Though only an orange glow filled the distant horizon from the not yet risen sun, enough light was available to see everything except what might be lurking in dimly-lit shadows. Bird noises were abundant and an occasional faraway splash broke the silence of the morning. It was a perfect time to be out on any North Georgia lake.

The spinning rod made a whistling sound as it whipped through the morning air with enough speed to send the big topwater lure sailing across the long, mainlake point. The anxious angler took up the slack in his line, then gave the rod a little twitch. The lure made an audible “plopping” sound and the quiet surface erupted into millions of particles of spray as a cruising striped bass exploded the surface! That exciting beginning and the ensuing battle with the twenty pound striper is why so many fishermen can’t wait for “topwater time!”

Despite the fact that topwater fishing is not always the most efficient technique for catching fish, the adrenaline rush associated with surface strikes is still the ultimate thrill! Also, there are times when fishing on top seems to be the only way to catch a bass.

During most of the year, time of day is important in deciding when to use surface lures. Other factors should also be considered along with the hour.

If the day is sunny, topwaters are usually best early and late, when light penetration is low and shadows are long. On the other hand, if the sky is cloudy or drizzly, topwaters can produce all day long, even in summer.

Surface baits are also good at night, mainly during the summer months when water temperatures soar. The slow-moving daytime bass will roam and feed at night, and a loud surface lure is a tempting target. Where to fish topwaters is as important as when. One can either choose specific targets or cover general areas. This choice is often based on one’s casting ability.

Novice anglers should concentrate on larger areas of opportunity where precise casting is not an issue. These could include expanses of standing timber, large areas of shallow vegetation, underwater islands, steep creek channel banks, or riprap around dams or bridges.

If your casting is professional in quality, you might want to try precise casts toward specific structures. Examples of these might include blowndown trees, exposed stumps, bridge pilings, boat docks, isolated vegetation, slightly exposed brush piles, or single standing trees. Bass around these structures will hold very close, so one should fish slower and with less commotion.

Popular topwater lures come in many sizes and shapes, and each angler has his or her own idea as to their use. Nevertheless, most surface lures can be broken down into several distinct categories:

• STICK BAITS - These lures often resemble a cigar with hooks attached, and are “walked” across the surface by a precise “jerk and stop” technique.
• JERKBAITS - Mostly consist of high-floating, long, thin baits with a tiny diving bill. These lures represent injured of dying minnows.
• PROP BAITS - These lures usually have propellers on both ends or only one on the back.
• POPPERS - Also called chuggers because of the large, hollow opening where the line is attached. These lures are excellent for beginners when working broad areas at a fairly rapid pace.
• BUZZBAITS - Because of their configuration, these lures are often confused with spinnerbaits, but their purpose is strictly as a topwater bait. Probably the best lake in the south for “hot and heavy” topwater action during the warmer months is Lake Lanier. However, most of the mountain lakes like Burton, Rabun, Seed, Carters, Chatuge, Nottely and Blue Ridge also come alive later in the spring.

Surface lures take advantage of the extraordinary sound and vibration sensing ability of all aquatic predators, and fishermen enjoy the sudden blast and raucous show put on by the greedy bass. With all the new growth below the surface from several years of drought, “topwater time” this year should be explosive!

Bill Vanderford has won numerous awards for his writing and photography, and has been inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Guide. He can be reached at 770-289-1543, at [email protected], or at his web site: www.fishinglanier.com