DEADLY Topwater Tactics For BREAM & WHITING! (Plus A Killer New Surface Lure Revealed)

Catching bream and whiting on surface lures is so much fun! Let me show you exactly how to do it and share a new lure with you that I think might well become a topwater classic.
If you love this video and my channel, please consider shouting me a beer (or a coffee!) to help me produce lots MORE great KZbin content for your viewing pleasure! Simply go to: www.buymeacoffee.com/starlo
Thanks... and cheers!
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST: I'm a member of the Shimano Australia Fishing Pro Angler team and I receive a certain amount of gear each year (mostly on a use/test/return basis) from Shimano. I also do paid promotional work, presenting and social media monitoring for Shimano Australia, and have been associated with the brand for over 30 years. Like any other brand or product I endorse, I use it because I choose it!

[@secretrivertours2117]

Another great video Starlo,,, keep em coming 🙂

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks, will do!

[@sitonggos5126]

steady, my friend, success is always in the work

[@StarloGetsReel]

Always!

[@jarrodtodd918]

Another good video Steve. Cheers!

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks!

[@mitchmcbride6053]

Glad I clicked the link to watch these topwater videos on your new video fairdinkum Starlo some of these bream hit hard at times it looks like your bass fishing

[@StarloGetsReel]

Glad you enjoyed them! Yes, they go okay!

[@lancehilditch6667]

Love the fishing video mate 👍

[@StarloGetsReel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Chinchin-j5t]

I love these vids Starlo!

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks!

[@thedankeclipze6182]

reminds me of a segment of the fishing dvd which you used to star in, those were quite good entertainment and education for me

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks, Yes, I miss the Fishing DVD too. A great resource.

[@PeachyFlyFishing]

Looks fun Steve! :)

[@StarloGetsReel]

Sure is!

[@Petethefisherman945]

Another excellent video starlo thanks for sharing That silver shining bream looked spectacular 🎣

[@StarloGetsReel]

It was! Thanks!

[@abi1816]

Wat is lure name n size n weight n length pls

[@johnlighton7025]

Great video. Thanks. Must see if those lures are here in South Africa. Our most similar fish to your bream would be the Cape stumpnose.

[@StarloGetsReel]

For sure! If they aren't there already I'm sure they'll be on their way to your shores.

[@justinellis2411]

Looking forward in trying these lures and looking forward to the new lipless floating vide. Hoping shimano bring out a new bb rocker as well. 🤞

[@StarloGetsReel]

You'll love the Ligen! And that floating vibe was a real eye-opener, too!

[@mitchmcbride6053]

Awesome day of fishing I don’t mind a bit over cast I’ve had some great days when the weather is agains you

[@StarloGetsReel]

So true. 👍

[@davidgc4396]

Gee nice whiting Starlo I wish they grew that big up here I would not have to catch as many. Must be the warmer water and weather? They also make a good live bait for Barra etc😊

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks 👍

[@richardghalayini2666]

Great video Steve on those ligen66f I can’t seem to find those S pink shad colours here in Australia wondering why, as I’ve looked and searched everywhere here nothing but not saying other colours won’t slay the fish as they will

[@StarloGetsReel]

Yes, both the colours I originally had were pre-release samples and didn't end up in the range, but the ones they've gone with are at least as good, I reckon.

[@darcybrown4039]

nice video

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks!

[@feartheduck6664]

Nice whiting! Most of my whiting fishing on the Yorke Peninsula consists of a paternoster rig using 4, 5 or 6 long shank hooks over weedy/sandy bottoms baited with squid. Starlo, any idea why some hook sizes e.g. 5 are no longer available? Top water looks like good fun and will kit up with a similar lure for tomorrows session.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Good stuff. Hook sizing seems to vary from one maker to another and odd sizes like 3s and 5s are pretty rare, in my experience.

[@user-rd5ic8ri2b]

Thanks Starlo, great video. Now, where do we get our hands on the 'Ligen'?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Good question! They should start hitting the shelves of most Shimano stockists in about a month... just in time for the coming topwater season!

[@outandaboutinoz]

Hi there Starlo, I love this video, I have not seen this type of assist hook before, can you give me any tips on size and how to rig them, thanks Greg

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks! You can get those assist hooks at lots of tackle shops new. Vanfook is one brand but there are a few. Get the smallest ones for whiting and bream. They come already rigged on a split sing so simply remove the tail treble from your lure and fit the assist split ring to the split ring on the rear of the lure.

[@outandaboutinoz]

Thanks so much, you are a legend.

