Back and forth, back and forth, man I am walking back to the boat as fast as I can.  Suddenly, out of nowhere a dark shadow appears under me.  My pace quickens, at this point I’m bobbing and weaving so fast nothing could catch me.  My trail on the lakes surface lay behind me and the boats refuge only yards away.  Hastily, I pause for just a split second, than begin weaving back and forth to safety.  Unfortunately, in my rush I forgot about the mysterious shadow below me and now scores of shadows are below me.  They are zipping around me like submarines, waiting for just the right moment to attack.

Without warning the first bass attacks, he misses me by just inches.  Than another one launches an attack, without warning the entire school submarine bass are now busting shad all around me.  Now without a chance to hide a big bass eats me, taking me down below the lakes surface.  My owner swiftly pulls back, setting my treble hooks into the bass’s lip.  A tug of war ensues with me being the intended prize.  After two long runs in the bass clenched mouth my owner reaches down and lips the bass into the boat.  After a quick photo the bass is released back into the lake.  I am worn out after the battle and have scares along with bite marks on my body.  Lying on the boats floor attached to my owners fishing pole I feel safe.  Wait! Stop! My owner is beginning to pick me up.  I try to resist, grabbing the boats carpet with my treble hooks.  Nonetheless, my owner untangles my strong hold on the carpet.  Without so much as a kiss, like my owner gave the bass, he sends me sailing out into the lake.  I land as quietly as I can.  Immediately I scan the lakes surface for schooling bass than back at my owner.  Slowly, a school of submarine bass appears under me.  I think to myself, why can’t my owner take up golf!

Ever top water bait must feel that way during the fall.  Top water fishing for bass becomes an every morning and evening event.  Top water baits come in numerous styles and colors to select from.  Most are worked in a back and forth action, which is call “walking-the-dog”.  This action makes the bait appear to be fleeing away from its attacker.

Popular top water baits for Black, Spotted, and Smallmouth Bass: Heddon Zara Spooks, Heddon Torpedo, Rebel Pop-R, Rebel Jumpin Minnow, XCalibur Xz2 Zell Pop, XCalibur Xj4 Jimmy, Cotton Cordell Boy Howdy and Crazy Shad.  Larger baits and stronger hooks become necessary when catching huge stripers.  Anglers fishing for striper favor Cotton Cordell Red-Fins, Pencil Popper, Creek Chub Striper Strike, Heddon Magnum Zara Spook, and Wounded Zara Spook.  Shad patterns are the most commonly used colors in those lures.

Locations anglers can focus on are the backs of major feeding creeks or large extended flats.  The key areas will have significant schools of shad or baitfish, which bass will be feeding on.  Another significant area will be a wind blown bank, which provide both baitfish and cover for aggressive bass.

Fall top water fishing in the Ozarks is exciting and spectacular for any angler.  You will have to excuse me for now; I am planning to take some of my top water lures out for a “walk”.