Only fished topwater a time or two. Wondering what tide works best for topwater bite? High, low, mid-stage, or does it matter as long as its early morning or late evening?
Thanks
IMO, it’s one of those things that can’t be defined as do this or that for a given situation or conditions. Depends on other factors too, like water depths were you’re fishing. Also, the type & size of topwater lure you’re using. Personally, if I thought it would produce I would fish a topwater lure 99% of the time simply because I enjoy them the most, but doesn’t work that way too often.
Early & late is the usual time, but I’ve had some days when I had a blast at mid day with a topwater. I’ve also caught fish on the surface at all levels of tides.
I try to have some type of topwater lure tied on at least one rod anytime I’m on the water. Never know when you might find the opportunity to use it with success. Even if I never use it on a particular day I still rig up with a topwater.
Sometimes, when & where to try it is a gut feeling, other times you’ll see some evidence, such as fish busting bait on the surface, that indicates it might be a good choice.
Like any type of lure, you won’t catch anything on them if you’re not trying them, and giving them a good amount of time to be sure it’s the correct method or not.
A couple of years ago, when I still lived in MD, I spent a day fly fishing a tidal creek for bass from my Gheenoe. I took 3 rods, and rigged 2 with different types of streamers & the third with a popper. I had always done well there with poppers but this particular day the bite was real slow. I tried the popper throughout the day, with not even a swirl to show for the effort. Where I was, even though it was tidal, the water level didn’t fluctuate very much, and there was a slight amount of current almost all the time. I only caught a couple of fish that day, all on one of the streamers. But, had I not at least given the popper a try, I wouldn’t have known it wasn’t what they wanted that day.
Try them at different times, different tide levels & see what happens! Try different types of topwaters too. One day you may find they’ll hammer a popper, while another day walking a spook style