How and when to fish Topwater

I explain all the right pattern conditions like clear water, warm water, calm water and low light conditions for catching big bass! I explain the 3 types of topwater listed like the targets lures for the shoreline and other ambush points, the open water lures where you cover a lot of water, particularly shallow or submerged weed areas and finally the heavy cover lures for the Lillys, logs and other emergent vegetation. It's summertime in Florida and time for some monster bass but these same patterns will work universally, from Connecticut to California!

[@bentback1]

I am 73 years old and I still learn something from your videos every time I view them.

[@Berto-1117]

Im 25, been fishing since i could walk and i had never heard of having a "back-up" i will keep this in mind when throwing topwater, so much to learn from this man

[@zachg5356]

I learned it from him 2 and it has caught me a ton that just miss my top watet

[@AIKnowYou]

They're more commonly called follow up lures/baits. If you are fishing topwater, you always need one handy unless you're literally willing to let the chance go. But at the same time, not everyone has multiple rods and there's nothing wrong with casual fishing.

[@leetnessgaming9751]

2 is 1 and 1 is none. Stay hooked up my friends.

[@roosterboy7357]

A friend of mine would fish with a popper on top water and have a worm about a foot and some change below it. He done that a long time ago

[@leatherneck62264]

Lol thats why he's so successful

[@freighttrain7143]

This man is a PHD in fishing. I can't remember the last time I watched a fishing video and had to keep pausing to take notes. BRILLIANT TIPS ROLAND, THANK YOU SIR!

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

Topwater strikes are far and away my favorite - the splash or swirl when they hit just gets my heart pounding!

[@ms.annthrope415]

Try offshore fishing. An albacore feeding frenzy hitting your sardine loke a silver torpedo will rock your world. They hit and all you can do is push the drag lever to strike and hold on.

[@markmccarty9793]

I'd rather catch one big bass on top water than ten on a worm or gig!! Nothing like that explosion when for 2 seconds you wonder "my God, is it that big! How can I keep his outta the pads!!"

[@MrTexasboi87]

Lol I just became new to top water fishing always been underwater fishing. And when I tell u my first bite on top water almost made my heart stop. Lol didn’t know it would sound and feel the way it did. Always saw it on KZbin but never had it happen in person

[@_007B]

@@ms.annthrope415it’s boring to just reel in line trolling. Seeing a 50” Muskie strike at a figure 8 right next to the boat is an addiction.

[@elonmust7470]

Mr. Martin, you are very good evidence that the sport of fishing is indeed the fountain of youth!

[@jamie.777]

Amen 🙏brother

[@southernm2276]

How old is he?

[@MudFoot28]

@@southernm2276 Roland is in his early 80’s. I think 81. My wife’s grandfather is 83, he goes bass fishing 6 days a week and is another example of fishing keeping him young and lively!

[@dbender3644]

Is it just me but when I watch Scott sooo many of his mannerisms are the same as Roland's. The coolest family ever.

[@equipmentmanagementservice2310]

He's got as much enthusiasm now as he did 40 years ago when I first started following him as a fan. It's nice to see.

[@toddsgreatoutdoors4226]

This man is the greatest fishing educator on KZbin! Thanks, Roland

[@gl3618]

Devil's horse, old school, like a jitterbug. I love older style baits. Been watching mr. Martin since I was a younger lad down in Sarasota in the mid-late 90s. I would watch him and Bill dance and Jimmy Houston and jump on my bike with a pole and tackle box and just find lakes to fish. Jumping fences and trespassing too. Lol! I was so excited when I found him on KZbin a couple years ago. Brings me back. True professional and entertainer they're just wants to educate people on a fun sport. Thanks Roland.

[@acon2834]

Everything I will ever need to know. Whenever someone asks why I do it that way, I say, bc Roland says so!

[@MrDanhoffman]

I used to fish with one of his guides. Captain Pete. R.I.P my friend .had so much fun

[@owenzmortgage8273]

I listened to this fishing course very carefully because he is good.

