How to Use a Walk the Dog Topwater Lure: Moonwalker Mastery
- By: Pat Ogletree
- on
There’s nothing like the excitement of a topwater bite, but if you’ve never been taught how to use a walk the dog topwater lure (AKA pencil lure), it can be frustrating.
Just knowing how to make the lure work isn’t everything, though. In this video, Coach Pat is going to show you how to create the basic motion and then how to vary your technique in several ways.
In just 5 minutes, you’ll know how to work the lure effectively and make adjustments on the water to trigger explosive strikes!
Add in a little time on the water to practice and you’ll enjoy much greater success with your topwater fishing.
How to Use a Walk the Dog Topwater Lure: 5 Minutes to Mastery
- 0:00 Introduction
- 0:15 How to Use a Walk the Dog Lure: Basic Retrieve
- 1:43 Varying Speeds to Trigger Strikes
- 3:37 Three Ways to Turn Follows into Strikes
➡️ Pick up your Moonwalker by clicking here!
➡️ And grab a Moonwalker SBD for those calm days here!
Learn when to use Moonwalker SBD
Recommended Setups
Spinning Reel Outfit
- Rod: 7’6″ medium action
- Reel: 2500 – 3500 series
- Line: 10-lb braid
- Leader: 15-lb mono (consider a 30-lb bite tippet around structure or larger fish)
- Knot: Non-slip loop knot
These two combos are dialed in to use walk the dog topwater lures:
➡️ Most Popular Combo: TFO Pro/Daiwa Fuego LT 2500D-XH
➡️ Premium Combo: Slot Machine Custom/Daiwa BG MQ 2500
Baitcasting Outfit
- Rod: 7′ medium action
- Reel: Low profile baitcaster
- Line: 10-lb braid
- Leader: 15-lb mono (consider a 30-lb bite tippet around structure or larger fish)
- Knot: Non-slip loop knot
Here’s Coach Pat’s setup:
Keys to Successfully Using Walk the Dog Topwater Lures
- Twitch the rod back to create the action and then immediately forward to put slack in the line. Twitch from the wrist, not the elbow. This is the key element that creates the zig-zag motion.
- Keep reeling as you twitch and match your reeling speed to your rod twitch speed.
- Vary your retrieval speed to determine what the fish are responding best to when you know they are in the area.
- Make your retrieve less predictable if you’re getting follows but not strikes. Once a fish follows, add in a long pause, stop and make light twitches to mimic a dying baitfish, or give a long pull and stop.
- Practice makes perfect. Spend at least a few minutes each trip practicing your technique until you become proficient. If you have a neighborhood pond, practice in it.
Finding the Fish Help
In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.
1. WEEKEND GAME PLANS (UPDATED WEEKLY)
These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.
Weekend Game Plan Lessons2. SMART FISHING SPOTS PLATFORM (UPDATED EVERY 15 MINUTES)
This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.
3. COMMUNITY REPORTS (LIVE FEED)
The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.
90/10 ZONE INSHORE FISHING NEWSLETTER
Oh, and be sure to sign up for FREE Access to Salt Strong’s 90/10 Zone Newsletter!
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Related categories:
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Pat, just got my order, question why does the SBD Moon Walker has a split ring on it?
Is it necessary for that lure, didn’t address in Mastery Course?
I would remove it and just use a loop knot. You can keep it on and use a snug knot but I prefer the other way.
Pat, thanks I also prefer the loop knot! Tight Lines and keep them videos and tips coming I greatly appreciate your knowledge and skills!
You do a great job of explaining what to do and why the action you get to be effective!!! Thanks!!!!
Thank you Chuck! Appreciate that!
Great video. Thanks Pat. Good ideas for the fish that have been bumping but not biting.
Try them out and let us know how they work for you!
Awesome catch one of the biggest trout I’ve ever seen…..
This is good video Pat! Great instruction
Thank you so much!
Thanks for including the knot type!
The knot type can be important! Thanks for watching!
Just what I needed! Thank you
Hope it helps!
Another quick and informative Post. Thanks Pat.
Thanks Jan!
Great work Pat and appreciate the comprehensive review of the different retrievals and how and why they might work? Thank you.
Thanks for watching Alan!
ok will try
Let us know how it goes!