DO THIS To Catch More Fish on Topwater Lures 

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I've had them strike it as I'm lifting it out of the water to cast again right by the kayak. This is especially true with Trout. It always startles me when it happens. Haha.

Being from PA. one of the things I have learned from fishing for Northern Pike, chain pickerel and musky, is they follow up to you. Take your rodtip and start making figure 8s in the water with your lure may cause a strike literally right at your feet.

Great tip - that can be said for just about any other baits too. Work it all the way back to the boat/yak or even seawall or dock etc.. I've caught a lot of fish right at sea-walls (inches away) when retrieving. As for topwater tips ...Not much has changed over the years as far secrets or tips with spook style baits (both fresh & saltwater). Same old basic stuff for the most part. Sometimes when first casting out a spook ,dead-sticking it can work(just leave it sit there for 20 seconds or so -keep rod tip high so the leader doesn't sink). Mono leaders make the action better because it doesn't sink as fast as floro - however 50lb/60lb floro floats well compared to 30lb. Some folks like chap-stick on their leaders -they believe it makes the leader float better. Also...Good scent's can help the fish commit and hold onto it better when they pull it under (amino acids in most scents). If you're seeing a lot of fish follow it and not hit it or short strike it... speeding it up, or even fishing it more erratic(hard twitches on a slack line) can work at times. Never set the hook until you feel the fish pull. I use more of a sweeping hook-set with the rod tip close to water or even in it at times. I think it works better and the fish are less likely to jump and spit the hooks right off the get go(buoyant bait & at the surface some species will jump naturally out of instinct). Example - Pretty much like when fooling around and catching ladyfish - rod tip near or even in the water with a dragging/sweeping motion helps keep them from jumping off and you'll land more.

Once again, a very clear explanation of your very successful technique to give the fish the maximum opportunity to strike that topwater.

Great explanation. The same is true with largemouth bass in freshwater. I’ve caught as many bass right next to the kayak as I have when the lure hits the water 30yds out. The art of the patient retrieve is a good skill to have for all fish. It is also true for mountain trout when fly fishing. It’s so tempting to pick the fly up but if you let it drift for another few seconds you will catch many more trout! Thanks for the video!

I agree, and have known this for a long time, even for freshwater species. Example: Bass fishing legend Roland Martin recently caught a 12.7 lb bass in the new Fellsmere Headwaters lake. He was fishing a chatter bait, and the giant bass struck right at the boat, with less than 2 ft of line off the rod tip! It's a miracle it didn't break his rod, being that close. He posted a video about it only a couple days ago, on his YT ch: "Roland Martin Fishing".........the date the video was posted is: July 2, '21. The video title is: "What's Happening Roland". This video shows footage of Roland holding the bass & releasing it. But he didn't capture the fight on video, because an approaching thunderstorm and a lightning bolt just scared the crap out of him, so the camera was off, as he hurriedly retrieved the bait to try and outrun the storm in his boat. Keep in mind, Roland is now 80 YRS OLD.......and STILL fishing & hunting, almost every day!

I've had a problem with snook hitting my topwater out of the water with inline hooks and not getting hooked. I feel like treble have a better hook up ratio

Good video and I have had many strike a lure within 5’-10’ of me, including chasing a jig under a Mauler or Thunder cork as I lift it out of the water to cast again. It is a question I’ve wondered a lot, is the strike from a trailing stalk of some distance or just crossing paths with a fish. Often my water’s not clear enough or at the correct angle to tell. Bottom line is to complete the retrieve fully and attentively. Thanks, thought-provoking and instructive vid!

Nice video! When I’m using top water. More often than not, my lure will be almost beside the boat when when a strike happen. I’ve had some fish that were so aggressive, it startled me when they jumped out of the water.

Check action lure sir!!! Single hook number?

What's the difference between this top water lure vs the tried and true heddon spook jr.? Or is this just Salt Strong's take on a similar design?

What is the best top water lure for garrick

Wow this good trik big fish

When will youall sell your stuff on Amazon, would be good for international customers

You forgot to mention this product is for "members only" !

I wish i can other this

Show us the best way to retrieve this lure

@SaltStrong What Kayak are you using there?

What type of trout was that? I'm just getting into fishing, and I'm curious. That was a nice looking fish.

Is it a steady retrieve with this lure?

Wouldn't this apply to any lure? Not just topwater.