[@sense321]

Roland is one of the 🐐 of Bass fishing

[@bobby_bassin93]

Thank you Mr Roland Martin I watched you ever since I was a kid and now I'm still learning things from you on KZbin

[@stevecarlson2242]

Roland you are an inspiration You have so much energy for a dude your age. I watched u on TV when I was a little kid. And I always loved buying a new lure even then. Thanks for all you do!

[@ReaghNetwork]

Home sick as a kid my folks rented your videos from Blockbuster for me. Could not wait to go out and catch fish from the lessons you taught us. Wonderful to see you gifting the next generation with knowledge to enjoy the outdoors. Much love and respect from the Reagh Family

[@GOCHIEFSJMB]

Old school Roland!! You and Bill Dance are the only 2 anglers I have ever taken advice from. The 2 masters!!!

[@ArizonaPondPickles]

Dont rule out Doug hannon and al linder

[@michianabaddriversin4690]

And Babe Winkleman

[@briansd2772]

and Virgil Ward.

[@JTLM_48442]

I kno there not the only 2 that can catch a big bass

[@MakesSens]

Top quality content for so many years. Im 38 and have been watching you almost my whole life, thanks so much.

[@andrewboyce7268]

Taught me bass fishing.

[@MW-vb8rm]

33 here, been fishing since my dad could put a rod in my hand. I come from a fishing family. My family literally fed themselves through tough times because they all fished. Luckily we don't have to do that anymore but we all still fish and pass it down. I've got two little girls I'm teaching now. The info this man is teaching is GREAT! He actually reminds me of one of my favorite people I've ever fished with, a Vietnam Vet that passed a few years back. I'm literally watching all these videos reminiscing with Hugh haha. Keep up the great content Roland Martin!!

[@bryancook4744]

Mr. Martin, My Dad, Brother and I came to Bass Haven Lodge in Weelaka when we were young in the 70’s fishing. We did this every year for many years. Dad had us on the fish in Rodman pretty heavy… we ran into you doing a show. You were so kind and funny. Amazing all these years later I still love bass fishing with my grand babies and I’m watching you on U Tube! Small world.

[@maxhernandez2241]

I’m a new bass fisherman. I’ve learned so much from this man and have caught my first bass using his knowledge

[@jameshampton6053]

I 59 he have always been one of my favorites..

[@gregoryleggett9773]

​@@jameshampton6053Same here. I'm 65 and when I was growing up the guys I watched and learned from were Roland Martin, Jimmy Houston, Jerry McKinnis, and Al Lindner.

[@isaiahjohnson2532]

I used to never fish for bass. I’ve always been a catfish guy, but I’ve been burning up the bass in a private pond I fish. It hadn’t been fished for 5 years until this year. The challenge and finesse of bass fishing is addicting!!!

[@robertw.7698]

Man, you still lookin young Roland. I remember first watching you when I was 13, 1984.

[@Beriothien007]

I am do glad I found your channel. You have the know-how of a grandpaw teaching is grandson to fish, with the energy and charisma of those old fishing shows that bring nostalgia that no one makes or airs anymore

[@traviscoonrod185]

I started watching Roland back in the late 90's on TNN. I bet he would be fun to fish with. Not only could you learn a lot from him but the way he gets excited like every fish is the first fish he's ever caught would make it even more fun.

[@bigskip56]

Mr. Martin, I enjoy watching your videos. I have been learning from you for over 30 years, my friend! Much appreciated!

[@randallhalley1742]

Wow, what a great teacher to all of us! Your wisdom, professionalism and expertise are superior and you do such a great job explaining, and not minding giving away your pearls to help future generations enjoy this sport. Thank God for KZbin since these videos will be forever. I have watched you since I started fishing 60+ years ago it seems and you are a jewel! Thanks for the great advice and God Bless!

