Wade Bourne: Topwater fishing for bass and other species can truly be an adrenalin-pumping experience. Nothing in this sport is more suspenseful than popping or walking a topwater lure past a prime spot, and nothing is more exciting than seeing a big fish annihilate it.



However, sometimes this adrenalin rush causes anglers to be "too fast on the trigger." They jerk to set the hook the instant they see/hear the strike, and they actually pull the bait away from the fish.

To insure getting more and better hookups with topwater lures, anglers should learn to hesitate momentarily when strikes occur, giving the fish time to clamp down on the bait before they set the hook.

Here's how to do this. When a strike comes on a topwater bait, wait until you can feel the fish's weight before setting back. Pause until the line tightens and the rod "loads up", then simply lean back with the rod to let the hooks do their work. (A rod with a fast tip action - i.e., more "spring" - is better for this than a rod that has a heavy action tip.)

It takes some practice to control your reflexes and your impulse to strike immediately when that explosion comes on a topwater lure. But by hesitating only a second or two, giving the fish a chance to get a good hold on the lure, your percentage of good hookups will go up dramatically, and your frustrations of missed strikes will all but disappear.

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