I have experimented extensively using split rings/snaps with topwater baits (pencil poppers, walking baits). if you’re trying to bomb the topwater long distance, split rings/snaps tend to make the topwater bait helicopter in the air, reducing your casting distance…it can be subtle (or it can be excessive), and depends on wind direction, but without a snap/swivel, the bait will fly in the air like a bullet most times….There’s lakes I fish from shore where I’m trying to reach an island or a larger patch of submerged grass that’s over 50 meters out, and casting distance equates to my chance at getting a bite or not…For line, I use braid with a very short (8-10”) 20-25 lb mono leader…..the higher strength mono leader helps the topwater lure fly straight in the air without helicopter’ing and will prevent the trebles of the bait from hanging up on your braid.
I really appreciate this video. The buzzbait info at the end is great. I love throwing a Booyah buzz black in color with a pit boss trailer. 3.4lb! ✌🏻😎🎣
Thank you for this awesome video! How about timing like when to use the topwater lure? Somebody told me that if the water is still cold like in the spring or early summer top water lure is not going work. Is that true?
I kept waiting for 'setting the hook too early'... but that's more behavioral rather than gear-related. Sooooo hard NOT to react at that blow-up we all love so much!
Dude that happen to me this morning . First time using a lipless crank bait and the moment I felt that bite I tried to set hook only to have that sucker get the hook out while thrashing at the top . Super disappointed but learning!
@@morachris yeah, that's why the pros started using composite rods for cranking back in the day instead of the ever-increasingly sensitive graphite rods... nowadays it's pretty commonplace to use slower-reacting rods to mitigate that fast hookset we have trained in ourselves, but I think they started doing it in the mid-90s. Rick Clunn(4x Bassmaster Classic champion - he did it BEFORE Kevin Van Dam became the GOAT) started it, I think. Lipless cranks are GREAT lures, I can't even count the number of fish I have caught on em, including my biggest walleye this summer(pics & vids on my channel!). Early in the year white bass spawning runs are a great time to use em to catch better quality fish, when most anglers are using small spoons, spinners & jigs. I used to always say, when asked how to fish a "rattle trap", - "Tie it on & wear the paint off!" Hahaha But throwing a slight pause in every 4-5 turns of the handle will get you alot of bites from followers. They're cruising right behind it(happens more often than people realize) & all of a sudden it just stops & bam! it's right in their face & they'll usually eat it. My baitcaster takes in about 3ft per turn, so 4 turns is 12ft... your average ceilings are 8ft, judt to hive a visual reference, so your lure just went that far horizontally, so I think that's a good time to just stop for a split second. It's not really dropping, although that can trigger bites too, but it's just unexpectedly hesitating as the fish runs up into it. Sorry for "running off at the mouth", as my momma used to say lol, I just love fishing!
I still have those kind of reactions to Frog bites. 😆 The use of Braid, heavy rods and in vegetation... you have to set the hook hard... With treble baits I learned from my pops to just stay focused on your cadences and such... to the point to where when you get a blow up your twitch/walk/pop rod motions continue until you feel the weight of the fish cause the lure to go under... it's a split second thing... but if you keep focus and keep in your mind to let the trebles do most of the hook setting for you... Also make sure not have too much slack in the line... but definitely wait to feel some kind of weight and then lean/pull into the hookset just like a crankbait/jerkbait bite. Keeping sharp good hooks on your baits is also key... Owner ST-36 are a go-to hook for many if us for sure.
@@SuaSponte75 I totally remember sitting on the couch with all the fishing shows going, Bassmasters, Jimmy Houston, Bill Dance, and Roland Martin, etc., with my tackle box(es) out & a little file sharpening all of my hooks... geez, what we would've given to have lures that actually came with decently sharp hooks in those days!! The Johnson Silver Minnow weedless spoons were the worst - you couldn't even pop a balloon with those things straight out of the package! Fish catching suckers though, especially if you throw a jig/spinnerbait skirt or a half a plastic worm on em as a trailer... hmmmmm, there are generations of fish that have never even seen one of those. What's old is new again?
For anyone that doesnt want to add snaps or split rings... I myself have always used a loop knot for all walking/popping baits with no issues. Walking/popping is very easy just like adding a snap or split ring. If the bait comes with a split ring I still use a loop knot on it and it walks well. Check out the Mark Rose version of a loop knot on youtube if you want an easy to tie strong loop knot.
