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U.S. Patent #6871608
CONTACT US:
WAVEWALK, INC.
83 Adams Avenue West Newton,
MA 02465,
USA
Tel:
(617) 916-2250 Email Us
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Kayak
Fishing With Jeff McGovern
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Topwater Fishing
Fishing with a
topwater or surface lure is lots of fun. Out of a W kayak, it's
down right exciting, since you are so close to the action. The
equipment required is fairly simple and there are many topwater lures
to choose from. For the purpose of this short article, we will
look at hard baits (also known as "plugs.") These are lures made
of wood or plastic that float on top at rest. When fish attack
them, it looks like a giant hole just opens on the water and the bait
disappears.
The basic types are:
walking, popping, minnow, and prop baits. These lures have been
around for years and still consistently catch large numbers of
fish. There are variations, but these are the ones most commonly
available. All four types can be used in freshwater or saltwater
and for a large variety of game fish. Let's take a look at a few
examples.
WALKING
BAITS
The best
example is a Zara Spook. A newer version is the Spit'n
Image. The
angler provides the action this lure has on the water. This plug
looks
like it could have been carved from a broom handle, and, indeed, the
originals were. Worked properly with a side to side wiggle,
fish will
blow them right off the surface in their effort to grab them.
This
bait requires practice to use. The angler must work their rod
hand
wrist and turn the reel handle in cadence to create the walking
motion. It will wear you down at first, but the results of
practice
time are well worth the effort. |
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POPPING
BAITS OR POPPERS
These lures are
just plain fun. With a large exaggerated mouth on
them they pop and gurgle when the angler pulls their line. Some
of the
cupped mouths on these baits throw water a few feet in front of the
plug as they move. Classic examples are the Chug Bug and the
Rebel
Pop-R series plugs. To work these lures, you cast out to a likely
spot
and let the lure settle down. Then "pop it" and hold on for the
strike.
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MINNOW
BAITS
These
lures are best represented by the classic floating Rapala minnow.
The
history of this lure could fill a book-suffice it to say it's every bit
as effective today as it was 40 years ago. These lures have a
slim
profile and resemble a minnow. They have a small clear
plastic lip
that allows the lure to dive a short distance on retrieve. Their
life-like wiggle is very attractive to game fish. To work the
bait,
throw it out let it sit for a moment. Then begin a slow retrieve,
briefly pausing from time to time. |
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PROP BAITS
These lures
are some of my all time favorites. Propellers are located at the
front
and/or back ends of these fun lures. Simple to work, they are
represented today by the Devils Horse, Tiny Torpedo, or, in handmade
excellence, by the Lil Zip from Sam Griffin. They can catch fish just
sitting there. The moment they are moved, they get crushed by
aggressive game fish. Work them by throwing to a likely
area and
allowing the bait sit until the water calms down from the splash.
Then
begin working the bait back in short, soft jerks until you find a
pattern the fish like. |
Photos: Jeff McGovern
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The equipment
you use for topwater water fishing can be any that throws the lure
properly. Spinning, casting, or spincasting gear will all work
just fine. Line sizes can range from 8 to 20lb test (depending on
the angler's preference) and good old monofilament line is fine for
these lures. The best piece of advice I've ever had for fishing
topwater lures came from Sam Griffin himself. He told me "give
the fish time to read the menu." In other words, fish them slow for the
best results. This is the best way to start out-- you can always
speed things up later if the fish are ready to order. So, this
season, try a topwater water lure and prepare for excitement.
Jeff
Copyright
(C) Jeff McGovern, 2007
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