I caught my PB on a top water. A rapala skitter pop which is a popper like you mentioned. Mid day. In June. Over a sunken tree.
I also have good success with frogs over dense vegetation.. you could use punching gear... but the frog bite is exciting and excellent. Bass eat any thing they can fit their mouths around. And if its a big bass. That's anything from adult bluegill to bullfrogs , snakes and even small ducklings.
Top water is not a gimmick. It's a proven technique.
This is in ohio. A long ways away from soflabasser. Yet just as effective. All across the globe top water is utilized.
I wouldn't give up on it. Like I said I've caught bass top water mid day in the blistering heat. But it is definitely most effective (for me) with an overcast and a slight breeze. Also dusk and dawn.. there are many versions of top water, I suggest a buzz bait , soft plastic frog (something like the rage toad) or a classic jitterbug. Also can't go wrong with the classic popper . I'm not sure who the first to make one is.. but my favorites are the rebel pop-r and the rapala skitter pop.
Also walking baits can be deadly. Like the Zara spook. Im a huge rapala fan so I use their version , the skitter walk. Alot of companies have one but I suggest you nail a couple on some others suggested above before you get frustrated trying to walk the dog.
It's supposed to be fun ! Keep an open mind. And go get you a hawg. (Top water style ?)
Good luck.