Using topwater lures and tactics can make all the difference when bass fishing. These specialized lures and strategies are designed to entice largemouth bass to strike on the water’s surface, providing an exhilarating and rewarding fishing experience. This guide will explore the best topwater lures and techniques to help you land more bass.
Key Takeaways:
- Topwater lures and tactics are essential for successful largemouth bass fishing.
- The latest advancements in lure design have made topwater baits even more effective at enticing strikes.
- Professional anglers like Seth Feider, Dean Rojas, and JP DeRose share their preferred topwater lures and techniques.
- Understanding the different categories of topwater lures, such as poppers, walkers, prop baits, wake baits, crawlers, and frogs, can help you choose the right lure for different fishing scenarios.
- We have compiled a list of the best overall topwater lures for 2023, as well as the top lures in specific categories like poppers, walkers, prop baits, and wake baits.
Incorporating topwater lures and tactics into your bass fishing arsenal will increase your chances of hooking into trophy-sized largemouth bass. So, gear up, select your favorite topwater lures, and prepare for an exciting and successful fishing adventure!
Table of Contents
Florida’s Top Topwater Baits for Largemouth Bass
Topwater fishing for largemouth bass in Florida offers an exhilarating experience. Here’s what you need to know:
Why Topwater Baits Excel in Florida Waters
- Create visual and auditory stimulus
- Trigger predatory instincts of Florida bass
- Effective in low-light conditions
- Attract bass from a distance in Florida’s lakes and ponds
Best Times for Topwater Fishing in Florida
- Early mornings
- Late evenings
- Overcast days
- During spawning season in spring
Top Topwater Lures for Florida Bass
Poppers for Florida’s Calm Waters
- Create enticing splashes
- Effective in Florida’s lakes and ponds
Walkers for Florida’s Open Waters
- Mimic injured baitfish
- Great for Florida’s larger lakes
Prop Baits for Florida’s Vegetation
- Churn the water
- Ideal for Florida’s weedy areas
Wake Baits for Florida’s Shallows
- Create a surface bulge
- Perfect for Florida’s shallow flats
Florida Topwater Fishing Tactics
- Vary retrieval speed and cadence
- Target structure and cover
- Pay attention to water temperature
- Use appropriate gear for Florida conditions
By understanding these topwater tactics and lure choices, you’ll be well-equipped to experience the thrill of surface strikes from Florida’s largemouth bass. Remember to adapt your approach based on the specific conditions of the Florida waterway you’re fishing.
Florida’s Top Topwater Tactics: Seth Feider’s Bass Tips
Seth Feider, Bassmaster Elite Series Pro, shares his expertise on topwater bass fishing in Florida:
Storm Arashi Cover Pop
- Creates enticing surface commotion
- Effective in Florida’s diverse water conditions
Storm Arashi Top Walker
- Imitates injured baitfish
- Perfect for Florida’s open waters
Feider’s Florida Topwater Techniques
Cover Pop Retrieval
- Steady retrieve with occasional pauses
- Mimics wounded baitfish in Florida waters
Top Walker “Walking the Dog”
- Side-to-side action with gentle rod twitches
- Irresistible to Florida bass
Prime Florida Topwater Locations
- Weed beds in Florida lakes
- Submerged vegetation in Florida rivers
- Fallen trees in Florida’s natural lakes
Ideal Conditions for Florida Topwater Fishing
- Low light: Early morning or late afternoon
- Overcast days with slightly choppy water
- Adapt techniques to Florida’s weather patterns
By applying Feider’s topwater tactics to Florida’s unique bass fishing environment, anglers can improve their chances of landing trophy-sized largemouth bass in the Sunshine State’s diverse waterways.
