Despite the fact that topwater fishing is not always the most efficient technique for catching them, the adrenaline rush associated with surface strikes is still the ultimate bassin’ thrill! Also, at times during the post-spawn period, fishing on top seems to be the only way to catch a bass.
Though topwater lures are rarely fished during the coldest part of winter, bass will hit them most other times of the year. The rule of thumb is that the surface temperature of the water needs to be above 60 degrees. During most of the year, time of day is important in deciding when to use surface lures. If the day is sunny, topwaters are usually best early and late, when light penetration is low and shadows are long. On the other hand, if the sky is cloudy or drizzly, topwaters can produce all day long…even in summer. Stained water color can have the same effect as an overcast sky. It reduces light penetration and bass tend to remain in shallower water. This is another condition in which topwaters may be used throughout the day. Surface baits are also good at night, mainly during the summer months when water temperatures soar. The slow-moving daytime bass will roam and feed at night and a loud surface lure is a tempting target.
Where to fish topwaters is as important as when. One can either choose specific targets or cover general areas.These could include expanses of standing timber, large areas of shallow vegetation, underwater islands, steep creek channel banks or riprap around dams or bridges. Examples of specific targets might include blowndown trees, exposed stumps, bridge pilings, boat docks, isolated vegetation or holes in dense vegetation, slightly exposed brush piles or single standing trees. Continue reading – http://www.examiner.com/article/post-spawn-is-topwater-time-by-bill-vanderford?CID=examiner_alerts_article