Selecting Topwater Lures for Summer Bass Fishing

Topwater fishing is one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to catch bass. When a bass explodes on a topwater lure, it's an unforgettable experience. During the hot summer months, topwater fishing can be especially productive especially under low light conditions.

There are many different types of topwater lures available, so it's important to choose the right one for the situation. 

Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a topwater lure for summer bass fishing:

Lure size: The size of the lure will depend on the size of the bass you're targeting. For smallmouth bass, you'll want a lure that's 2-3 inches long. For largemouth bass, you can use a lure that's 3+ inches long.

Lure action: The action of the lure is also important. Some lures, like poppers, make a lot of noise when they're retrieved. Others, like walking baits, create a more subtle disturbance on the water's surface.

Lure color: The color of the lure can also be important. In clear water, use a natural-colored lure. In dirty water, use a bright-colored lure.

Here are some of the most popular types of topwater lures for summer bass fishing:

Popper: Poppers are one of the most popular topwater lures for bass fishing. They make a loud popping sound when they're retrieved, which can attract bass from a long distance.

Walking bait: Walking baits are another great option for summer bass fishing. They create a walking action on the water's surface, which can imitate a baitfish swimming in shallow water.

Frog: Frogs are a great topwater lure for fishing in heavy vegetation. They have weedless hooks that allow you to fish them in thick weeds without getting hung up.

Buzzbait: Buzzbaits are a good choice for fishing in shallow water with a lot of cover. They create a lot of noise when they're retrieved, which can attract bass from a long distance.

Prop/Plopper baits: Prop and plopper-style baits are a good choice for fishing in open water. They have a propeller or plopper tail that creates a disturbance on the water's surface, which can attract bass from a long distance.

The folks from Sportsman’s Outfitters created an interesting video detailing the differences in topwater baits along with some of their reasons for selecting one type of topwater lure over another.

Take a few minutes to watch and see what I mean…