The Bass Coach".. Roger Lee Brown
