Early Season Topwater?

[Skunk City]

Any of you guys have luck on topwater lures early in the season? The next few couple days of warmth may really wake them up, but I don't think I've landed anything on a topwater lure before things really warmed up in May or so. Will be out there today tossing the regular stuff, but will pull out the Spooks for a few casts and see what's good...

[Dr. Duckbutter]

To be honest I haven't even considered pulling the topwater stuff out of the box yet. From what I've noticed, it does seem the bass have become a good bit more active this last week, but they still wont travel out of their way and I'm still picking them up almost exclusively on a long pause suspending jerkbait(vision 110 style). As far as the toothies, i cant add too much on their behavior.. Been getting a ton of chains but the pike bite has cooled in my usual spots. Whats your luck been with topwater pike in the early spring the last couple years?

[jimmythegreek]

depends on the body of water and the fish ur after. Alot of fish are in the super shallows spawning or getting ready to, so you might get some action. Something like a floating stickbait fished slow works well this time of year, or small huskyjerks. You can always toss plastics/jigs any time of year too. I love topwater its one of my goto styles but I usually wait til warmer water, like may into the early fall......

[catfishonthelake]

I think early-season topwater is totally underrated. I have caught bass on Zara Spooks on warm cloudy days in February. When the shallows warm this time of year, you can find fish in less than a foot of water. I have trouble believing those fish wouldn't smack something on the surface.

[buzzbaiter]

saturday got 4 bass and 11 pickerel in one warm(55F) cove. nothing else rest of the lake(46-48F). all on a 2" surface popper.

sunday had a dink fest at one pond(50F) getting dozens of 6 to 10" largemouths on on buzzbait. nothing bigger than 10" in 3 hrs. later at another pond(51F) got one 15" on a 1/8 oz buzzbait.

50F seems to be the magic number. shallow coves out of the wind are also good. they will be clobbering surface stuff the next few days.

[catfishonthelake]

saturday got 4 bass and 11 pickerel in one warm(55F) cove. nothing else rest of the lake(46-48F). all on a 2" surface popper.

sunday had a dink fest at one pond(50F) getting dozens of 6 to 10" largemouths on on buzzbait. nothing bigger than 10" in 3 hrs. later at another pond(51F) got one 15" on a 1/8 oz buzzbait.

50F seems to be the magic number. shallow coves out of the wind are also good. they will be clobbering surface stuff the next few days.

And there you have it!

[thefishermanmechanic]

The lake I was on Sunday surface temp was 41, the one fish I did catch was tight to the bottom, as I could feel my weight hitting the hard rock surfaces. Top water? Maybe mid to late may?

[Skunk City]

Good info guys. I was hoping to throw something on top tonight but it was too windy to even be worth it.

[tycomps]

earliest on topwater for me has been may.

[lunkertaker]

earliest on topwater for me has been may.

Ditto...May in NJ would be the earliest I would try except last year with the warm temps...April. BUT...if you dont throw it it can't happen so ya never know.

[acabtp]

i usually wait until i start seeing/hearing topwater blowups around me. match what they're looking for, you know?

[Glenngut]

I fished topwater on fly and spin gear. I covered buzzbaits, poppers, walked the dog, threw different dry flies, and got nothing. Fish are feeding top water though. I had a big pike miss a buzzer yesterday in Milltown and a crappie jump off the hook on a gnat today. I'm pattern fishing and having a lot of trouble figuring out what they want.

[Lard Almighty]

Topwater can certainly work early in the season, but when the water's still cold there are usually better options. I don't normally start fishing topwaters seriously until around the end of May. A lot of people tend to think that 50 degrees is the magic number, but I usually wait until it is warmer.

[Bergen Angler]

I was catching LMB using a hula popper in July and August. Right now, I am using Blades to catch LMB.

[JerryC]

Its possible, but topwater would be the last thing i would use thsi early in the season.

[bowzonly]

Was out on 4/11, surface water temp was 60. Threw a big floating deep diving crankbait next to a log extending into the water from the shore with the intent. of pulling it down the bank. Bass blew up on it as soon as it hit, missed it. Threw it again but this time had to twitch a couple times before getting a reaction, hooked up. Released it and threw to the same spot again. Another one blew up as soon as it hit but my line was wrapped around back treble so I missed. Couldnt get it to strike again. Thought I was on a pattern but couldnt get another bite for the remaining 2 hours I fished. Will post pic in separate thread.

[Skunk City]

All good info guys...

[bigfishy]

Last yr. I caught a four lber. on topwater in early march, but with basically NO winter that yr. I don't think i'll be able to break that record in NJ...50 degrees is that magic # lard.....I don't do it personally but a buddy of mine starts throwing topwater once its been 50 for at least 2-3 days.....He does'nt
kill em all the time but its just like any other pattern, ya gotta try it to see if the fish are into it....He has had early spring days where he has outfished the entire lake of dozens of other fisherman stickin with topwater.....

Its about the only time of year that i have caught good numbers of fish on topwater in the middle of a blue bird sunny day...of course slower cadences but topwater none the less:D