When do you use topwaters that aren't black or another dark color?  To my understanding dark lures contrast the evening or morning sky best, so when would light colored topwaters like the white and green hula popper be used? Thanks

During the day, I usually switch from black , to white or green/chartreuse.

As far as I'm concerned, it's a crap shoot. My black Jitterbugs work well in sunny conditions as well as low light, and my chartreuse buzzbaits do the same.

I like white topwater lures best on dark, overcast days or clear days with stained water.  White can also work well in clear water, sunny days. 

I would say color matters the least when it comes to topwater. When you think about it most of your topwaters are loud buzzbaits, frogs, poppers, even spooks. There's a lot of splashing and comotion. I think they key in on that first color is secondary if at all.  Just my opinion based on what I've seen fishing. 

I would say color matters the least when it comes to topwater. When you think about it most of your topwaters are loud buzzbaits, frogs, poppers, even spooks. There's a lot of splashing and comotion. I think they key in on that first color is secondary if at all. Just my opinion based on what I've seen fishing.

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I only own a few poppers, spooks, buzzbaits, bc i feel like it would be a waste of money to buy multiple colors when they all are going to work if there's a fish around.

I would say color matters the least when it comes to topwater. When you think about it most of your topwaters are loud buzzbaits, frogs, poppers, even spooks. There's a lot of splashing and comotion. I think they key in on that first color is secondary if at all. Just my opinion based on what I've seen fishing.

I agree 100% with that.  To me, color means next to nothing for a topwater.  It's all about the action of the lure.

At night, I'll use a black or some other darker color though.  Especially if I'm using a bait that I'll frequently pause during the retrieve.

My rule of thumb is if the topwater lure doesn't come in Clear then I get it with a yellow or white bottom.

With buzzbaits I'm a Black in the morning, White from an hour after the sun hits the water till and hour just before the sun goes down, then it's back to Black