[@artcliff4631]

I owe a lot to my 4 favorite fisherman Roland Martin Bill Dance Jimmy Houston and the Grat Hank Parker Y'all have taught everything I know about Bass fishing

[@theodorerooseveltcharlesto1555]

Good to see you Roland I remember watching all your fishing shows when I was a young man. I just turned 60 and watching you brings back a lot of great memories. Thanks for all your helpful tips on top water fishing. God Bless

[@donalddouglas9645]

An older fisherman gave me a whopper plopper sometime in the 1970's and man would that thing catch Bass and big Bass at that. He told me it was made to sound like a duckling paddling thru the water trying to take off. It was stolen from me in the 80's and I couldn't find another one in Texas lol Well now I have one each of the whopper plopped list of lures. I love the Zara spook too. I really enjoy your videos Mister Martin, my library is full of them. I watch most of them repeatedly even though I have had been bitten by the Bass Bug since 1965. I fish long and hard and consider myself a power fisherman just not as good as you. I might catch only 2 or 3 a day but they would be big not big like yours just 6 or 7 pounds. I have always wanted to land a ten pounder like most Bass fisherman. I caught my PB at lake Fork in 1988 off the bank and it was 9.23y gosh what a fish. But it's not a 10 pounder. I'm 75 with health and mobility problems from agent orange but I still keep on plugging. I will get that 10 before I go

[@chrisshelton3314]

Mr Roland Martin just found yr channel watch u and Mr Bill dance as a teenager now 46 thank you for your knowledge

[@harrisoncordeiro834]

This guys a wealth of knowledge. Best technique’s on youtube

[@shawnbeck2303]

Found a Devil's Horse in my antique lure cabinet. Changed hooks from the nickle hooks to Mustad # 4's. Haven't caught many. But Topwater is here now! Here we go! Backed up with I Am It color. Whopper Plopper Killed it last year. Shawn.

[@NoFeeArea]

Thank you Roland!!! All your tips are helping me immensely! Been fishing all my life here and there. More casually but now digging in. I noticed you are a Bass Pro guy. Just started working at store #3 last fall. Love it. Love the organization and the people. I used your tip about using the the green and red sparkle worn and dragging it slow in a pond that I know has hogs today. Had a couple good bites. Felt like someone was grabbing it and trying to pull it out of me hands! I think I need to let it slack a little to let him take it more? Learning. Northern IL.

[@robertrubio1552]

Roland Martin: The best fishing Dad/Professor.

[@vintagecrazyjay4970]

Roland looks like he's getting younger! Must be all that fishing! Been watching Roland, Bill Dance and Jimmy Houston forever.....Good times.

[@keithedester474]

This was from two years ago, but still young looking and acting.

[@GeoFishing]

Roland I’d drive down to your marina for a chance to fish with you instantly !! Your an absolutely gem to the world of bass fishing. Keep up the knowledgeable fun! You never skip a beat and are always on point. ♥️✌️🔥

[@msmith1319]

I watch a lot of fishing videos in Roland Martin just covered almost every single way to fish topwater in one single video like a boss

[@ianbrown2205]

I've been watching you since I was a little e guy im 31 now I still love watching you your the best

[@kylevodden19]

awesome video Roland. My son thinks the world of you and 7 yrsold and reading your book.

[@jimsmith4643]

We are getting the best info from the best teacher!! Thanks Roland

[@normanham6142]

Been bass fishing over 55 years, and so far my PBs have come on topwater lures. Frog, Spook, and buzzbait. Love fishing on top! 👍🏼🎣

[@MycoTooMushed]

I agree that not all big bass explode on the top water bait. I caught an 8 pound plus largemouth in Texas on a ranch pond off the side of the road on a popper. This bass inhaled it so subtly, I feel like I was dreaming. When I seen that bass come out of the water with its big mouth, shaking its head, I landed and released it one of the best days I had in a long time

[@hcwbw3]

Moved to Panama City from S. Florida, on Deer Point Lake trying to learn fresh water. Trying to learn fresh water coming from a saltwater background, S. Biscayne Bay, and the Fl. Keys. Similar technique on the quite flats. Throw a spook or skitter walk to wake up the neighborhood then, IT IS ON! Only thing I am noticing is Fresh water is a lot more quite and subtle. I love the idea of "the back up" Thanks. Used to watch your TV show back in the day. Great youtube channel.

