When the bass spawn is fully on, most bass become lethargic and finicky. The spawn wears largemouths down, and if you want to catch them, you’ll have to adjust. During the spawn, or just after the spawn, when bass are still in the shallows and around vegetation or shallow cover, a subtle topwater can be just what you need to get yourself a bite. Here are 3 types of topwaters you can use to fish the spawn and post spawn.

Pencil Popper

Half popper, half walker…half spook. The pencil popper is a slim walking bait with a slightly cupped mouth, and a “walk the dog” action. These baits are subtle in their action and fun to fish. Mixing up the cadence on these is sure to eventually trigger a strike around the shallows.

Prop Bait

When bass are a bit more easily spooked in shallow water, whether they are hiding under vegetation or around cover, a prop bait is a great choice. They have a little more weight so you can cast them across your target and wind them back, and their bubbly trail will call bass in for a peek. When bluegill are spawning, they often fan their nest to oxygenate their eggs, causing a subtle commotion much like a prop bait gives off. Imitate these bluegill with a prop bait like the Bagley Sunny B Twin Spin to catch bass around the spawn.

Downsized Popper

Your standard popper causes a huge ruckus at the top, but a downsized little popper gives off just the right sized bubble trail for a spawning bass to strike. A looonnnggg pause (around 5 seconds) after pops has a great affect around the spawn. It truly shines in clear, calm conditions. Don’t forget to wait a few seconds before you set the hook, bass around the spawn cycle are more likely to hit this with a slight slurp than they are with a bursting explosion. Pausing will ensure you don’t rip the hook from the mouth too soon.