Whats the best top water lure for bass when its cold out ?

How cold? 

10 minutes ago, Dtrombly said:

How cold? 

Water temp is 52

I would try something a little bit more silent because the bass are going to be more finicky in cold water.

2 minutes ago, ratherbfishin1 said:

I would try something a little bit more silent because the bass are going to be more finicky in cold water.

What would you prefer 

52* water? I wouldn't be throwing topwater. 

If it's around 50, and dropping, then I'd be ignoring any topwater baits, and looking for something in the finesse department.

I’m with the other guys I’d probably not throw below like 57 to 60 but if you really want to then probably like a silent spook or even a weightless fluke fished top water. Good luck and tight lines!

4 minutes ago, J Francho said:

If it's around 50, and dropping, then I'd be ignoring any topwater baits, and looking for something in the finesse department.

 

Would a pocket frog work

7 minutes ago, fishballer06 said:

52* water? I wouldn't be throwing topwater. 

Im new to fresh water would you mind given me advice?

I wouldn’t throw a pocket frog because I rarely fish frogs off of weeds I prefer to go with something with treble hook because the hook up ratio is better and you probably won’t want to fish top water around shallow weeds in that cold of water. But like I said its not great conditions for any top water. If you really want to try it go for it and the worst thing that could happen is you find out for sure it doesn’t work. ? 

7 minutes ago, James67 said:

Would a pocket frog work

Does a pocket frog sink and resemble a small finesse work on wacky jig?  If so, that's probably what I'd use.

The only top water I have caught fish on in cold late winter/early spring water    is a Bomber Long A Minnow . In late  fall/early winter  I have caught them on many top waters .

Fall is a GOOD time for frogs.  There's a late fall migration of frogs, before winter hits, and it can be pretty good fishing with them as the temps drop.  Spring, not so much.

While I'll agree that in many situations with mid - 50 degree water temps, topwater may not be the deal.

 

However last fall (mid-Oct) the smallies were still willing to get on a Pop Max early morning. 

 

A-Jay

 

1 minute ago, A-Jay said:

fall

Key word, fall.

Just now, J Francho said:

Key word, fall.

No Doubt.

A-Jay

54 minutes ago, James67 said:

Water temp is 52

I'd try a jerkbait with longer pauses in the same section of the water column that you are marking fish on the depth finder.

If you are shore bound I'd fish a small finesse worm on lighter line

I wouldn't bother throwing topwater at that temp. But if your set on it I'd probably go with a small popper

37 minutes ago, scaleface said:

The only top water I have caught fish on in cold late winter/early spring water    is a Bomber Long A Minnow . In late  fall/early winter  I have caught them on many top waters .

I would use a similar type of lure - the Rapala floating minnow.  For the most part though, I would be looking at other presentations.

4 minutes ago, senile1 said:

I would use a similar type of lure - the Rapala floating minnow.  For the most part though, I would be looking at other presentations.

I have caught fish with a floating minnow type lure  in that season  it but not many .

I would put the topwater away and use a jig and craw. 

During the cold months, you want to throw a big (7"+) slow  moving topwater so its worth it for the fish to come up and eat it. Dont bother with the small poppers

5 minutes ago, bigturtle said:

During the cold months, you want to throw a big (7"+) slow  moving topwater so its worth it for the fish to come up and eat it. Dont bother with the small poppers

Good point. Didn't think of that. 

I was thinking a rat might be the most realistic.  Have read a few guys that like to do this but I have ice on my water so I'll be passing on the topwater.

James, may I suggest subscribing to Bassmaster Magazine, Bass Angler Magazine, BASS Times, Bass Resource.com on Facebook, and start reading about winter fishing?

 

We can give you only so much information. The magazines give you a lot more from the pros.

 

I suggest at suspending jerkbait.