How To Get Explosive Summer Topwater Bites While Fishing Inshore Saltwater

While there are lots of different methods to try when going after inshore saltwater species, one of the most exciting options out there is a topwater lure. These lures can trigger explosive strikes from a wide variety of fish, giving you the constant chance of getting a fish in one of the most exciting styles of fishing out there. But when should you throw a topwater lure for these fish? Let’s dive in.

One of the main reasons to tie on a topwater lure this time of year is that the warmer water actually leads these fish to feed aggressively on the surface. When water temperatures are at their peak, many species like redfish, snook, and speckled trout actively feed on the surface. These temperatures help increase their metabolism, which leads to more frequent feeding windows.

Similarly, when the water temperature rises, so do the baitfish throughout the water column. Mullet, pilchards, and more tend to stay more active near the surface. When this happens, the predators in the area are more keyed in on feeding upwards aggressively.

There are a few things to look for when deciding if it's the right time or place to tie on a topwater lure. First, let’s talk about prime times. Early in the morning and later in the evening are typically going to be the best. These times provide a smaller amount of light, which helps predators ambush their prey much more easily from below.

Summer conditions also help to make it easier to figure out if there are baitfish in the area to fish near. When the water is a bit calmer, you’ll be able to see baitfish activity right on the surface. You also want to pay attention to the birds. If you see them diving into an area repeatedly, chances are they’re feeding on a school of baitfish.

Along with those indicators to pay attention to, there are definitely some prime locations you should be looking for when topwater fishing for inshore species this time of year.

One of the main places to look for is a shallow flat (typically 1 to 4 feet deep). These can be grass flats, sand pockets, or even oyster bars. Early in the day, it’s common to find fish pushed up shallow onto these flats to feed before the higher temperatures of midday hit. When fishing shallow flats, pay attention to any disturbances on the surface of the water, or even strikes from the fish you’re chasing after, as they feed on baitfish.

Another thing you want to keep an eye out for is structure, especially if it’s acting as a funnel for bait. Look for points and shoreline turns, creek mouths and drains, and mangrove edges. All of these areas can have moving water that helps concentrate large amounts of baitfish into one smaller area. These areas are best fished in the 2 to 6 feet of water range.

Open water feeding zones are another thing to be on the lookout for, especially if you’re trying to specifically target speckled trout. When fishing the open water, it’s going to be a lot more of paying attention to the surface of the water, rather than the depth or structure around you. Look for bait balls just below the surface, major disturbances on the surface of the water, or birds diving into schools of baitfish. All of these are key indicators that you’ve found a good place to toss a topwater lure in the open water.

Once you’ve found the fish, it’s time to choose the right lure to toss at them. Here are three solid options that should help you get more fish in the boat.

One of the best options to try is a walk the dog style plug. These lures are great for covering a lot of water quickly so that you can identify the best places to catch fish. With these lures, you want to cast them out to where the baitfish are and work them back to you at a medium pace. Make sure to mix in consistent twitches to make the bait move side to side as it's designed to do.

If you notice the fish are swiping at it but not actually getting hooked, don’t be afraid to slow your cadence down, or even mix in pauses. Both of these changes can help increase your chances of a fish getting a good hold on the lure and getting hooked.

Poppers are a great option for calling fish in from a long way away. These lures have a concave face, which helps kick water up as it’s retrieved back to you. These are another solid option for covering a lot of water quickly.

Just like a walk-the-dog style plug, you’ll want to cast this lure near baitfish, and retrieve it back to you with plenty of rod twitches mixed in. These lures are designed to be fished with even more pauses mixed in between twitches, so don’t be afraid to let the lure sit there for a few seconds to trigger a strike. These lures are great for low-light conditions, as the popping on the water’s surface helps fish locate the lure more easily.

Another (mostly) topwater option to try for inshore species is a wake bait. These lures are a little different, as they submerge just below the surface of the water. However, they are made to create a big wake in the water, creating plenty of disturbance to get the attention of fish in the area.

Wake baits are best used when you notice that fish are having a hard time committing to some of the more common topwater lure options. They are also great when you know the fish have experienced heavy fishing pressure lately.

With a wake bait, you want to cast it out and do a slow, steady retrieve back to you. Just let the lure create the wake as it's supposed to, and the fish will come find it.