I am not new to topwater plugs, i am new to using them in salt. I have been fishing artificial here for several years but soft plastics exclusively. Really curious about getting into the topwater action. Any suggestions on sizes? (Spook vs Spook Jr) Styles? (Poppers, stick baits, buzz baits, etc) and Colors? Also suggestions on brands would be good because I am only familiar with the freshwater stuff. Thanks for the help in advance.
Paul, I too spend most of my time in freshwater but I use the same style of topwater baits in saltwater as I use in freshwater. Just like when bass fishing, I have an assortment of topwater baits with me. “Walk the dog” style baits like Spook and Spook Jr (I actually prefer Strike King Sexy dog and Sexy Dog Jr), “popper” style bait, buzz baits (I’ve used regular buzzbaits and I make my own in-line buzzbaits from time to time) and prop baits. I use more “walk the dog” style baits and “popper” style baits but I’ve caught saltwater fish on the other styles too. I’ve even been using, and I’m seeing a few more reports of other people using Whopper Ploppers. I don’t get too caught up with color though. I prefer darker colors when it’s low light or overcast conditions and lighter colors when it’s a “brighter” sky. I have no doubt some people have a “got to” color but that’s simply my approach. Water conditions typically dictate which style of topwater bait I use. Just like in freshwater, some baits work better in slick calm water and some work better if there’s a little chop. A lot of companies/tackle shops will say you have to have saltwater baits to fish in saltwater but it’s just not true. Yes, most saltwater hard baits do have heavier hooks and there typically made out of different steel than freshwater baits, but like I said, I use the same baits I’m throwing for bass and stripers as I am for reds and trout and they work just fine. In a nut shell, don’t over-think it. Saltwater fish aren’t going to NOT bite a topwater bait just because it’s a freshwater bait. Get out there and get to casting because the topwater bite is pretty epic right now.
No matter how much it hurts, how dark it gets, or how far you fall…you are never out of the fight.
I catch trout daily on white badonka donk lures. Do other lures work? Yes, of course. I use the white because I like the way it walks and I can see it well as it gets darker. Finding a location with fish is 90% of it for me. Just like with anything, catch that first fish on it and your confidence level goes way up.
And don’t forget to try hard suspending lures… Great for working areas with structure where you can’t get an artificial on the bottom, but you need sub surface.
The only real difference between most salt and freshwater versions of a bait are the beefier hooks. Be willing to try any size. You’ll be amazed how big of a bait a dink trout or small of a bait a large red will hit.
Go on Facebook or YouTube, look up Mike able Jr. He’s done good footage on this topic. Or just go in the Mt p haddrells and talk to him.
Like 23 said if there ain’t no fish there, you cant catch them with dinomite!
I grew up bass fishing on Lake Murray outside of Columbia SC. I actually by freshwater, bass lures for inshore fishing. I just end up changing out the treble hooks once or twice a year.
2014 Spyder FX Redfisher