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Top water

2K views 7 replies 8 participants last post by  seachaser 
#1 ·
When using a top water and you get a swing and miss what would be the best way to intise another strike stop it? Twitch it? Speed it up? Continue with normal presentation?
 
#2 · (Edited)
If you didn't snatch the lure as if you were setting the hook keep retrieving like you were before. You can even make it "shutter in place" for a second or two causing it to act as if the fish injured the bait before you resume your retrieve.

If you did snatch it get it back to the boat as fast as you can and cast again.

If you are getting a lot of strike and misses switch to a suspending lure. If you are in the icw or the sound where the salinity is 16-18 parts a suspending lure will almost float and act like a topwater lure except it will be a couple of inches below the surface.
 
#3 ·
Every single strike is different, some are passive and some ar aggressive. You have to figure out which it is. If it is an aggressive strike they will continue to hit it until you get a hook up. If not stop dead in its tracks wait a few seconds and then just barely twitch it and hang on.
 
#4 ·
As lobsterman stated all stikes are different. You need to figure out what is working for that day. Also remember to not jerk when you see the water explode. You can jerk the lure out of its mouth. Its tough when you see the fish explode but you need to have the fish turn, then you will feel it on the rod. This is the time to cross its eyes. If they short strike try downsizing your lure. Sometimes it helps to speed it up. Sometimes just stopping and shaking the lure works. Just remember dont jerk when you see the strike and you will catch a lot more fish. Good luck.

RJ
 
#6 ·
All really good advice!!!! One important thing to remember when using topwaters. When ever you get a strike and your lure vanishes, never set the hook immediately. A little rhyme "reel till you feel" then set the hook will increase you hook ups!!!

Nothing in the world beats a topwater strike first thing in the morning!!!
 
#7 ·
New to saltwater but in my bass fishing tournament days I had a knack for success with topwater buzz baits. Really the only trick was to develop an instinctive hesitation with each strike. There's just a split second where the fish does not quite have the bait but has made that exciting splash that makes us want to jerk right then and there. If you ever get that timing right, percentages of hook-ups will improve.
 
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