So I want to get into the world of topwater fishing. After reading so many great things about the Zara Spook I was wondering which model would be a good starting point. I fish mainly on lake Chickamauga on the TN river. Thanks

The regular sized original Zara spook is what I started with and still use alot

I'm not really a fan of the zara spook, but it has its place in my box. The super spook jr is one of my favorites. Clear or bone color depending on water clarity. 

 

Another one you might want to try is the cabelas walking dawg. Great bait, walks super easy and catches tons of fish. My favorite color on that one is pearl, which they no longer offer. Shiner is a good one though. 

Check out the rapala skitter walk. It has replaced almost all of my zara spooks except for the big 5inch one

I have a Zara Super Spook and Zara Spook Jr. Used both but only caught a few fish on the Zara Super Spook, so I'd go with that.

However, I did get a KVD Sexy Dawg in perch and have been killing them with that this year. I love that lure. Not to expensive either. And it's got knockers in it which I think help a lot.

Will you be using spinning or casting gear?  Unless you have some stout spinning gear, I wouldn't recommend a full size Spook. I'd go with the Jr or Puppy. The original is a 3/4oz version the SuperSpook Jr is 1/2oz and the Puppy is 1/4oz.

BTW, for beginners, I highly recommend adding a split ring to the line tie as it makes learning to 'walk the dog' a lot easier.

The only spook i've ever owned is a Zara Puppy. super easy to learn on and flat out fun to use.

Lucky Craft Gunfish 115 in Shell White

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Check out the rapala skitter walk. It has replaced almost all of my zara spooks except for the big 5inch one

+1 ...The Skitter Walk is easy to get started with - good colors , action and construction .

I like the One Knocker or Rattling Spook. Hard to beat bone color but any baitfish color will do, I believe it's mostly the action that gets them to strike with walking baits anyways. The Super Spook Jr. is a great bait also, but I'd probably opt for the full size version since you're mainly fishing a lake with stud largemouths. 

I have had luck with the one knocker spook in foxy shad. I have a lucky craft gunfish in baby bluegill rigged up for my next outing though. Haven't seen too many top water hits at my fishing hole this summer, but I figure I might just go for it for fun.

Another vote for the Super Spook Jr.

 

Chrome/Black Back

Chartreuse/Black Head

Bone