Jacob Powroznik's Summer Bass on Topwater
As summertime rolls in, the excitement for shallow bass fishing is palpable. Anglers everywhere are gearing up for the action-packed season ahead, and there’s no shortage of opportunities to target bass in the warm months. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these tips will help you capitalize on the fast-paced action and land more fish.
Where to Find Bass in Summer
Even in the heat of summer, bass remain active in shallow waters, especially around key structures. One go-to spot is riprap—those rocky shorelines and banks that bass love. Early in the morning and late in the evening, you’ll find them nosing right up to shallow riprap, hunting for crawfish, chasing a lingering shad spawn, or snagging other forage. These areas are goldmines when the weather cooperates—think cloudy, windy days that bring bass up from deeper zones to feed. When conditions align, they’ll push tight to the rocks, ready to strike. Don’t overlook these prime times: first thing in the morning, as the sun sets, or during overcast, breezy weather. Shallow riprap is a fantastic starting point to kick off your day or wrap up an evening on the water.
Tactics for Summer Success
To take advantage of these aggressive bass topwater is the best approach, specifically a tail prop bait like the Livingston Lures Plopmaster. This lure excels in triggering reaction strikes, mimicking the frantic movement of prey on the surface. The key is to keep it moving—don’t stop or twitch it like other baits. A steady retrieve draws bass out, especially when they’re keyed in on crawfish or shad in those shallow zones. It’s a simple yet effective way to capitalize on bass during these prime feeding windows. Whether you’re fishing the dawn bite, the evening window, or a cloudy day, a tail prop topwater can turn a slow outing into a productive one.
Gear Setup for the Plop Master
Your gear matters when throwing a big, aggressive bait like the Plop Master. Here’s my setup:
- Rod: Use at least a 7’2” medium-heavy rod. It’s got the backbone to handle a sizable bait and the length to cast accurately near cover.
- Line: Always braid. This is non-negotiable for a reaction bait like this. Braid’s strength and zero stretch help you drive the hook home on a fast strike, and it holds up around rough riprap or other structure.
- Reel: Use a 6.3:1 gear ratio reel. It’s got plenty of power to manage the bait and the fish, especially with braid, but it’s not so fast that you risk reeling the lure out of a bass’s mouth when they blow up on it. The moderate speed lets you control the retrieve, keeping the bait in the strike zone without overdoing it.
This combo gives you the control, power, and precision needed to work the Plop Master effectively, whether you’re bombing casts or finessing it near cover.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest errors anglers make with a tail prop topwater is not fishing it tight enough to cover. When you’re targeting riprap, boat docks, or shallow cover like weeds or logs, you’ve got to get that bait as close as possible—almost kissing the structure. Bass hug these spots, ambushing prey, and if your lure’s too far out, you’re missing the action. Too many people cast a safe distance away, worried about snags, but that caution costs them strikes. Be bold—land that Plopmaster right up against the rocks, docks, or edges. It’s a reaction bait, and the closer it gets to a bass’s hideout, the better your odds of triggering a hit.
Summer bass fishing is all about seizing the moment—those early mornings, late evenings, and cloudy, windy days when bass go shallow and get aggressive. Focus on riprap and other cover, throw a tail prop topwater like the Plopmaster, and use the right gear to make it count. Stick to a 7’2” medium-heavy rod, braid, and a 6.3:1 reel, and don’t shy away from casting tight to structure. Avoid the mistake of fishing too far out, and you’ll be in the game. Get out there, target those shallow zones, and enjoy the thrill of summer bass fishing!
Jacob Proroznik
