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Different lures have their own characteristics and purposes. They can vary in application, be surface or deep-sea, and have different shapes. But topwater lures are unique baits, which can be considered a special type. There's a wide variety and a whole separate group, always in demand. They've proven their superiority in catching predatory aquatic creatures.
What is this bait?
A topwater is a surface, voluminous bait that's excellent for catching river alligators, as Yenisei anglers call large, toothy pike. A unique feature of these baits is that they produce a distinctive sound when retrieved. This sound is produced when the topwater moves close to the surface of the water.
Furthermore, the included accessories create unusual ripples on the water's surface, which is excellent for attracting predators. The lure's additional components deserve special mention. They are made of various feathers and rattles. They perform their functions effectively during retrieval, particularly attracting the attention of larger pike.
What types of baits are considered topwater?
An entire group has united under this name. It includes:
- Walkers or walkers are active, floating wobblers designed for surface fishing, attracting a variety of predatory fish;
- Poppers are baits that have special funnels in their head, which create a gurgling sound when moving;
- Crawlers are imitators of insects found in water;
- Gliders are baits that imitate various beetles and frogs, most often used in dirty waters;
- Propbaits are lures with propellers that create a splash when retrieved. Even the oldest and laziest predator will bite on such a bait;
- Spinnerbaits are wobblers that allow you to catch trophy specimens of predators both in the depths and on the surface of water bodies.
What are the characteristics of topwater lures for catching predators?
Surface fishing often attracts alligators and bass. They come to the surface to feast on the live flesh of small fish. And they simply can't resist attacking such an amazing bait. Pike attacks most often occur at the end of summer.
Pros and cons of the bait:
- They are suitable for any body of water, both deep and shallow.
- Many models are weedless lures, which makes it possible to catch predators in polluted areas of lakes and rivers.
- Topwaters are capable of attracting the attention of active and passive bloodthirsty individuals.
- Allows fishing at night.
- The process of wiring can be observed from the side and allow the predator to completely swallow the bait.
Flaws:
- Fishing with these types of baits is only possible during the warm season, in clear, windless weather.
Topwater tackle
The lure is cast using lightweight spinning rods. Longer, plug-in rods are also available for long casts. Monofilament line is most often used on trophy fishing trips. Lure colors are selected to match the environment and weather. When the sun is shining, subdued topwater lures are used. The opposite is true in cloudy weather.
Wiring technique
Anglers have a wide range of options for experimentation. Therefore, when using a visible lure, it's possible to simulate the movements of a live bait, using a topwater as an imitation. However, there are also classic options:
1. Vibrating wiring creates movements that imitate rodents, insects, mice, which is produced by the tip of the spinning rod.
2. Christmas tree or dog walk, rhythmic wiring with pulling the bait and periodic pauses.
3. A steady retrieve is used in new bodies of water to detect the presence of predators if you don't have a fish finder. The retrieve is interspersed with long pauses and short breaks.
4. Jerk, involves jerks of varying strength with periodic long pauses.
These are the unique properties of the lures described above, which are popularly called topwaters.
