Setting Hook and Topwater

[jooleyen]

What are the best topwater conditions?

If I have a worm or jig, when should I set the hook? Immediately when I feel the tug?

I got my first bite on a worm about three months ago, and I felt the tug. I didn't know when to set the hook, so I just waited for it to really pull.
It didn't come back to pull my worm.
Thanks

[lizardsrule]

The general rule of thumb for worm fishing, is you don't want them to feel pressure from you/line/rod hardly at all. That is until you do that snapping solid hookset. On a PNJ, if you don't set the hook quickly you will miss more fish than you catch. I thought we already had the discussion with you about topwater?

Lizards

[JRL]

I fish worms and PNJ's the same way. Set up with in a second of the hit.

Topwater: Shallow water, or when you see a lot of activity on the surface. They also work well around lily pads, or, open sections in weed covered areas.

Lately large topwaters have been working well. Like Super Spooks, and, Super Spook sized Jitter Bugs.

[Marty]

I set the hook on soft plastics as soon as I know I have had a hit. Bass usually engulf the bait and two things, both bad, can happen if you wait, in my opinion:

1) It'll drop the bait

2) It'll take it deep

Topwater can work any time, but your best odds are during low light and warmer water, maybe 55+. But I've gotten plenty during sunlight as well.

[texasbasser]

My rule while fishing worms is to wait 3 seconds before setting the hook. I found this out because on clear days, I sometimes see the bass hit and even big bass hit the top of the worm first, then after about 3 seconds its in his mouth.

[jooleyen]

Thanks for all of the input guys. I guess there is only one way to REALLY find out when I need to set the hook.

Do you want low light, no wind, and calm water for topwater?

[weaverml34]

Originally Posted by jooleyen

Thanks for all of the input guys. I guess there is only one way to REALLY find out when I need to set the hook.

Do you want low light, no wind, and calm water for topwater?

Jooleyen,

My best time for topwater is first thing in the morning until about an hour after sun up. Another good time to fish top water is when there is a slight chop to the water. For some reason this tends to ignite bass into a feeding frenzy at times.

[jooleyen]

OOO. So it's the opposite of calm water? Choppy water is just little waves right?

[texasbasser]

Originally Posted by jooleyen

OOO. So it's the opposite of calm water? Choppy water is just little waves right?

yes. I only have lcuk at sunset on topwater.

[weaverml34]

Originally Posted by jooleyen

OOO. So it's the opposite of calm water? Choppy water is just little waves right?

Jooleyen,

Maybe I should clarify a little bit. I'll throw a topwater, primarily a buzzbait, early in the morning when it's dead calm. Usually about an hour after sunrise is when the bite turns off. It's usually good for some good bites first thing. Another time when it's good to throw topwater's is when there is "little waves." You will find that guys will throw a topwater at anytime during the day if there is a little chop (little waves) to the water. Hope I didn't confuse you more.

[jooleyen]

Better. Thanks Weaver. It's clear now.

[critter]

One other thing about the top water. In a river fishing for smallmouth you can fish top water spooks or poppers all day. There is something about a river smallmouth. I think they are just plain mean and have an attitude. They seem to bite a top water all day.

I will never forget what a very old and very good bass fisherman once told me about setting the hook on soft plastics.

"What are you waiting for they don't have hands"

If you see your line twitch, move to the side, or the weight/feel of the bait change ......... set the hook. If something is messing with your bait it must be in their mouth cause they ain't got no hands!!!

Mark

[Bassinkid]

with anything topwater wait 2 secs before setting the hook.

[Curado]

I like to throw a topwater on overcast or rainy days ,or in the post spawn. With a worm you feel the little nibble and then I wait until I feel the fish has it in it's mouth good and it will usually start slowly swim off and thats when I set the hook. On a jig I set it as soon as I feel a bite.

[jooleyen]

Thanks Critter. It's finally getting warmer here, so I will be able to fish soon.
I need to stop asking questions and just find out myself. There are too many opinions.

[lizardsrule]

Originally Posted by jooleyen

Thanks Critter. It's finally getting warmer here, so I will be able to fish soon.
I need to stop asking questions and just find out myself. There are too many opinions.

Dang, he's finally been hit in the head enough to start understanding bass fishing

Lizards

[jooleyen]

I feel great today. Finally warming up.