MJack

I’m not asking when is the best time to use topwater lures. I’m asking when is the best season (spring, summer, or fall) for each of the following topwater lures: buzzbaits, frogs, poppers, spooks, wakebaits, and whopper ploppers? For instance, summer may be the best season for frogs. And some may be equally good for all three seasons. I hope I’m making clear what I’m curious about. Thanks!

I love fishing topwater for bass, as most bass fisherman do. There are a lot of options out there. There are frogs, wakebaits, whopper ploppers, poppers, spooks, buzzbaits, Rapala original minnows, etc. I know when some are better such as frogs in moss or lilypads. But do you have a system to decide when to use which topwater? Not when to use topwater, but when to use which topwater. Thanks!

What are your two or three best bass lures in winter? Best in spring, etc.? Which lures do you have confidence in year around?

I put this list together today. Did I leave any good ones out? Did I get any on the wrong list? I’m assuming tight wobble are best for cold water. When do you throw tight wobble? Tight Wobble *Berkley Frittside, 5ft *Lunkerhunt Impact Flat Sided Squarebill, 0-2.5ft *Lunkerhunt Impact Jolt Flat Sided, 0-8ft *Rapala DT, 4 or 6 or 8ft, etc. *Rapala Ott's Garage Slim, 6ft *Rapala Ott's Garage Tiny, 4ft *Rapala Shallow Shad Rap, 3-6ft *Rumble Bug, 3/16oz, 4-7ft, 3/8oz, 8-10ft *Rumble Bug Shallow, 4-6ft *SPRO Little John Top 50, 3-5ft *Strike King Chick Magnet Jr., 2-4ft *Strike King Chick Magnet, 3-5ft *Whitty Flat, 5-7ft Wide Wobble *Bandit 100, 2-5ft *Bomber Shallow A, 0-1ft *Bomber Square A, 0-3ft *Lunkerhunt Impact Squarebill, 0-2.5ft *Mann’s Minus 1, 0-1ft *Whitty Squarebill, 3-4ft *Whitty -1, 1-1.5ft

I plan on targeting smallmouth and largemouth bass this winter using plastic lures. I’ll be fishing in the river and in ponds or lakes. I think maybe drop shot or split shot might work. I’m sure slow is the name of the game. Any suggestions or advice on technique or lures that work?

The 7ft Tatula medium regular rod?

I have three of the Daiwa Tatulas, two spinning and one casting. I haven’t tried the XTs. The ones I have cost about $150 each. Yet, they don’t have a medium fast casting rod that’s around 7ft. That’s why I thought of the XT. I have a Daiwa Aird-x, not sure how it compares with the XT.

I’m planning on getting a medium fast baitcasting rod for senkos, flukes, and jerkbaits. I’m torn between a Shimano Curado or a Daiwa Tatula XT. Any suggestions?

Just curious—what color Dingers? Also, what power spinning rod—medium light or medium?

I catch a lot of smallmouth bass off a Ned rig with Z-man finesse TRDs. I catch largemouth bass off weightless 5 inch senkos. Does anyone fish for smallmouth with a 4 to 6 inch plastic worm Texas rigged? If so, do you fish off the bottom or swim it back to you? Is it very effective?

SC meaning St. Croix? If so, which ones? Thanks!

Both that I lost hit the lure when it was motionless, and I didn’t realize it at first, kind of sucked it in. It was pitch dark with one of them. Plus, one was a topwater lure with only #10 hooks. I’m not sure I got the best hook set on either. What brand is your rod? What action is your rod? Is it moderate or fast?

Lately, I’ve been using a medium light spinning rod for topwater, throwing 1/8 and 1/4 oz poppers and ploppers. I have on 6lb mono. I’ve caught quite a few bass mostly smaller ones but a few nice ones too. I’ve also lost a few good ones. Anyone else use medium light spinning rods for topwater? Why or why not? What type of line? Any other advice?

I’m debating between getting a 6ft medium or medium light St. Croix Triumph spinning rod. I would use it while on my kayak for finesse fishing for bass. I like a shorter rod while on the river. I might also use it for crappie fishing. The medium light would definitely be better for crappie, but what do you think about finesse fishing for bass? Thanks!

I’ve mainly used Bandit crankbaits for bass and been successful. I’m wanting to try Rapala DT-4 crankbaits. What specific colors do you recommend for these?