How To Use The Moonwalker To Catch Inshore Slams
- By: Luke Simonds
- on
- Found In: Fishing Tips, Inshore Fishing, Tackle & Gear, Artifical Lure Tips
This page will show you how to catch the most fish possible while using your Moonwalker topwater plugs.
The videos below will walk you through the essential details to make sure that you know the specifics for the following:
- When To Use Topwater
- How To Retrieve Topwater Plugs
- How To Efficiently Cover Water
- Best Equipment For Topwater Plugs
- Hookset Tips For Topwater Plugs
Just click on the respective videos below to see the details:
How To Use The Moonwalker Topwater Plug 101
This video covers everything you need to know to get more strikes on topwater, including when and where to use them, how to work the lure, and the best setup for maximum action. You’ll also learn when to use silent vs. rattling topwaters and when it’s time to switch to a subsurface lure.
Recommended Gear:
- Lure: Moonwalker
- Lure 2: Moonwalker SBD
- Rod & Reel 1:Most Popular Inshore Rod, Reel, & Line Combo
- Rod & Reel 2:Premium Performance Rod, Reel, & Line Combo
Seasonal Tactics
Here’s a fun video showing a lesson on how to use these lures during the early Spring:
And here’s one for the Fall (very similar tactics from Spring, Summer, & Fall):
Featured Gear:
- Lure: Moonwalker
How To Efficiently Cover Water
See how to efficiently cover water when using topwater plugs in this lesson… the ultimate lure for power fishing at night and during twilight periods.
Featured Gear:
- Lure: Moonwalker
How To Set The Hook
One of the most common problems with hookup rates when using topwater plugs is when the angler immediately sets the hook as he or she sees or hears a fish strike the lure.
This is a big mistake because many fish will miss on the first strike, and setting the hook will pull the lure out of the strike zone… It’s best to not set the hook until you feel the weight of the fish on the line, as shown in this video:
Featured Gear:
- Lure: Moonwalker
Topwater Fishing FAQs
When is the best time to use a topwater lure?
Low-light periods are a great starting point, especially around sunrise. But baitfish activity and aggressive feeding are better indicators than the clock alone.
How long should I throw topwater before switching lures?
If you’re fishing a productive area with structure and bait but haven’t had any topwater action after 20 to 30 minutes, try switching to a subsurface lure.
Don’t force a topwater bite when the fish aren’t aggressive.
What leader should I use for topwater fishing?
For redfish and seatrout, 15 to 20 lb mono works well. In snook territory, add a short section of at least 30 lb mono bite tippet near the lure for extra abrasion resistance.
Should I use a silent or rattling topwater?
Match the noise to the conditions. Try rattles when there’s lots of surface noise, wind, chop, or bait activity. In calm, quiet conditions, a silent topwater can be the better choice.
Final Thoughts
Topwater plugs can catch a ton of fish when the conditions are right, and it’s hard to beat the excitement of watching a big redfish, snook, or seatrout explode on your lure.
The key is knowing when to use them and when to switch.
Find areas with structure and bait, get the Moonwalker into the strike zone, vary your retrieve until the fish tell you what they want, and don’t force the topwater bite once the action slows down.
If you need help finding the best feeding zones, check out the Smart Fishing Spots platform. It helps you quickly identify high-percentage areas whether you’re fishing from a boat, kayak, or shore.
And Insider Club members can get the Moonwalker and other tackle at FishStrong.com with 20% savings year-round.
Have any questions about fishing the Moonwalker?
Let us know in the comments!
Tight Lines!
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 ever 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).
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).
How long is your leader on top water plugs and what pound test is your braid
Another excellent tutorial Luke.
I’ve been fishing top water lures for a very long time but I always learn something new from your videos. I appreciate you guys! Do you find most strikes happen in shallow depths, like under 4’? I’ve had trout hit in open water but the mullet were swimming on the surface.
Thanks Chris. Yes, the topwater bite gets tougher and tougher as it gets deeper since most of the redfish, trout, and snook are holding on the bottom.
I do most of my topwater fishing in depths ranging from 12 inches down to 3 feet.
Great video!
Thanks Ron!
Good topwater video Luke !
Thanks John!
Quick and to the point. My down fall to all this is constantly not getting close enough after the throw. I’m just too nervous with getting my lure stuck 🤣
The act of throwing topwaters along mangroves most often results in at least a couple snagged limbs even when using a plug with single inline hooks. My goal is simply to catch more fish than trees.
Great instructional video Luke and packed with topwater tips!
Thanks Jim!
The seagulls are dive bombing the Moonwalker. They will pick it up then drop it realizing it isn’t real.
That’s when you know you are on point with your retrieve… birds are much smarter than fish.
Dang son, you’re a great teacher!
Thanks for the kind words Brad! We’re so glad to see that you’re enjoying these lessons.
Thank you, Luke, for these lessons, they were useful and very informative.
Our pleasure Carl!