People might want to argue this, but let’s be honest. Topwater is life. I don’t know one angler who doesn’t LOVE a topwater bite. Not one. I mean, really, what isn’t to love about watching a fish, ANY FISH, crash a bait on top?
My fingers tingled, my face went flush, my lips broke into a grin, and my heart rate went ballistic just writing that line. I love it. My topwater boxes are rivaled only by my collection of soft plastics.
Over the last few years, a new bait has hit the market, which many may have seen, and it might have slipped by those who are not active on the bass fishing side of social media.
Cast Fishing released the hottest thing ever with the OG. Now I know Ryan Hanks over at Cast, and we have fished together several times.
Ryan might be the hardest-working individual I know in the fishing industry. As another friend and I said recently, Ryan was burning the candle at both ends and also figured out a way to burn two more from the middle also! He’s constantly grinding. But it all started with his release of the OG on Lanier.
On Tax Day, my good friend Jeff Nail invited me to Lanier to toss the OG and catch some spots that were chasing the herring spawn.
As you know, I am the self-proclaimed apostle of the Gospel of the Spot. I love that lake and those fish! So, without any hesitation, I said yes. The night before, ol’ Jeff texts me and asks if I want a biscuit for breakfast in the morning. Now, what kind of question is that?
Do I look like a guy who doesn’t want a biscuit? I mean, I’ve never NOT wanted a biscuit. It’s like asking if I want sweet tea. Well, Jeff is about a foot taller than me and a Ranger, so I politely responded, “Of course I want a biscuit!” And I knew right then that I would have a good day. N’t matter how many fish were caught, we had biscuits for breakfast!
All kidding aside, Jeff and I met up early in the morning, and the lake was slick and calm—not a ripple, no wind, nothing.
To me, this is awesome, but apparently not to the herring. They were slow to cooperate, but the great thing about Spots is that they are so mean they will chase a Cast OG like it robbed their granny. So, within the first 30 minutes, we had a couple in the boat, and the morning was off to a good start! Let me explain the specialness of the OG. Its magic lies in the fact that every time you move it, the lure does something different.
This particular morning, it seemed to work best to hold the rod still, crank the handle three times fast, and pause. This would cause the lure to duck, dart, and dash under the water and glide back to the surface. They hit it on the pause.
Tackle for this technique is simple. We used 7’-7’4 topwater style rods (the new St. Croix Physyx rods with Seviin reels on them), and a solid bait caster will work fine. Jeff loves to use a braid to flouro leader system like me, and we were throwing Cast X12 braid. Now, if you haven’t used this braid, get ready.
I’m a die-hard PowerPro guy and have been for years, but I’ll be honest: this braid casts like magic. I’ve never experienced anything like it, and the feeling is fantastic.
Casting the OG, I was really and truly able to just about spool the reel, which meant that I could reach those spots even if they were way out there.
If you want to get in on this type of action, call Jeff Nail at 770-715-9933. You’ll have a blast! And he knows a good biscuit place, too!
Tight lines and following seas, you all.