12 replies to this topic

[DChiWildcats]

Hey guys,

I had a question when it comes to topwater bait selection. I love to fish a Super Spook. It casts like a bullet, walks really well, and gets some amazing reaction strikes when worked really fast on wind swept banks.

My question is that I have a tournament coming up as a co-angler and was wondering if anyone threw a Super Spook in super gin clear water? I have never fished Lake Mead before and was wondering if a Super Spook might be too big due to how clear the water is. I have caught 1lb. bass on Super Spooks before but was wondering if it works well for Smallmouth too? Who throws it on braid?

What is your favorite topwater bait for gin clear water on lakes with a largemouth and smallmouth mix?

[irnwrkr]

I have had luck with a spook in clear water. Visibility was between 6 and 8 ft. All I usually throw is the bone color. Confidence is half the battle.

[Bluebasser86]

A clear or bone colored super spook is a great bait in clear water for smallmouth at times. I fish it on mono and fish it fast so they can't get a good look at it. It gets some vicious reaction strikes. A walking bait is my favorite topwater in super clear water because I can fish it fast so they can't inspect the bait. I also like swimbaits in super clear water.

[Sam]

<sup>DChi, how about introducing yourself on the Introduction section so we will know more about you and your fishing experience.

Also, if you add your home location we can give you more help.

As for your queries:
1. You can throw the Super Spook in any water, including gin clear.
2. Have no idea if it works the same for smallmouth.
3. I throw it on mono as it is a treble hook bait.
4. Favorite topwaters include a) Cavitron buzzbait; RICO; c) frog.

If you ask about Lake Meade in the geographical section and also about what baits are best for smallmouths in the smallmouth section you will receive many wonderful responses.

Welcome to the forum. Looking forward to reading your posts.</sup>

[Marty]

Smallies aren't shy about hitting lures that some think are too large for them.

[grumpydog]

I wouldnt throw on on braid in clear water. I use the lightest mono I can get away with depending on the cover.
My favorite is a clear torpedo, start with the tiny, then depending on how aggressive the bite is, I may go to the magnum. Vary the retrieve, with frequent rests to allow the ripples to completely settle. Some of the most violent strikes come while at rest, or on the first movement after the rest.

[MichBassMan]

Welcome to the forum. Although I love the spooks in general, I much prefer a pop-r or a chug-bug in clear water. I also prefer mono over braid for any topwater except a frog. Good luck, let us know how you make out.

[WRB]

If You are fishing the US Open at Mead ,Rick Tabor won that event many years ago using a modified Spook with split ring hung treble hooks (todays Super Spook).
The problem with braids is it's too limp and the Spook can over run it snagging the front treble. Some Spook specialist use fly line dressing to help stiffen the line and it helps the line float better. I would use either 12 lb Big Game or 14# P -Line FluoroClear with about 3' of fly line dressing.
Owners Zip n Ziggy in shad color is great at Mead for both LMB and SMB, the clear shad Spook is also a good choice for top water. Spooks will attract strippers at Mead!
Hard jerk baits ( Pointers) would be another reaction b lure to consider at Mead and you better have Roboworms to finesse fish with and Phenix or similar jigs to fish any wood with, good luck and stay cool!!
Tom

[noah3d]

The largest spook is a go to top water on lake Lanier. People will walk it as fast as they can. The spotted bass will hit to kill it then eat it. If they hit it keep hitting it. They will decide they can't kill it so they will eat it. That is why it is important to make a long cast.

[smalljaw67]

I caught my personal best smallie on a regular old spook before there was a super spook. The old spook was 7/8oz and I used a color called shore minnow to catch a 5lb. 4oz smallie in gin clear water. Walking baits make smallies mad for some reason and the spook is my favorite but now I like the super spook jr, just a tad bit smaller so it appeals to a wider range of fish which is what I would go with in a tourney.

[skeletor6]

I got the regular super spook in bone and feel it is too big for the waters I fish. There aren't bass greater than 3 lbs. I would feel I'd achieve more general success with the super spook jr.

As with what michbassman, he too fishes the same state as I. Pop-r's have always been successful for me. I am sure that varies with location but if the jr. Gives you greater confidence, by all means you should switch to it.

[Rumslo]

Love the Super in clear when there is ripple on the water. I go to the bone if no ripple. I've but everything from 1/2 pound to 5 pound in the boat on the super. I would stay with mono line.

[skeletor6]

Love the Super in clear when there is ripple on the water. I go to the bone if no ripple. I've but everything from 1/2 pound to 5 pound in the boat on the super. I would stay with mono line.

Interesting, I have the regular 5" in bone and it looks huge. Location for sure matters fish do not grow here like some of your avatar pics.

Definitely use mono line, use it for all top water except frogs IMHO