As the name implies, a topwater bait is one that is fished on or close to the surface. Many of these baits float but will ride up high in the water column if fished fast enough. 

The most popular types are frogs, poppers, walking baits, propeller baits and buzz baits.

Frogs can be fished in very thick mats, lily pads and even in open water, usually near exposed cover. There are two types of frogs. Floating and kicking or buzz frogs. Within each type are sub types. For example some floating frogs have tapered noses and work best in thick cover or pads. Others have a popping type nose and can be fished like a standard popper but right in or near the weeds or pads.

Hard bait floating poppers are usually fished in open water near or around cover. Because of the exposed hooks they cannot be fished right in the weeds.

Walking baits are hard plastic or balsa wood baits that are designed to "walk" side to side when fished properly. Again, because of the exposed hooks are not suitable to be fished in the weeds but work best fished over submerged weed beds or near visible cover.

Propeller or prop baits have one or more small propellers in the front, back or both. They make quite a racket in the water and can attract bass from distances.

Buzz baits have a large blade that kick up a stream of water when retrieved. They are metal so they sink fairly quickly and must be retrieved so that they "buzz" across the surface.

Use the menu pull down above to find specific baits and techniques.