Fall Bass Topwater Power with Walking Boss II and Plopper Master
Byron Velvick
When fall arrives and the water begins to cool bass shift their behavior dramatically. Fish that spent summer scattered across deeper haunts start pushing into the backs of pockets, creeks and bays. This seasonal migration is all about feeding and bass are aggressive, on the move, and looking to fatten up for the winter. For anglers it is one of the best windows of the year to cover water quickly with topwater baits that draw violent strikes.
Two of the best tools for this job are the Livingston Walking Boss II and the Plopper Master.
Straight Retrieve Topwater Baits for Fall Bass Fishing
The beauty of both baits is their simplicity. These are not walking style topwaters that demand rod manipulation. Instead they are straight retrieve baits. Cast them out reel them in and let the lure do the work.
The Walking Boss II features a jitterbug style mouth that creates a loud splatter and surface commotion as you burn it back to the boat. The Plopper Master meanwhile offers a heavy thump and rolling action that pushes water and calls fish from distance. Both are ideal for fall because you can cover large stretches of shoreline pockets and main lake flats by simply reeling at a steady pace.
When fish miss on the first strike which is a common occurrence with topwater blowups both baits offer an added advantage. Thanks to Livingston’s EBS™ Electronic Baitfish Sound technology they continue to emit natural baitfish sounds even when paused. Stop the retrieve after a missed strike and the bass will circle back to finish the job when you are throwing a Livingston...this is a huge advantage in the fall.
Match the Hatch With Fall Forage Patterns
In fall bass feed on whatever forage is most abundant in their system. That could mean shad, perch, tilapia, bluegill, golden shiners or alewife depending on the region. Matching the hatch is critical this time of year.
The best way to do this is simple observation. If you see dead baitfish floating take note of their size and color. If you catch a bass and it regurgitates forage pay attention to the details. Then tie on a lure in a pattern that closely resembles what the fish are feeding on. The Walking Boss II and Plopper Master are both available in forage specific finishes making it easy to mimic the real thing.
Pro Hookup Tips for Topwater Blowups
One of the biggest frustrations with topwater fishing is missed hookups. To increase landing percentages add a second split ring to the hooks of either bait. This small adjustment allows the hooks more rotation and a little extra reach helping them connect more effectively when a fish blows up.
Fall Bass Fishing Strategy Covering Water Fast
Fall is about speed and efficiency. By burning topwaters like the Walking Boss II and Plopper Master across high percentage zones backs of creeks shallow cover near deep water and transitional banks you will locate aggressive bass in a hurry. Pausing the bait after a missed strike, matching local forage and adding a second split ring to the hooks for a better landing ratios will take your fall bass fishing to the next level.
When the days get shorter and the water cools few approaches are more exciting or more productive than burning topwaters across the surface and waiting for that explosive strike. This fall put the Walking Boss II and Plopper Master to work and you will cover water fast while putting more bass in the boat.
Operations Team
