A topwater lure can be a tournament winner just about anytime in spring, summer or fall. It’s one of the most effective lures for big bass, especially during the spawn, but you’ve also got to know when to put it down and try something else. For instance, the second day after a front when a high pressure system has moved in is usually one of the worst times to fish surface lures, in my experience.
The very best time to use it is when you’re fishing for spawning bass. The type of cover that bass are spawning in or around has a lot to do with choosing the right topwater lure. If bass are bedding under heavy cover like lily pads, I’ll fish a frog. If they’re in fairly open water with wood cover, I’ll probably throw a Pop-R or a Zara Spook. Either way, I’ll fish the bait a lot slower than I might at other times. Sometimes a spawning bass has to get worked up to hit a lure, and the longer I can keep it in front of it, the better.
An important thing to remember about surface lures is that bass don’t want them going at the same speed and with the same action every time. Sometimes bass – spotted bass, especially – want a Pop R really spitting water and moving fast. At other times, they like a more subtle presentation. Change up the speeds; the fish will let you know which retrieve they like.
— Scotch Blue Painter’s Tape pro Ray Scheide of Dover, Ark.