I tried this and I must say it works. You really don't have to put any effort to keep it on the top. The worm takes forever to sink.  You can fish it on top or let it sink to fish it like a normal "rigged" worm should. Enjoy the article!

 

TOPWATER ACTION WITH A RIBBTONTAIL

I think this is a great point.  So many plastics work well as topwaters, or immediately below surface.  In fact, I started gaining confidence in plastics in general "accidentally" fishing craws on surface so their claws act like toad paddles.  A few others that work for me:

 

- long-bodied grub reeled with rod tip high, so the tail splashes the surface (like a very subtle buzzbait)

- straight-tailed worms fished like small snakes

- compact bodied craws fished like compact toads (I have a better hookup ratio than with most toads)

 

 

I have used worms , lizards , grubs and like snake95  said  craws work  well .

A Kalins lunker grub fished on top can be very effective, the tail creates a small commotion. I think of it as a super finesse buzzbait that you can stop if a fish misses it and it will still be effective.