Topwater Fishing Mistakes (When and When NOT to Throw It)
- By: Pat Ogletree
- on
- Found In: Fishing Tips, Inshore Fishing, Artifical Lure Tips
Most anglers think topwater is all about the time of day.
Early morning. Late evening. Low light.
That’s when you’re “supposed” to throw it.
But that’s not actually what determines whether it works.
And when you get that part wrong…
This is what it looks like:
Fish showing interest… maybe even tracking it…
But not fully committing.
So what’s really going on here?
And how do you know when topwater is actually the right call… and when it’s not?
Watch below to see what actually tells you when to throw it (and when to put it down)
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Key Takeaways:
- Topwater is based on fish behavior, not time of day
- Fish need a reason to look up to feed
- Surface bait activity is a major trigger
- Shallow water increases topwater effectiveness
- Aggressive fish will travel further to strike
- No surface activity = better to go subsurface
Final Thoughts
This is where a lot of anglers get tripped up.
They treat topwater like a “window”…
instead of a signal.
But the fish will tell you everything you need to know.
If they’re feeding on the surface, topwater can be one of the most effective lures you throw all day.
If they’re not…
it doesn’t matter what time it is.
Because at that point, it’s not about working the lure better…
it’s about recognizing you’re in the wrong part of the water column.
And making the switch before you waste the opportunity.
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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
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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).
Thanks Pat – You asked if we have any comments. Mine would be: I have found that topwater is typically not good in high wind conditions correct ?
Thank you Pat. I always used the top water lure first thing in the morning, so I’m definitely going to rethink my strategy going forward.
Great info I’m new cant wait to go fishing Thank you
Thanks Pat, good info and I agree that top water bites are the most exciting
Great points Pat and I can give you another time using topwaters can be great and thats my favorite time to fish NIGHTFISHING you guys all love to put on your long sleeve shirts and your gloves and boots and gators to protect you from the sun me I go at night when its cooler less fishing pressure and when the fish get pretty active but I know its kinda hard for you guys to film night fishing trips but all I know is if you never tried it you don’t know what your missing thanks for the info Pat and all you do😉👍
Yes sir, topwaters at night can be a lot of fun!
Thanks Pat…Its always good to get other ideas about the top waters. Ive always used them in sun up and sun sets but never any other time.
Hey Pat…I’m obviously late to see this video… lots of comments from weeks ago.
There are three types of topwaters for me: walk-the-dog, poppers, and prop baits.
What dictates to you which of the three to try, and why? (they all produce, but I’m uncertain what the fish’s preference might be on a given day…or maybe they don’t want a topwater at all…)
Thanks!
Hi Barry, I’m obviously not Pat, but I use cup faced/poppers when the water is rougher. Seems like it takes more to get their attention. I’ve only used prop baits in fresh water so can’t help with that. Tight lines!
Cheap Chinese whopper ploppers do very well with reds and trout FYI
Great info Pat, Thank you!!
Topwater is definitely my confidence lure!!
I love my topwater lures. Thanks Pat.🤗🎣🙏💯
I love the topwater, but it can get tricky when the pelicans and gulls get after your lure