can you fish a regular pad crasher (bobbing or walking the dog) in just regular open water? I've heard it looks more natural then popping versions but I've also heard that you should only fish them in thick vegetation. Is it pointless to fish in just plain ol open water?

I would not hesitate to fish it in open water, especially if it is calmer. Like you said, walking the dog would be much better with the original Pad Crasher.

I do it all the time. Works and works well, it has gotten to the point that I don't even use treble hooked topwater baits any more.

The bottom of the pad crasher is designed for walking the dog in open water.

There seems to be a crazy idea that certain lures, colors, & tackle only work in certain situations when nothing could be farther from the truth!