Backlighting Your Topwater Bass Bait

Topwater baits are effective for largemouths after the sun goes down. The splash and gurgle of cone-shaped topwaters are famous for bringing in the bass. But at times, largemouths can be shy. They may investigate a topwater bait but pass it up in favor of a bait that is a little quieter. On nights like this, when the water is calm, cast a floating minnowbait with a dark-colored bottom. The bait will contrast with moonlight or a starry sky, making it easy for a bass to locate it. Jiggle the minnowbait along on the water's surface with an occasional tug to submerse it momentarily, then let it rest before continuing the slow, methodical retrieve. Big bass that might otherwise pass up a more aggressive presentation can easily be fooled by this seldom-used tactic.