Fish on top all day! This month will likely produce the most top-water action you’ll see all year. Fish have recovered from the rigors of the spawn, their metabolisms are speeding up with the increase in water temps, and they want to eat! Not only will top-water fishing be very productive this month, let’s face it, there’s nothing more exciting than seeing a lure get smashed on the surface by a big bass.
Bass are engineered to be top-water predators with the shape and size of their mouth. With ease, they can engulf large prey from the surface by flaring their gills and instantly flushing gallons of water through them in violent strikes. I’ve seen bass strike ducks and birds that looked way too big for them to eat, but they are vicious predators that are often willing to have a go at a large meal.
The Bagley Spintail 05 and Bang-O-Lure will be my most used hard surface lures. They’re basically a floating jerk-bait equipped with a prop at the tail and Angler’s Tackle on Hwy 22 has a huge selection to choose from. I like to fish these on a rod less than 7’ to increase casting accuracy because I often throw this lure into small pockets of open water amongst trees and grass. Use 15 lb. test monofilament and try up-sizing the hooks a bit. Rigged and fished this way, you can haul big fish out of heavy cover when needed. Lesser line and hooks can result in break-offs or the hook tearing or straightening out from the fish’s mouth.
Frogs, both buzzing and hollow-body, will continue to produce, and as the grass gets thicker, will be required on much of the lake. Start with a fast retrieve and if you get results, stay with it. If not, slow things down and try some sub-surface baits like a Gambler Southern Swim Jig tipped with a Burner Craw.
Good fishing and God bless.
CAPT. RANDY “C-NOTE” CNOTA
C-note Charters
Panama City, FL
cnotecharters.com
(229) 834-7880