[@Tortolo-fs5gx]

😍 new to fishing , this is like a hearing a preacher for me 😇🙏

[@joshs3905]

This guy is genuinely the wisest fisherman alive. He doesn't use fishing line lets just say that. Imagine spending a day out on the water fried out of your mind with this beaut

[@phillyman5000]

Caught my biggest bass yet using a Whopper Plopper!! April 30th the day after my birthday I caught a beauty, 9.14 lb largemouth bass using my Whopper Plopper!! Very nice unexpected surprise and the best birthday present I could have ever gotten!!! Thanks to Roland for introducing me to the Whopper Plopper!!

[@austinbradley3411]

Roland Martin was my fishing teacher for 28 years. Thank you sir.

[@k.c.gillespie1452]

Mr. Roland Martin sir, you are the man! I grew up watching you and Bill Dance! You guys are the pioneers that paved the road for all the KZbin anglers today! One of my most favorite shows I watched of you as a kid is when you were fishing Okeechobee with live shiners and white balloons as bobber. Every bass was at least 10lbs!

[@ryanbroughton5174]

I know this video is almost a year old but I just came across it. I too remember watching those episodes of him fishing on Okeechobee using huge shiners and balloons for floats to catch double digit bucket mouths. I was in absolute awe seeing as I grew up in Ohio and had of course never seen such a thing as we don't have a bass fishery like Okeechobee or many of the others in the south. Roland, Jimmy Houston, Bill Dance and the often forgotten Babe Winkleman. I also loved watching the Linders catch small mouth, Pike/Muskey and walleye out of their Lund V- Hull. God bless and tight lines.

[@timothywynkoop8293]

Met Roland at the ramp at Headwaters April 10th after he finished guiding a whole day. Great gentleman. And his KZbin video are worth their weight in gold. Thank you, Roland.

[@nelsonchiro]

Always a pleasure watching a master at work! Thank you! Great stuff!

[@joshuagibson2520]

Who else remembers the Yamamoto bait commercial in the 90s with the kid in the glasses? Catch em with these kid.... GEEE thanks mister!

[@colindavidson6483]

I’m learning more in this video that all my KZbin bass videos combined. Incredible

[@keystonepropertyinspection3372]

Thanks for sharing your top water tips Roland!

[@kennyhuber293]

Ever since I was a very small boy my dad and I would watch the Rolland Martin show on tv on saturday mornings. Great to see the legend back in action.

[@JoeCummings]

Roland, you really are the man! That was the best top water talk I've ever seen.

[@jpope8371]

1st time seeing your channel. Probably one of the best informational videos I've ever seen.

[@saint5203]

I used to watch you as a kid and loved your shows. Good to see you back on!

[@dejapollo]

This guy is such a great teacher and just love listening to him. That Scott guy could learn a thing or two.

[@k.c.gillespie1452]

AWESOME Video, Mr. Martin! Very informative! Thank you!

[@vincentboyd6165]

i love Roland, he's always about fishing, not selling. He's absolutely right about the back up. I've used it for years after learning when using a frog deep in the pads is that bass sometimes doesn't get all of the lure so the hookset never sets. The back up right after the bass will nail it and setting the hook is much easier. Sometimes now, i use the frog just to locate the bass and go to the back up as a non-back up. Takes Roland's advice to those that are new to top-water or even experience. You'll have more luck.

[@matttolbert8708]

Roland, great information, thank you! If you get a break, color of top water baits would be very helpful. There is white/black/chrome and every color in-between Thank you, Matt

[@davidwhiten3742]

I can't believe he didn't mention my favorite top water bait, the jitterbug!

[@gregorywhitus2148]

Thanks for the info , these old school guys just know how to teach in a way a “beginner” can understand and fish baits correctly! Thanks for the instruction

[@davidcox9115]

Thank you for those quick top water tips..ive been watching you since i was a kid..always enjoy your shows..i love top water my favorite is still the big black jidder bug .many ten pound plus bass ive caught around midnight on the hottest days i can find. Thanks again! For many years of information and great shows.! God bless!!

[@joshuagibson2520]

Roland is getting old, as am I. Started watching him 30 years ago or more. Keep going friend. Never slow down.

[@billsutorius2753]

Great video, very educational and enjoyable too. I learned a lot, thanks.

