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Topwater Smallmouths
Topwater Smallmouths (cont.)
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TINKERING TIPS FOR TOPWATERS
• To get more action from walking baits, bend down the eye slightly. This pulls the head of the lure down and creates a livelier walking action that pushes more water.
• Or using a hard, fine, triangular file, cut a groove on the inside of the ring eye where the line is tied to the bait. This holds the knot down low on the eye. When the rod tip snaps down, the head of the lure pulls downward, making the "walk" easier to achieve, while increasing the action of the bait. (Use a fine-tooth file so edges are smooth.)
• Feathered trebles are mainstays on most poppers, but they can lend real attraction to any surface bait, even walking-style baits. Feathered trebles from Storm, Owner, and other companies spruce up ordinary prop baits, spitters, even minnowbaits, creating a hinged-tail effect and creating a subtle breathing action when the lure is resting on top. Feathered trebles can be purchased separately.
• Bend the props forward about 20 degrees on prop baits to make them louder and to pull more air under the surface on ripping retrieves. For enhanced subtlety, bend the props back, away from the direction of the pull, to make a softer, purring sound.
• Shave the lower lip of a popper to create a larger surface area for louder bloops and a bigger disturbance, or to create a unique walking bait. The addition of a small split ring also enhances the walking ability of a customized popper.
• Trade trebles. If the bait comes with standard trebles, replace them with premium short-shank treble hooks by VMC, Eagle Claw, Owner, Daiichi, Gamakatsu, or Mustad. When replacing trebles, remember that the distance between the points should be almost the same as the width of the lure. Some lures come with smaller hooks.
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