Just wondering what the best time is that everyone starts throwing topwater. Water temp here is anywhere from 55-59.

68 and up

then again my friend caught a nice bass on a buzzbait in 58 degree water.

I start throwing topwater as soon as the water hits 60.  I know there will be guys that say they catch them on top in colder water but that is my benchmark as to when I start throwing them.

between 60-85. although during late fall, they will demolish buzzbaits in 50 degree water. they are stockin up for winter. in spring however, hmmmm, not so much.

Just as the water begins to get above 60.

I think the Florida strain likes the water a little warmer for topwater 68+. The clearer the water the better.

I have caught them in water as cold as 54, but I do best in water 62 - 63 or over. I will start throwing them some at 55+ though. The first topwater they seem to hit is a floating rapala, which technically is a shallow minnowbait but it can be twitched on top.

the 60 degree mark seems to be the temp they start actively hitting topwaters.

A big mistake people make though, myself included till recently, is that they won't work in colder water. We've caught on TW all the way down into the 40's. The bait has to be BIG though,...worth it for the bass to expend the energy. To not throw one, just because the water is cold, will limit your chances if you are hunting the larger class fish.

between 60-85. although during late fall, they will demolish buzzbaits in 50 degree water. they are stockin up for winter. in spring however, hmmmm, not so much.

Fish go through the same type of feed (although the forage us usually different) before the spawn.