Let’s Get Spooky

Story by Corey Casey | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons

In this part of our topwater series, we’re breaking down walking baits—one of the most exciting ways to catch bass on the surface. These baits are designed to “walk the dog,” gliding side to side with each twitch of your rod. That zig-zag action mimics a struggling baitfish and triggers aggressive bass.

Walking baits shine in calm to slightly rippled water, especially when bass are schooling or cruising in open water. Early mornings, late afternoons, cloudy days and post-spawn into summer are prime times. If they’re blowing up but won’t commit to a buzzbait or frog, the walking bait might be the answer.

Keep your rod tip down, make rhythmic twitches, and don’t be afraid to pause mid-retrieve. And remember to wait until you feel the fish before you set the hook!

My number one time for throwing any walking bait is when I am targeting suspended fish, especially when they’re not relating to specific cover but are holding on points, humps, or baitfish schools in open water.

The walking bait has tremendous drawing power. It can pull bass from deep water or long distances, even when they’re not actively feeding. That wide, side-to-side action mimics a wounded baitfish skittering on the surface, and it triggers pure instinct. When nothing else gets their attention, a spook-style bait walking across the top can call them up and make them commit. It’s one of the best tools for targeting suspended fish or covering open water.

Other scenarios for a walking bait would include clear water situations. It’s simply a visual that bass just can’t stand. Target submerged cover like big rocks, stumps, grass or brush piles. That’s a common pattern here on Santee Cooper. And definitely throw a walking bait when you’re getting short strikes on a steady retrieve topwater like a buzzbait or plopper.

Here’s a quick tip that will absolutely help you out. Most anglers stop their spook after a short strike, but I like to do the opposite. I speed it up … like real fast. That sudden burst and fast retrieve often triggers a reaction from a fish that missed the bait. It makes it look like the bait is trying to escape, and sometimes that’s all it takes to fire them up. Try it next time a bass blows up and misses your bait. You just might turn a swing and miss into a solid hookup.

Here are some tackle recommendations for throwing a walking bait. They come from years of personal experience and teaching guide clients. If you’ll follow them, they’ll increase your hook-up ratio and help you catch more bass.

A medium to medium-heavy, fast action rod in the 7-foot to 7-foot-3 range gives you the perfect balance of tip action for working the bait and backbone for solid hooksets. Pair that with a high-speed reel — 7:1 or faster — to quickly pick up slack and maintain control during the retrieve. Spool up with 30- to 50-pound braid for long casts and crisp action. You could also add a short 10- to 15-pound monofilament leader to help prevent tangles and reduce line visibility. Avoid fluorocarbon because it sinks and will mess up the action of the bait. It’s always a good idea to upgrade your hooks and split rings as well.