What is "walking the dog" with a topwater lure?

"Walking the dog" is a popular and highly effective retrieve technique used primarily with certain types of topwater lures, most notably stickbaits like the Heddon Zara Spook or similar cigar-shaped lures. This action mimics the erratic, side-to-side movement of an injured baitfish struggling on the surface, making it an irresistible target for predatory fish in Lake Norman.   

The key to achieving the "walking the dog" action lies in the rhythmic manipulation of your rod tip and the subtle slack in your line. It's a technique that requires a bit of practice to master but becomes second nature with time and can significantly increase your topwater success.   

How to "Walk the Dog":

1. Make the Cast: Begin by making a cast to your desired target area, whether it's open water, near structure, or along the edges of cover.
2. Retrieve Slack: Once the lure has landed, take up any slack in your line, ensuring a relatively direct connection to the lure. However, don't reel too tightly; a little slack is essential for the technique.   
3. Rod Tip Action: The magic happens with your rod tip. Using short, sharp downward twitches of your wrist (not your entire arm), impart a sideways action to the lure. Imagine snapping your wrist downwards and slightly to the side.
4. Slack is Key: As you twitch your rod tip, the slack in your line allows the lure to slide to one side. Immediately after the twitch, allow a brief moment of slack before repeating the action. This slack is what enables the lure to swing back in the opposite direction on the next twitch.   
5. Rhythmic Cadence: The "walking the dog" action is all about rhythm. Aim for a consistent cadence of twitch-slack-twitch-slack. The speed and intensity of your twitches can be varied depending on the conditions and the fish's mood. Faster twitches create a more frantic action, while slower, more deliberate twitches can entice more cautious fish.   
6. Visual Feedback: Pay close attention to your lure. A properly executed "walk the dog" retrieve will result in the lure swinging back and forth in a rhythmic "S" pattern on the surface, much like a dog walking with its body swaying from side to side while its head moves forward.
7. Reeling: Your reeling should primarily serve to take up slack as the lure moves. Avoid reeling at a constant speed, as this will kill the side-to-side action. Instead, reel just enough to maintain a semi-taut line that allows the lure to respond to your rod tip twitches.   
8. Vary the Retrieve: Don't be afraid to experiment with the speed, cadence, and pauses in your "walking the dog" retrieve. Sometimes, a sudden pause can trigger a strike from a following fish. Other times, a fast, erratic walk will be more effective.   

Why is "Walking the Dog" Effective?

• Mimics Injured Prey: The erratic, side-to-side motion perfectly imitates a wounded baitfish struggling on the surface, an easy and enticing meal for predatory bass in Lake Norman.   
• Visual Attraction: The back-and-forth movement and the flash of the lure's sides catch the fish's eye and draw them in for a closer look.
• Sound and Wake: The subtle splashing and the V-wake created by a walking bait can also attract attention, especially in calmer conditions.
• Versatility: The "walking the dog" technique can be effective in various water clarities and around different types of structure and cover.

Gear Considerations:

• Rod: A medium to medium-heavy power rod with a moderate to fast action is often preferred for walking baits. This provides enough backbone for hooksets while still offering some give to prevent pulling the hooks out during the retrieve.
• Reel: A reel with a moderate gear ratio (around 6:1 to 7:1) is generally suitable, allowing for both controlled retrieves and quick line pickup when needed.
• Line: Both braided and monofilament lines can be used for walking baits. Braid offers no stretch for direct hooksets, while monofilament's stretch can help prevent pulled hooks. Many anglers use braid with a monofilament leader for a combination of sensitivity and shock absorption.   

Mastering the "walking the dog" retrieve is a valuable skill for any topwater angler on Lake Norman. It's a dynamic and engaging technique that can lead to some truly memorable strikes. So, grab your favorite stickbait, practice your wrist action, and get ready to witness the magic of a lure "walking" its way into a bass's strike zone.