Nighttime Topwater Baits?

[boondocks]

I just finished reading the thread about smallie fishing at night. Had no idea smallies were such active night feeders(this is why I love this website). Curious, what type of topwaters are you guys throwing to catch smallies at night? Thanks

P.S. Starting a smallies forum-EXCELLENT IDEA

[eyedabassman]

I fish and guide at night alot. And I have found that one of my better top water baits is a BIG black jitterbug. I use the muskie jitterbug, And fish it at a slower pace and it will get your hart pumping. I take the hooks off that come on the jitterbug and I put on VMC 5/0 hooks on,they are razor sharp.I hook alot of SM that just slap at it. I also fish a big floating tube with a 4/0 EWG hook. Gene Larew and Carlson bait co. make some real good floaters. Pop-R's work real good too,just don't pop them too hard, I like to just give them little pops.

[roadwarrior]

My preference is fishing jerkbaits, especially Rapala Husky Jerk and Lucky Craft Pointer 100.

For topwater I would HIGHLY recommend the full size Zara Spook and LC Sammy.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

The jitterbug is one of the classic lures of fishing. That unmistakeable noise when it is coming through the water is awesome at night....especially when it abruptly stops with a huge splash at the other end!!!!

[Deuceu72]

Count me in the jitterbug craze..........I thought I was the only one who threw this bait. (I think I am in Colorado)  ;D.   I also favor a buzzbait with a black skirt and blade as well for nighttime smallie action.........

[boondocks]

Thanks for the info. I know what I'll be doing on them warm summer nights.

Another question about night fishing:  You hear alot about night fishing in the summer and fall but I don't think I have ever heard anyone mention night fishing in the spring. Is night fishing in the spring a waste of time? Or is spring fishing better during the day?

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Depending on where you live, spring night fishing may be effective. The only real reason I would go night fishing is if it was extremely hot and humid during the day.

Sping evenings tend to be a little chilly here in PA, so i dont have any experience with it.

Wayne

[basspro48]

Another vote for the jitterbug here. Largemouth, smallies, and even stripers will tear up a big black jitterbug. I also like the black Sammy 100, a black buzzbait with a bright green blade, and another old school bait the Bagley Bang-O spintail.  

[Munkin]

Black jitterbug reeled very slow One thing to be careful of is owls and other birds that hunt at night. I missed a hookset on a owl 2 years ago that picked up my jitterbug.

Allen