Florida’s Top Frog Lures: Dean Rojas’ Bass Tactics
Dean Rojas, Major League Fishing Pro, shares his expertise on frog fishing for Florida bass:
Rojas’ Top Frog Choice for Florida Waters
Spro Bronzeye Frog 65
- Weedless design for Florida’s heavy vegetation
- Lifelike appearance entices Florida largemouth bass
- Hollow body collapses for better hooksets
Why Frogs Excel in Florida Bass Fishing (44 characters)
- Cover water quickly in Florida’s lakes and ponds
- Effective in areas with thick aquatic vegetation
- Mimic natural prey found in Florida’s ecosystems
Rojas’ Florida Frog Fishing Tactics (36 characters)
- Target areas with heavy cover
- Vary retrieve speed and cadence
- Use realistic color patterns for Florida waters
Best Conditions for Frog Fishing in Florida (45 characters)
- Early morning or late evening
- Overcast days with calm water
- During spawning season in Florida’s spring
By applying Rojas’ frog fishing tactics to Florida’s unique bass habitats, anglers can improve their chances of landing trophy-sized largemouth bass in the Sunshine State’s diverse waterways.
Florida’s Top Topwater Duo: DeRose’s Bass Tactics
JP DeRose, professional angler, shares his go-to topwater lures for Florida bass:
DeRose’s Topwater Choices for Florida Waters
Jackall Binksy Hard Bait
- Imitates small baitfish in Florida lakes
- Versatile for different water conditions and depths
- Effective in Florida’s open waters and around structure
Gavacho Hollow-Body Frog
- Excels in Florida’s heavy vegetation and lily pads
- Weedless design perfect for thick cover
- Lifelike appearance attracts Florida bass
DeRose’s Florida Topwater Techniques
Binksy Retrieval
- Vary speeds to trigger aggressive bites
- Effective in Florida’s clear and stained waters
Frog Fishing
- Steady retrieve or popping action
- Mimics prey movement in Florida’s vegetation
Gear Selection for Florida Topwater Fishing
For Binksy
- Medium-heavy spinning rod
- High-speed reel for control and casting distance
For Frog
- Heavy casting rod for Florida’s thick cover
- Fast gear ratio reel for solid hooksets
By applying DeRose’s topwater tactics to Florida’s unique bass habitats, anglers can improve their chances of landing trophy-sized largemouth bass in the Sunshine State’s diverse waterways, from open lakes to heavily vegetated areas.
Florida’s Top Topwater Lure Categories for Bass
Topwater lures are exciting and effective for catching Florida bass. Here are the main categories:
Poppers for Florida’s Calm Waters
- Create splashing sound and commotion
- Mimic wounded baitfish
- Effective near cover in Florida lakes
Walkers for Florida’s Open Waters
- Imitate swimming injured baitfish
- Side-to-side, zigzagging motion
- Great for Florida’s larger lakes
Prop Baits for Florida’s Vegetation
- Rotating propellers create surface disturbance
- Imitate various prey in Florida waters
- Effective in weedy areas
Wake Baits for Florida’s Shallows
- Create wake on water’s surface
- Imitate swimming baitfish
- Perfect for Florida’s shallow flats
Crawlers for Florida’s Shorelines
- Imitate swimming frogs or injured prey
- Create vibration and surface disturbance
- Effective near Florida’s shoreline cover
Frogs for Florida’s Heavy Cover
- Designed to imitate real frogs
- Weedless for heavy vegetation
- Ideal for Florida’s lily pads
By understanding these topwater lure categories and their applications in Florida’s diverse bass habitats, anglers can choose the right lure for different fishing scenarios across the Sunshine State’s lakes and rivers.
