Topwater
A soft, hollow body with two upturned hooks that rides over surface vegetation completely weedless. Work it across mats, let it fall into pockets, and work it around pad edges. When a bass grabs it from below, the soft body collapses and the hooks drive home. Big-fish technique — frog fishing consistently produces 4+ pound fish.
Setup & Gear
| Rod | 7'3"–7'6" heavy casting rod, fast action |
| Reel | 7.1:1–8.1:1 baitcaster |
| Line | 50–65 lb braid (no stretch, cuts through grass, positive hooksets) |
| Weight | 1/2–5/8 oz (BOOYAH Pad Crasher, Livetarget Frog, Spro Bronze Eye) |
Best Conditions
Thick grass mats, lily pads, surface vegetation, shallow water in summer, post-spawn through fall, morning and evening
Seasonal Tactics
spring
Fish the edges of sparse early grass and around pads as water warms above 60°F.
summer
Prime season. Work across matted grass and punch into pockets. Midday bite can be excellent under mats.
fall
Fish open pockets in dying grass. Work slowly as fish become less aggressive.
winter
Not applicable — bass leave shallow vegetation in cold water.
Hank's Pro Tip
Wait on the hookset. After the explosion, lower the rod tip slightly and wait until you feel pressure before sweeping hard. Premature hooksets cost half your fish.
Frequently Asked
7'3"–7'6" heavy casting rod, fast action. Pair it with a 7.1:1–8.1:1 baitcaster, spooled with 50–65 lb braid (no stretch, cuts through grass, positive hooksets). Use 1/2–5/8 oz (BOOYAH Pad Crasher, Livetarget Frog, Spro Bronze Eye).
Thick grass mats, lily pads, surface vegetation, shallow water in summer, post-spawn through fall, morning and evening
Spring: Fish the edges of sparse early grass and around pads as water warms above 60°F. Fall: Fish open pockets in dying grass. Work slowly as fish become less aggressive.
Wait on the hookset. After the explosion, lower the rod tip slightly and wait until you feel pressure before sweeping hard. Premature hooksets cost half your fish.
More Techniques
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