What types of fish are typically caught with topwater lures?

Topwater lures are designed to provoke aggressive surface strikes from predatory fish, and a wide variety of species can be caught using them. These lures appeal to the instinctive feeding behavior of fish that hunt by sight and are triggered by the commotion and disturbance on the water's surface. While nearly any predatory fish might strike a topwater lure under the right conditions, several species are particularly associated with topwater fishing.

Largemouth bass are perhaps the most famous target for topwater lures. They are aggressive feeders, especially during the warmer months, and are known for their spectacular surface strikes. Largemouth bass readily attack poppers, frogs, buzzbaits, and walking baits. Anglers often fish topwater lures around structure like submerged logs, weed beds, and lily pads where bass lie in ambush.

Smallmouth bass, although typically associated with deeper or faster-moving water, also strike topwater lures with enthusiasm, particularly during the summer. They tend to favor smaller, more subtle topwater presentations like spooks and poppers, especially in clear water where finesse is more effective.

Northern pike and muskellunge (muskie) are aggressive predators well known for their violent topwater attacks. These large fish are often caught on oversized topwater lures that imitate struggling fish or small mammals. Heavy-duty lures like prop baits and large surface plugs are popular among anglers targeting these toothy giants in freshwater lakes and rivers.

Peacock bass, found primarily in South America but also introduced in parts of Florida, are another exciting species for topwater fishing. They are extremely aggressive and known for explosive strikes. Brightly colored poppers and prop baits are particularly effective for peacock bass.

In saltwater environments, redfish (red drum) are a prime candidate for topwater lures. Redfish feed in shallow waters and are drawn to the noise and splashes made by topwater plugs and walkers. Similarly, speckled trout (spotted seatrout) are notorious for crushing topwater lures during dawn and dusk periods when they are feeding actively.

Striped bass are another species frequently caught with topwater lures, both in freshwater reservoirs and coastal saltwater environments. During feeding frenzies, particularly when stripers are "blitzing" baitfish on the surface, anglers using large poppers or walking baits can experience multiple explosive strikes.

Tuna species, such as yellowfin and bluefin tuna, are also known to take topwater lures under the right circumstances. Specialized heavy-duty poppers and stickbaits are used offshore to target these powerful fish during feeding boils, offering one of the most thrilling forms of topwater action.

Other species that sometimes respond to topwater presentations include snook, tarpon, largemouth gar, snakehead, and even catfish under unusual conditions. The key is finding a species that feeds actively near the surface and matching the lure to the local prey and water conditions.

Overall, topwater fishing is not just limited to one or two species; it’s a technique that can be applied worldwide to a broad range of freshwater and saltwater predators. Each species brings its own unique challenge and excitement to topwater angling, making it one of the most universally beloved styles of fishing.