FISHING: Try topwater lures for bass fishing fun | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

FISHING guidance highlights topwater lures designed to trigger summer bass strikes, emphasizing how surface action creates aggressive reactions. The article explains that topwater lures are artificial baits that operate on the water’s surface, with many modern models made of plastic and engineered to displace water and make noise or turbulence. It describes the classic “popper” design as having a wide, concave face, a tapered body, and typically a treble hook with a Mylar skirt, then says sharp rod jerks make a popping, thudding sound and splash water forward. For bass, it notes attractions including largemouth bass, white bass, and hybrids, and says retrieves can be slow and methodical or rapid and frantic depending on response. It adds that when a “depth-charge” strike occurs, anglers should wait a second or two before setting the hook to improve success. It also reviews other lure types like propeller baits (including Smithwick’s Devil’s Horse and Whopper Plopper) and cigar-style baits such as Zara Spook, plus a “Boing!” variant with a metal bead on a titanium arm.