Florida’s Top Topwater Lures for Bass
Best Overall Topwater Lures for Florida Bass
- Rebel Pop-R P71: Best popper for Florida’s calm waters
- Megabass Megadog: Excellent walking bait for Florida’s open waters
- Yo-Zuri 3DB Pencil Bait: Great for clear Florida lakes
- PH Custom Lures Wake Up: Ideal for Florida’s shallow flats
- Berkley Choppo: Effective prop bait for Florida’s weedy areas
- Strike King Popping Perch: Top frog lure for Florida’s heavy cover
Key Topwater Lure Categories for Florida
- Poppers
- Walking baits
- Prop baits
- Wake baits
- Frogs
Florida-Specific Topwater Fishing Tips
- Use frogs in thick vegetation and lily pads
- Try walking baits in open waters of larger Florida lakes
- Experiment with prop baits in weedy areas
- Fish topwaters during low light conditions (early morning, late evening)
- Adapt lure choice to Florida’s seasonal patterns
Remember to vary your retrieval techniques and lure selections based on the specific conditions of the Florida waterway you’re fishing. Topwater lures can be highly effective for catching largemouth bass in Florida’s diverse aquatic environments.
Florida’s Best Poppers for Bass Fishing
Poppers are effective topwater lures for Florida bass, creating splashes and commotion that mimic small baitfish. Here are some top choices:
Top Poppers for Florida Bass
- Rebel Pop-R P71
- Iconic popping action
- Effective in Florida’s calm waters
- Creates enticing splashes
- Strike King HC KVD Splash
- Versatile for various Florida water conditions
- Loud, attention-grabbing pops
- Heddon Chug’n Spook Jr.
- Combines popping and walking actions
- Great for Florida’s open waters
- Yo-Zuri 3DB Popper
- Realistic 3D prism finish
- Effective in clear Florida lakes
When to Use Poppers in Florida
- Early mornings and late evenings
- Calm water conditions
- Around vegetation and structure
- During spring and summer months
Florida Popper Fishing Tips
- Use sharp, short rod twitches
- Vary retrieval speed and cadence
- Allow for pauses between pops
- Target areas near cover and drop-offs
Remember, poppers are most effective in calm water conditions, common in many Florida lakes and ponds. Experiment with different retrieval techniques and colors to find what works best in your Florida fishing location.
Florida’s Best Walking Topwater Lures for Bass
Walking baits are effective for covering water and triggering strikes from Florida bass. Here are some top choices:
Top Walking Baits for Florida Bass
- Megabass Megadog
- Designed for trophy bass
- Excellent for Florida’s larger lakes
- Smooth walking action
- Strike King Sexy Dawg
- Popular among Florida anglers
- Versatile for various water conditions
- Affordable option
- Heddon Super Spook
- Classic walking bait design
- Effective in Florida’s open waters
- Great for schooling bass
- Yo-Zuri 3DB Pencil Bait
- Excels in clear Florida lakes
- Realistic 3D prism finish
- Can be worked in choppy conditions
When to Use Walking Baits in Florida
- Early mornings and late evenings
- Over submerged vegetation
- Along rip rap and shorelines
- For schooling bass in open water
Florida Walking Bait Fishing Tips
- Use a “walk-the-dog” retrieve technique
- Vary your retrieval speed and cadence
- Allow for occasional pauses
- Target areas with baitfish activity
Remember, walking baits are versatile lures that can quickly cover a lot of water, making them ideal for Florida’s diverse bass habitats. Experiment with different sizes and colors to match your Florida fishing location’s local forage and water conditions.
Florida’s Best Prop Baits for Bass Fishing
Prop baits are effective topwater lures for Florida bass, creating a surface disturbance that attracts strikes. Here are some top choices:
- Berkley Choppo
- Versatile for various Florida water conditions
- Mimics wounded baitfish
- Available in multiple sizes and colors
- River2Sea Whopper Plopper
- Unique “plopping” sound
- Excellent for covering Florida’s open waters
- Triggers aggressive strikes
- Black Label Cliff Pace Tease
- Dual propellers create high-pitched sound
- Effective in Florida’s clear and stained waters
- Durable construction for heavy use
- Brians Prop Bee
- Compact size for precise casting
- Great for Florida’s tight cover areas
- Subtle action for finicky bass
- Rapala X-Rap Prop Bait
- Dual propeller design
- Performs well in calm to moderately choppy Florida waters
- Proven Rapala quality
When to Use Prop Baits in Florida
- Early mornings and late evenings
- Calm to slightly choppy water conditions
- Around vegetation edges and open pockets
- During warmer months (spring through fall)
Florida Prop Bait Fishing Tips
- Vary retrieval speed and cadence
- Use “walk-the-dog” technique for some models
- Allow for occasional pauses
- Target areas with baitfish activity
Remember, prop baits are particularly effective in creating surface commotion that can attract Florida bass from a distance. Experiment with different sizes and colors to match your Florida fishing location’s local forage and water conditions.
