Hi everyone, 

 

I will be targeting smallmouth on top water lures this summer.  I have a baitcaster that is spooled up with braided line and I am wondering when fishing top water does anyone use a leader attached to their braided line or do you just tie the lure directly to the braided line?

 

Thanks

 

 

For open water I like using a mono in the 12-14# range for leader or mainline. For frogs in cover I run straight braid.

So you would probably suggest me using a mono line with no leader?

Thats what I like for Topwater lures with treble hooks.

I would second going full mono for a setup meant for topwater (unless you're frogging, that would be the exception since you need the strength of braid to pull them out of whatever junk they're in). Granted that most braids float well, it doesn't stretch much, so it results in you pulling the bait away from the fish. If you're planning on using baits with treble hooks, the stretching properties of mono give you better odds of keeping your hooks in.

But you can use your braid with a mono leader of about 4' if the water is gin clear I may switch to mono like previously stated.

But you can use your braid with a mono leader of about 4' if the water is gin clear I may switch to mono like previously stated.

Fish will hit lures tied to straight braid on top (like frogs) but I would never use braid for other topwaters. I use mono and a medium weight rod so I don't rip out light wire trebles.

I have used braid with a long mono leader the last few seasons and I haven't noticed a decline in my hook up and keep 'em pinned ratio. Keep the line taught once you see the fish explode on the surface and then reel down while you set the hook. Since you're using braid, you won't need a swing for the fences hookset, just use enough motion to feel that you have the fish hooked. It takes a little more feel and the first few might be touch and go, but once you have the touch, you'll be golden.

The mono gives +/-10% stretch so you won't pull the bait away by reflex. It also floats. Most topwaters were designed for mono and other lines will sink a little, pulling the topwater down on a long cast. But who wants to respool? Here's a fly fishing trick. Take some paraffin wax and rub the last 5 feet or so of your line to cause it to float. It'll last a while. They do that to avoid changing line and leader to fish a floating fly on a sinking leader. Not ideal, but a quick fix when afield. I'll admit I never tried it.

 

You can use a rod with a softer tip to offset the line issue. Loosen your drag if in open water. You can also not watch the lure. I know that's hard to do. But it seems to help my reaction when I'm looking elsewhere, my mind's wandering and a fish blows up on the lure. You need to give a fish at least a half second to take the bait before you set the hook on it. If they miss it, reel up fast and toss a Senko to that exact spot. You'll catch a few that way.