VIDEO: Topwater smallmouth bass fishing with the Rapala X-Rap Pop! Join James and Nick as they show and talk ways to catch smallmouth bass with these effective topwater baits.
Topwater baits work great for smallmouth bass, especially in the shallows. These lures can be worked slow, medium, or fast depending on the fishes mood, but, the real key is pausing the bait. Similar to the effectiveness of a suspending jerkbait, being able to pause the bait is often an irresistible trigger for smallmouth bass.
“Working the lure somewhat erratically in combination with short or long pauses can be deadly for triggering strikes,” James Lindner explains. “Other times the fish want the bait worked slowly. When using a lure like the X-Rap Pop, cast it out and just let it sit there for a period of time. After the bait hits the water, for instance, let all the ripples clear away from the bait, then pop-pop-pop the lure three times, and let the ripples disappear again.”
Smallmouth bass can move extraordinarily shallow periodically throughout the season. In the early season, just a few degree temperature changes can bring the fish into shallow bays and bullrushes. Some anglers wouldn’t consider looking so far back in shallow bays and flats, but they are worth investigating.
“Smallmouths are on the move all day long,” explains James Lindner. “You may start the day trying to find the fish shallow in the mornings and discover that it’s void of fish, but eventually contact them on the tips of points and deeper water rocks. Then by afternoon, they make their move extraordinarily quickly, and suddenly the shallows are packed with active smallmouth. And when they are shallow, my favorite way to catch them is using topwater lures!”
The X-Rap® Pop rests with a tail down position, its arched body shape sets lure up for a large kerplunk-pop and splash with every snap. Fish can’t resist the X-Rap textured translucent body, internal holographic foil, and 3D holographic eyes. The internal long-cast mechanism allows you to fish vast amounts of water without changing spots. Internal rattle adds to the noise and commotion. VMC black nickel hooks with flash feather teaser tails seal the deal with reluctant fish that is taunted to strike during slight pauses between snaps. With quick tip-down snaps, you can even get the X-Rap® Pop to walk the dog!