Florida’s Best Wake Baits for Bass Fishing
Wake baits are effective topwater lures that create a surface disturbance, mimicking swimming baitfish. Here are some top choices for Florida bass:
Top Wake Baits for Florida Bass
- PH Custom Lures Wake Up
- Creates a distinct wake
- Effective in Florida’s shallow flats
- Excellent for covering water
- Rapala BX Waking Minnow
- Realistic swimming action
- Balsa wood core for buoyancy
- Great for Florida’s clear waters
- Strike King HC Shallow Waker
- Versatile for various Florida water conditions
- Creates a strong surface wake
- Available in multiple colors to match forage
- Deps Buzzjet
- Unique hybrid of buzzbait and wakebait
- Effective in Florida’s weedy areas
- Creates commotion to attract bass
When to Use Wake Baits in Florida
- Early mornings and late evenings
- Shallow flats and shorelines
- Over submerged vegetation
- During shad spawns in spring
Florida Wake Bait Fishing Tips
- Use a steady, medium-speed retrieve
- Target areas with baitfish activity
- Try wake baits around points and drop-offs
- Experiment with different sizes to match forage
Remember, wake baits are particularly effective in shallow water situations, every day in many Florida lakes and ponds. They excel at drawing bass from a distance and can be deadly during low-light conditions. You can experiment with different retrieval speeds and colors to match local forage and water conditions in your Florida fishing location.
Florida’s Best Crawler-Style Lures for Bass Fishing
Crawler-style lures are effective topwater baits that create a surface disturbance, mimicking swimming prey. Here are some top choices for Florida bass:
Top Crawler-Style Lures for Florida Bass
- Arbogast Jitterbug
- Classic topwater crawler
- Creates a rhythmic, gurgling action
- Ideal for calm Florida waters
- Heddon Crazy Crawler
- Dual metal wings create a crawling motion
- Effective in Florida’s shallow flats
- Great for night fishing
- Jackall Pompadour
- Unique wing design for wide wobbling action
- Produces loud surface commotion
- Perfect for Florida’s weedy areas
- Deps Buzzjet
- Hybrid of buzzbait and crawler
- Effective in Florida’s heavy vegetation
- Creates significant surface disturbance
When to Use Crawler-Style Lures in Florida
- Early mornings and late evenings
- Calm to slightly choppy water conditions
- Around vegetation edges and open pockets
- During warmer months (spring through fall)
Florida Crawler-Style Lure Fishing Tips
- Use a steady, medium-speed retrieve
- Target areas with baitfish activity
- Try crawlers around points and drop-offs
- Experiment with different sizes and colors
Crawler-style lures are particularly effective in creating a surface commotion that can attract Florida bass from a distance. They excel at drawing bass from a distance and can be deadly during low-light conditions. You can experiment with different retrieval speeds and colors to match local forage and water conditions in your Florida fishing location.
