Topwater SECRETS: Walk the Dog, Timing & Luke’s Hybrid Plug
- By: Joseph Simonds
- on
Ever launched a topwater first thing in the morning, only to have a few blow-ups and ZERO hookups?
You’re not alone.
Whether it’s the wrong gear, the wrong timing, or just fish being fish… topwater can be one of the most frustrating ways to fish, until you dial it in.
In this podcast, Luke and I break down everything you need to know to catch more fish on top, including a hybrid lure Luke’s been using to extend the bite window and put more fish in the boat (even after the topwater action fades).
If you’ve been missing strikes or unsure when to throw topwater—this episode will clear it up fast.
👉 Get The Topwater Mastery Bundle Here
The Topwater Mastery Bundle includes:
What This Episode Covers:
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The best time of day to throw topwater (and how long that bite really lasts)
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The “walk the dog” style lure—and why it dominates in summer
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When to use rattles vs. silent (especially in high-pressure zones)
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The ideal rod + line setup for a killer topwater retrieve
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Why we ditched treble hooks (and started catching bigger fish)
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Luke’s “Skinny Lipper” hybrid plug that keeps the strikes coming
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Where to throw topwater: points, docks, oyster bars & Smart Fishing Spots tips
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Bonus: how a storm front or windy day can trigger a mid-day topwater bite
❓ What’s YOUR Favorite Topwater Setup?
Are you using rattles or silent plugs? Trebles or single inlines?
Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear what’s working for you!
👉 And if you’re not in the Insider Club yet, now’s the time.
Catch more fish, get FREE tackle to test, save money on all our lures and gear, plus know exactly where to fish all the time.
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Tight lines,
Joe Simonds
Salt Strong Cofounder
Related categories:
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish ever trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
You didn’t include the ZMAN Goat ToadZ floating frog (rigged weedless) as a GREAT topwater lure. Goes anywhere without snagging grass or weeds, and you can “pop-it” and let it sit motionless, or you can straight retrieve it and the frog feet make a great commotion on the surface. Matt in the yak turned me on to this lure and it has caught me some really nice fish. Thanks….Saltstrong!!!
Always some great info
One adantage I’ve noticed about in-line hooks is that when is hooked, it is very unlikely to get off due to the size of the hook. Treble hook gaps are smaller and more easily come loose.
Great info
Started with top dog with rattle today in the surf. Caught big ladyfish. Not my targeted specie but nice jumps and fight. Too often the line got caught up in the front hooks. Switched to moonwalker – no tangle with line.. It was past time for top water so no strikes. Shorter casting distance but also, lighter less noisy landing. Thinking moonwalker preferred for backwaters shorter cast distance less noisy landing and spook or top dog with single hooks instead of treble for the surf.
Great stuff nothing better than topwater strikes! Love the Moonwalker and slay a lot of fish with them. One other advantage to the single inline hooks is less hassle when netting keepers.
So I recently got the “Slam Stick” now it’s a Medium Light Power Fast Action. Based on what I understood this setup is not recommended for top water lures. Unless this rod is designed to handle top water lures.
I got my top water lure. I just need for my friends to get up early enough to use it.
We use the popper style in rougher conditions
Spook style baits in calmer conditions
Silent when flat calm
Rattles with a little chop
Very informative and it makes sense.