[@georgeleonard5157]

Hi Roland from Connecticut.. Thanks for the videos. You and J.H. are national treasures!! Keep the videos coming.

[@ronyeahright9536]

Can we all just understand how amazing this dude is for his age? He's 81 in the video, he looks and sounds fantastic.

[@readyreckoner1592]

Roland, YOU'RE THE MAN! Thanks for doing the you tubes.

[@ralo4265]

Good stuff Roland! 🎣 👊🏼💯🇺🇸 Thanks for the tips my friend!

[@timothysajgovic3999]

I am so glad you are doing this video. having a really hard time here in Florida(paso)can't get anything to bit

[@OhMyLarryFishing]

Gotta love Roland! An absolute legend!

[@richie_k_6876]

Thanks Roland for the tips those are some good top water lure’s..✌🏼🎣

[@1chefbr]

Excellent video Roland love watching you

[@lindahall2478]

Roland Another great video! Have learned a ton from you. Thanks

[@craiggemeinhardt1082]

Learned to bass fish watching your tv show, always couldn't wait to watch fishing with Roland Martin, the best fishing shows on TV. Loved the shiner fishing shows, absolutely the best. Keep up the great instructions. Always awesome.

[@apeacefulgrower]

Great imfo Roland, much love an Respect to you. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@SmokinNate]

The first top water I ever got was a devil horse. I still have that same lure over 20 years later and it still catches fish. Also that teckel frog has become a favorite of mine. Still I’ve caught my biggest fish on a jig though. I also don’t fish on okeechobee. PB is a 6.5 pounder.

[@Rupkumarsumana]

good fishing video my friend i am your new member👍👍👍👍👍

[@JakeFishing_]

I’ve seen a few of his videos where he mentioned the senko as a backup. I’ve done that for a few years now, and it’s true. I’ve seen others do it as well. Smart plan to have.

[@KWizard__]

I appreciate this video. I'm here in Southern NJ. It's shallow and top water is a must here.

[@judweaver3635]

Thanks for the information on what conditions to throw topwater. However, I've definitely done well when the water has just a touch of chop to it, like just before or during a rain.

[@peterrivera5235]

Thank you for your wisdom and keep the videos coming

[@bruceesterline3170]

Thank you Roland for all you do 👍

[@RedSp4de]

he sure seems like a nice guy. giving out all that info. God bless you sir

[@johnvanlindingham9490]

Can't believ seeing you do a video you and Tom Mann where my ideles in the 70s fishing hear in Florida.

[@johnm2617]

What a true legend !! And even a tougher competitor!! Roland did whatever it took too win !! 🐐🐐🐐💰💰💰

[@bosshogg6653]

That man said I ain't tryin to catch fish today I been catching fish everyday and could catch em today if I wanted to! DAAAAMN O.G Roland!

[@phillyman5000]

I caught a nice bass yesterday using my new Whopper Plopper! Was so awesome!! Been getting into top water fishing more and more!

[@corradopalmerini4076]

Awesome presentation! TY!

[@franktorres3081]

Awesome video … thank you mr Martin

[@timmoutos8860]

Thanks Roland, great info sir. I'm happy to say i caught my pb twitch bait on a devil's horse last week. 7 pounds 3 oz. Then two casts last had another large blowup on it and lost the lure... Guess should always check the leader for frays.

[@suttonsplash14]

Great video Roland!

[@wolfmanmark6773]

awesome info. thanks so much for your hard work

[@jeramyh9344]

Thank you for the video. I will be trying to get some top water fishing in tomorrow morning if the conditions are right. I like the idea of a backup rod. I will be trying that out too.

[@chriskucenski438]

It worked. Everything. Caught most of my best on topwater.

[@rex2837]

Great stuff Roland!

[@danluther1741]

Rick, Bill, Roland, Jimmy & ok, Kevin! They teach, I listen (& often take notes!!)

[@anthonymarquez2035]

The best coach ever!!!!👍🎣

[@Barticus84]

Excellent video. Some more fly fishing videos would be greatly appreciated. I saw one of yours and it was excellent