How to Fish Pencil Popper Topwater Baits for Big Bass

TACKLE & GEAR:

A defining characteristic of topwater baits is that they open up strike windows so you can find fish fast. The addition of wind chop and overcast skies make it harder for bass to inspect a topwater bait making commotion overhead - this elicits a predatory response few baits can match. As a category, pencil poppers feature a long body and cupped nose that create a spitting, walk-the-dog commotion bass can hone in on and find irresistible.

Nick instructs how to adjust retrieve speed to the mood of fish. Generally speaking, he slows his retrieve when fish are suspended or holding deeper (keeps bait in strike zone longer) and speeds the cadence when bass are shallow. Smith doesn't skimp on equipment with these magnum topwater baits, electing to use a medium-heavy rod paired with a high-speed reel and braided line. This system picks up line fast and handles the stress of the heavy bait while no-stretch braid supports 'reel setting' for consistent hookups.

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[coltonsheffield]

Love informative fisherman. Great asset to the channel

[yakoobjunior]

Great video and thank you for sharing too. Going to give this a try 👍🏼

[aliikane]

Good to see those Delta beasts in feeding mode.

[FOE_FishingOverEverything]

Way to go Nick the Informative fishermen!

[joshandhuntersadventures]

Awesome info for walking baits I learned a few tips of this. It is upper 50’s water temp where I live so we are close to that 60 I might give it a try.

[guywithagoprofishingshow]

Dang Nick;youre very fortunate to be working with Savage Gear.I noticed theyve definitely stepped their innovation game up with baits like the Prop Walker and 4play, for ex.Gonna share on Twitter guys.gr8 vid!!

[coltonn]

I caught several the other day at 50 degrees so 58 is just a good start point

[kweeks]

I use one on largemouth but fish it using an 8’ rod like I’m fishing for stripers. Ferocious attacks!

[juzzonmorris]

Great video. Nice to see you back at it.👍

[jeremiahgiles]

I've been catching them on topwater with buzzbaits and poppers since February.

[garymeierhenry]

Good to see you on this channel as well.

[kellymoore]

I had a popper lure like that, but a dang pike took it from me, should a had on a small wire leader knowing they were in there, but we were fishing for smallmouth.

[jbjgibbons]

I caught a sack of fish in 55 degree water throwing a buzz toad on a grass flat that was wind blown. I say start trying top water as soon a spring arrives!

[fishinncrapoutdoors]

Can't wait for some top water blowups

[kweeks]

One of the largest largemouth bass I have ever caught was on a pencil popper. I was bank fishing and the fish were busting shad close to 100yds offshore. The only lure that I had that was capable of getting close was a big pencil. The bass were fighting to get to the lure and the other couple of guys on the bank didn't catch anything.

[TheUncontrollableYeti]

@wired2fish - what more could you want!!! 4 people dislike topside blowups smh.