Florida’s Best Topwater Frogs for Bass Fishing
Topwater frogs are highly effective for catching largemouth bass in Florida’s thick vegetation. Here are some top choices:
Top Frog Lures for Florida Bass
- Spro Bronzeye Frog 65
- Weedless design for heavy vegetation
- Lifelike appearance and action
- Ideal for Florida’s grass mats and lily pads
- Terminator Walking Frog
- Easy to “walk the dog”
- Effective in both clean and dirty water
- Unique body style for better action
- Booyah Pad Crasher
- Soft body for better hooksets
- Versatile for various Florida water conditions
- Affordable and durable
- Scum Frog Bigfoot
- Dual paddle feet create commotion
- Effective in Florida’s weedy areas
- Floats well on thick vegetation
- LIVETARGET Hollow Body Frog
- Realistic design and colors
- Weedless for heavy cover
- Great for Florida’s dense vegetation
When to Use Topwater Frogs in Florida
- Early mornings and late evenings
- Around thick vegetation and lily pads
- During warmer months (spring through fall)
- In calm to slightly choppy water conditions
Florida Frog Fishing Tips
- Use a steady retrieve or “walk the dog” technique
- Target areas with dense vegetation and cover
- Experiment with different colors based on water clarity
- Allow for pauses to mimic a real frog’s movement
Topwater frogs are particularly effective in Florida’s dense vegetation, where other lures may struggle. By using these top frog lures and following these tips, anglers can improve their chances of landing trophy-sized largemouth bass in Florida’s diverse aquatic environments.
Mastering Topwater Bass Fishing in Florida
Key Takeaways for Florida Bass Anglers
- Experiment with various topwater lure types:
- Poppers
- Walkers
- Prop baits
- Wake baits
- Crawlers
- Frogs
- Adapt your approach to Florida’s unique conditions:
- Heavy vegetation
- Shallow flats
- Clear and stained waters
- Consider seasonal patterns in Florida:
- Spring spawning
- Summer heat
- Fall feeding frenzies
Final Tips for Florida Topwater Success
- Fish during prime times: early morning and late evening
- Match lures to local forage in Florida waters
- Pay attention to water conditions and clarity
- Practice different retrieval techniques
With this knowledge and the right gear, you’re well-prepared for exciting topwater action in Florida’s lakes, rivers, and ponds. Remember, adapting your approach to your specific conditions is the key to success. With patience and persistence, you’ll be well on your way to landing trophy-sized Florida largemouth bass on topwater lures.
FAQ: Florida Topwater Bass Fishing
What are the best times to use topwater lures in Florida?
Early mornings and late evenings are prime times for topwater fishing in Florida. These periods often coincide with increased bass activity near the surface.
Which topwater lures work best in Florida’s heavy vegetation?
Frog lures and weedless poppers are excellent choices for Florida’s thick vegetation. Lures like the Spro Bronzeye Frog 65 and Scum Frog Bigfoot are particularly effective.
How should I retrieve a walking bait in Florida waters?
Use a “walk-the-dog” technique, which involves a series of short, sharp rod twitches to create a side-to-side motion. This mimics a wounded baitfish and can trigger strikes from Florida bass.
Are prop baits effective in Florida’s lakes?
Yes, prop baits like the Berkley Choppo and River2Sea Whopper Plopper are very effective in Florida’s lakes, especially in open water and along weed edges.
What color topwater lures should I use in Florida?
Match your lure color to local forage and water conditions. In clear water, use more natural colors. In stained water, opt for brighter colors for better visibility.
How do I fish a popper in Florida’s calm waters?
Use short, sharp rod twitches to make the popper “pop” and create surface disturbance. Allow for pauses between pops to let the ripples settle.
When is the best season for topwater bass fishing in Florida?
Spring through fall are excellent for topwater fishing in Florida. However, it can be effective year-round, especially on warmer winter days.
What’s the best topwater lure for Florida’s shallow flats?
Wake baits like the PH Custom Lures Wake Up or Rapala BX Waking Minnow are excellent choices for Florida’s shallow flats.
How do I choose between different types of topwater lures in Florida?
Consider the fishing conditions: use frogs in heavy cover, walking baits in open water, and poppers around structure. Experiment with different types to see what works best in your specific location.