You tie a loop knot to the line tie of your topwater lure, right? (not the split ring). I initially misinterpreted when you said if you bought a topwater bait that has a split ring on it, that you tie a loop knot on it (the split ring)🤔
I’m all in when it comes to Top Water. Lots of Walking baits , Chugger , Wake , Prop . I’m Old School I use 14# Mono and snap ring Sz 2 or 3 . Rods I like 6’ 8” 6’10” & 7’ Med to Med Hev Fast tip. Like a fast reel too , minimum 7.3 to 8.3 ratio . Great for quick follow up casts. Your right the window is closing on top water fishing , I’ve been able to get bites late in the morning 10 to 11 am. I also agree you need to change it up and Silent is a game changer . One last thought you need to be able to accurately make 25 to 30 yds casts. Presentation is everything. Dig your video and thanks for making it today.
Awesome stuff !! Hey what are you guys opinions about a split ring on the pop max I always just tie right to the bait but thought Griff or someone said something before about putting one on it ?
I do have a question. I have the giant shower blows and it just sits on my wall of Tackel. I never hear anybody talk about large spooks. I always look at it and think about using it but have no confidence in it. Any suggestions ?
It’s just a size thing. Use it when you think the fish need something large to pull them to it, or when they’re feeding on big bait like gizzards or herring.
As far as our shitty urban lakes here in Tucson, I can’t get a buzzbait bite to save my life. Might try to downsize to bfs size lures in that category. I have had luck on the Dogx Diamante in bass colors, and the smaller crawler style lures, but it’s far and few between. Conventional sized buzz baits just scare the shit out of these pressured dinks. I really want to try that imalittlevoice, and the mega bass v-4 buzz. Any chance those might be back in stock in the near future?
Same I've transitioned back to using snaps and taking split rings off for pretty much all my hard bait applications and some soft bait presentations. My snap of choice is the nishine Lure works one.
Copolymer is honestly just mono with little to no fluorocarbon coating. Basically 10% or less of fluoro coating more times than "knot"... So basically... Just stick with mono or braid TBH Mono- Regular Defier or Armilo Defier Braid- Samurai Braid
So, I have a 3 piece PB Rat and used with straight fluorocarbon. I noticed the action wasn't what I've seen on your vids in the past, as well as it appeared to sort of be sub-surfaced. I normally throw braid, but this rig was for large heavy weighted baits, so didn't think much of it until I threw the rat. Do you think using the braid will make a difference in how the PB Rat will react when retrieving? I'm unsure of how it should "swim" when retrieving either way. Slow my retrieve is a possibility as well
Point 3 on sound was awesome and something to consider more often. Great stuff guys. 🍻
I have experimented extensively using split rings/snaps with topwater baits (pencil poppers, walking baits). if you’re trying to bomb the topwater long distance, split rings/snaps tend to make the topwater bait helicopter in the air, reducing your casting distance…it can be subtle (or it can be excessive), and depends on wind direction, but without a snap/swivel, the bait will fly in the air like a bullet most times….There’s lakes I fish from shore where I’m trying to reach an island or a larger patch of submerged grass that’s over 50 meters out, and casting distance equates to my chance at getting a bite or not…For line, I use braid with a very short (8-10”) 20-25 lb mono leader…..the higher strength mono leader helps the topwater lure fly straight in the air without helicopter’ing and will prevent the trebles of the bait from hanging up on your braid.
I really appreciate this video. The buzzbait info at the end is great. I love throwing a Booyah buzz black in color with a pit boss trailer. 3.4lb! ✌🏻😎🎣
I just love this channel, one of my very favorites. The banter between you guys is so fun to watch. Who wouldn’t want someone like Ben as their boss!
Awesome video as always. Thanks for the tips!
Highly educational.
Ben you said in one of your videos you do at times use monofilament line for top water baits . What mono do you use ?
If you slightly wax the first foot of braid it stiffens the line some and doesn’t wrap around the hooks as much and I still get bit
Fantastic vid! Thanks guys
Thank you for watching!
Great video. Thanks for the reminders/tips!
Thank you for watching
Thank you for this awesome video! How about timing like when to use the topwater lure? Somebody told me that if the water is still cold like in the spring or early summer top water lure is not going work. Is that true?
on highly pressured fish, don't forget about smaller walking baits, like the Zara Puppy.
Do I need to use a split ring on a jerkbaits, same you suggested for topwater baits?
Such a good video, thanks for the information!
Thank you for watching!
Thanks for sharing
Thank you for watching
Just started using the spro prime snap mini, mostly the 15 or 20lb. Don't think I'll ever go back. Haven't had one open or deform yet.
