My question is when do you guys start using topwaters? What water temperature? I live in North Dakota and the water temps hit the high 50's maybe 60 on a really nice day as of late. On a normal day they are low 50's to mid 50's.The bass haven't been real active either. I'm thinking they are in their prespawn mode. Is it to early for topwaters? Would early mornings be better or should I wait till the water heats up during midday. Thanks in advance. :-/

Midday you might could get a few to bite.  I like jigs and t-rigged plastics in prespawn and also spinner baits work really well.

So its a little early for in the year for early morning bass?

There are a lot of factors to take on when attempting yo throw a topwater bait.

No, it may not be to early for morning/night bass.

Im in New jersey and I just got back from a smal pond and caught me two nice bass on a jitterbug.

Small bodies of water heat up a lot faster and the weather has been really warm around here lately.

Just start practicing with your lures, and you will find out what ones you like, and what ones to throw at the right time.

Time on the water is key.

-WM

This is a debate that has gone on for years now.  I've heard several pros that are on tour and say they throw topwater the majority of the time and for most of the year.

I have caught bass (nothing big) on a spook close to noon in the bright sun.  The best thing to do is throw one and see how they react.  I'd say when the water temp reaches 60+, throw one morning for sure, in the late evenings, and hi-noon if you are around cover or places where the fish can shade.  You'll be surprised what will hit it.

My parter throws a buzzbait from dusk to dark this time of year.  NO lie!!!

Top waters can be good early, when the fish first start to stir. I learned this fishing for crappie, using a torpedo body for a popping float!

You may need to experiment a bit.  I would suggest that you throw something slow and small.  The smaller Spook or Sammy might work.  We were catching them on Sammys down here in KY when the water was right around 60.  We were throwing them shallow and it seemed like the bass were either looking for beds or working on cleaning them.

Casts, of course, are free.  Even the ones that don't catch fish teach you something.

J

Id say you could probably catch a few on topwater.  I live in Ohio and caught some bass in early April on a popper.  Pick a warm day after 1 or two other warm days and fish slow.  Good Luck!

Thanks for the replys! Just the answers I was looking for.

This is the reason I love this website.