I’ve been waiting for Teckel Kicknocker Custome White Walker you showed in the video.
When will it be restocked??
Such a sick color, I had a pike break mine off...😪
@@dant8213 OMG... must be a giga pike. We should get multiple ones when it's restocked.
I kept waiting for 'setting the hook too early'... but that's more behavioral rather than gear-related. Sooooo hard NOT to react at that blow-up we all love so much!
That’s a solid one, and one that will come in in our frog specific video 👍
Dude that happen to me this morning . First time using a lipless crank bait and the moment I felt that bite I tried to set hook only to have that sucker get the hook out while thrashing at the top . Super disappointed but learning!
@@morachris yeah, that's why the pros started using composite rods for cranking back in the day instead of the ever-increasingly sensitive graphite rods... nowadays it's pretty commonplace to use slower-reacting rods to mitigate that fast hookset we have trained in ourselves, but I think they started doing it in the mid-90s. Rick Clunn(4x Bassmaster Classic champion - he did it BEFORE Kevin Van Dam became the GOAT) started it, I think.
Lipless cranks are GREAT lures, I can't even count the number of fish I have caught on em, including my biggest walleye this summer(pics & vids on my channel!). Early in the year white bass spawning runs are a great time to use em to catch better quality fish, when most anglers are using small spoons, spinners & jigs. I used to always say, when asked how to fish a "rattle trap", - "Tie it on & wear the paint off!" Hahaha But throwing a slight pause in every 4-5 turns of the handle will get you alot of bites from followers. They're cruising right behind it(happens more often than people realize) & all of a sudden it just stops & bam! it's right in their face & they'll usually eat it. My baitcaster takes in about 3ft per turn, so 4 turns is 12ft... your average ceilings are 8ft, judt to hive a visual reference, so your lure just went that far horizontally, so I think that's a good time to just stop for a split second. It's not really dropping, although that can trigger bites too, but it's just unexpectedly hesitating as the fish runs up into it.
Sorry for "running off at the mouth", as my momma used to say lol, I just love fishing!
I still have those kind of reactions to Frog bites. 😆 The use of Braid, heavy rods and in vegetation... you have to set the hook hard... With treble baits I learned from my pops to just stay focused on your cadences and such... to the point to where when you get a blow up your twitch/walk/pop rod motions continue until you feel the weight of the fish cause the lure to go under... it's a split second thing... but if you keep focus and keep in your mind to let the trebles do most of the hook setting for you... Also make sure not have too much slack in the line... but definitely wait to feel some kind of weight and then lean/pull into the hookset just like a crankbait/jerkbait bite. Keeping sharp good hooks on your baits is also key... Owner ST-36 are a go-to hook for many if us for sure.
@@SuaSponte75 I totally remember sitting on the couch with all the fishing shows going, Bassmasters, Jimmy Houston, Bill Dance, and Roland Martin, etc., with my tackle box(es) out & a little file sharpening all of my hooks... geez, what we would've given to have lures that actually came with decently sharp hooks in those days!! The Johnson Silver Minnow weedless spoons were the worst - you couldn't even pop a balloon with those things straight out of the package! Fish catching suckers though, especially if you throw a jig/spinnerbait skirt or a half a plastic worm on em as a trailer... hmmmmm, there are generations of fish that have never even seen one of those. What's old is new again?
For anyone that doesnt want to add snaps or split rings... I myself have always used a loop knot for all walking/popping baits with no issues. Walking/popping is very easy just like adding a snap or split ring. If the bait comes with a split ring I still use a loop knot on it and it walks well. Check out the Mark Rose version of a loop knot on youtube if you want an easy to tie strong loop knot.
You tie a loop knot to the line tie of your topwater lure, right? (not the split ring). I initially misinterpreted when you said if you bought a topwater bait that has a split ring on it, that you tie a loop knot on it (the split ring)🤔
Loop knot on a jerkbait is 💰 too, as long as your not worried about suspending perfectly
Yeah but they don’t sell loop knots at the store, lol
@@nickkerr5714 you not going to find a loop knot for sale at any store 🤫🤫🤫 don’t tell anyone tho you have to tie it yourself 🤔🤔🤔🤯😂😂😂
@@nickkerr5714 I literally said tie a loop knot in the video. Maybe your audio was off
I’m all in when it comes to Top Water. Lots of Walking baits , Chugger , Wake , Prop . I’m Old School I use 14# Mono and snap ring Sz 2 or 3 . Rods I like 6’ 8” 6’10” & 7’ Med to Med Hev Fast tip. Like a fast reel too , minimum 7.3 to 8.3 ratio . Great for quick follow up casts. Your right the window is closing on top water fishing , I’ve been able to get bites late in the morning 10 to 11 am. I also agree you need to change it up and Silent is a game changer . One last thought you need to be able to accurately make 25 to 30 yds casts. Presentation is everything. Dig your video and thanks for making it today.
Thank you for watching. And for sharing!
Ben, I get that short leader of fluorocarbon won’t sink. But it’s a heck of a lot more 💰 than mono. Why not just use mono leader and save a bit?
Gotta add that lotion to get the motion out of those baits! A good pair of split ring pliers will make your life easier.
Ben, What type of knot are you tying to connect your braid--to-leader strands? Thanks
Alberto
Awesome stuff !!
Hey what are you guys opinions about a split ring on the pop max I always just tie right to the bait but thought Griff or someone said something before about putting one on it ?
It’s a must for me, but I only use pop max as a walking bait. If you just want to pop it, it doesn’t change much.
@@thehookuptackle_usa thanks I thought that's what you guys said before I fish them often so maybe I'll try one with it on
Use the salt strong loop knot. Tag end lays flat and faces back. No debris catch on knot tag
Great job bassmd
Ben you always look freaking exhausted lol, or blitzed I guess
Which AGS rod were you holding for the top water?
My favorite topwater AGS is the 7’2” Medium
I do have a question. I have the giant shower blows and it just sits on my wall of Tackel. I never hear anybody talk about large spooks. I always look at it and think about using it but have no confidence in it. Any suggestions ?
It’s just a size thing. Use it when you think the fish need something large to pull them to it, or when they’re feeding on big bait like gizzards or herring.
@@thehookuptackle_usa Thank you!
if you could only choose 1 topwater, your best overall producer what would it be ?
Teckel Kicknocker
And the pup 😉
20-30# braid to 15-20# fluoro leader to tactical anglers clip.
Does the Sunline D-braid float?
No, it sinks
Just run Samurai Braid for topwater... 30-40 lb for treble baits. 55lb and up for frogs around heavy vegetation
As far as our shitty urban lakes here in Tucson, I can’t get a buzzbait bite to save my life. Might try to downsize to bfs size lures in that category. I have had luck on the Dogx Diamante in bass colors, and the smaller crawler style lures, but it’s far and few between. Conventional sized buzz baits just scare the shit out of these pressured dinks. I really want to try that imalittlevoice, and the mega bass v-4 buzz. Any chance those might be back in stock in the near future?
There’s always a chance 😜
@@thehookuptackle_usa hey, you guys showed me some shit that actually worked. I was surprised! Keep up the great content!
Superine apzvalga🇱🇹👍
😂busts Jeffrey's chops.
" if you're a bum like Jeffrey "
Cowabunga.!
Owner crosslock snaps all the way. I think snaps give the lure a better action.
Same I've transitioned back to using snaps and taking split rings off for pretty much all my hard bait applications and some soft bait presentations. My snap of choice is the nishine Lure works one.
I use the owner c'ultiva p-20 #000
👊🍻
My Biggest Mistake is NOT getting out on the water enough
This should be everyone’s #1 🏆
Lazy bum 🤚🏻snaps, snaps, snaps
🤣🍻
🤙🏼🍻🤙🏼
👊🍻
Copolymer?
Never, but if you like it then use it!
Copolymer is honestly just mono with little to no fluorocarbon coating. Basically 10% or less of fluoro coating more times than "knot"...
So basically... Just stick with mono or braid TBH
Mono- Regular Defier or Armilo Defier
Braid- Samurai Braid
So, I have a 3 piece PB Rat and used with straight fluorocarbon. I noticed the action wasn't what I've seen on your vids in the past, as well as it appeared to sort of be sub-surfaced. I normally throw braid, but this rig was for large heavy weighted baits, so didn't think much of it until I threw the rat. Do you think using the braid will make a difference in how the PB Rat will react when retrieving? I'm unsure of how it should "swim" when retrieving either way. Slow my retrieve is a possibility as well
The rats are definitely a SLOW retrieve bait, it will absolutely go Sub surface if you go to fast. Mono line will help as well.
@@MadMaxx89 Thanks! I slowed it down and noticed a little difference, hence reason for asking about the line to use.
I use fluoro. Geoff uses fluoro. I do see a huge difference when I use a low gear ratio reel. I would recommend doing that - 6:1