[@outandaboutinoz]

Thanks Starlo, I purchased a couple yesterday and I'm heading up the coast in a couple of weeks and can't wait to try them out.

[@antonb8422]

Hey Starlo. Can you recommend a couple of stand out colours in the ligen range to start with.

[@StarloGetsReel]

I’m not a big stickler for colour. The Chiayu, Lemon Gold and Purple all take my fancy but I don’t think it makes a huge difference, to be honest.

[@antonb8422]

@@StarloGetsReel Thank you mate. Sometimes you just need someone to help you make up your mind lol.

[@rosef5362]

Love your video as always, how do you think lure would go on Bass?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Cheers! They'll be dynamite on bass, I reckon.

[@jaar8320]

Great session Starlo. Was this in winter, and if so what time do you find is best for surface conditions in these colder months? I'd also love to know what brand of assist hooks you used on the Leigen there. I don't have an electric but love to drift the flats and was going to wait for summer to start trying surface fishing but might have to head out earlier now cheers

[@StarloGetsReel]

That was late summer. It can be tough in winter although the bream respond pretty well some days. I use a few different brands of assists. Can't remember which those were. Sorry!

[@mightykayakgeek4299]

You cant go wrong with Atomic Assist hooks. they use Gamakatsu Hooks. Winter months is slower but still possible. Dont be afraid to chase Salmon and Tailor Topwater as well

[@mesittingduck]

Mate love the content and that boat mate is that an import?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Cheers! It’s a Beastmaster Snubby. Made in QLD.

[@SushiDragon73]

Hi Starlo. Apart from obviously casting with the wind, do you have any advice for maximising casting distance on light weight lures? Longer rod? Lighter braid? These Ligens only weigh about 5gm.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Yep, all of that, and make sure your spool is nice and full. The Ligen actually casts pretty well despite its weight.

[@samasim3944]

if Shimano made them in 50mm they would be perfect! the ligen reminds me my fave discontinued top water, would love to see how it compares..

[@StarloGetsReel]

I reckon the 66 is just about perfect. A 50 wouldn’t cast as far, and that’s important in my experience.

[@needmoreboost6369]

great vid! Glad I found your channel. Been a fan since I could read! Your literature had been a big part of feeding my angling addiction and had helped gain knowledge required to work as a professional. your book’s had technical information in depth and a level of quality and intuition that helped thousands like me catch more and be informed about it. I was 14 armed with all I could read of the fisherman’s handbook and took at least one Latin name in, platycephalus fuscus, probably the most underrated and sometimes challenging fish(when larger anyway) And for top water I think your right on there! One of my favourite is the old heddon but the sugar pen is my go to,but the profile of that looks nice!, might need some of those! 50mm is difficult to make the profile that floats and cast’s,having the right lure no where near the fish isn’t productive! I used to fish the marina and jetty’s for big bream now mostly creek’s and found that close quarters fishing with small cast’s or even trolling past the oysters is just the home for the tiny lure.Also oddly enough I’ve found windy conditions can be a huge help for distance with the bonus of less finicky fish.thanks keep ‘em coming!

[@StarloGetsReel]

@@needmoreboost6369 thanks so much for that wonderful feedback, and for taking the time to share it. Tight Lines!

[@nenadnedovic9246]

Hey great content as usual. What setp rod reel you using.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks! From memory it was one of the Shimano T-Curve Premium Light Spin rods - one of the longer ones. And a 1000 size Shimano reel: a Vanford or a Stradic Ci4. Any longish (7 to 8 foot) light spin rod and 1000 to 2500 size reel will do the job. Spool up with fine braid and add a shortish mono leader. Good luck!

[@nenadnedovic9246]

@StarloGetsReel Thanks mate.I really appreciate it. Have a great Easter.

[@peterbeadman5115]

Great video Steve, how long ago was this taken?

[@StarloGetsReel]

End of February from memory. I've had to sit on it for a while as the lures were embargoed until the launch tomorrow.

[@02bigkev]

Great surface action, are those lures available now?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Should be hitting the shop shelves in about a month... just in time for the coming topwater season!

[@nickglyptis9552]

May I ask what braid to leader knot you prefer for this style of fishing

[@StarloGetsReel]

My preferred is an FG, but in the heat of battle I'll happily tie a Double Uni, as it's quicker.

[@nickglyptis9552]

How would you rate the slim beauty knot as oppose to the double uni,do you think it would be ok

[@alleycat8483]

Hi Steve, how do you rate the Motorgluide leccy, my Minn Kota is 7 years old and tossing up what to buy next..

[@StarloGetsReel]

I've had a good run with MotorGuide. I like them. A bit cheaper, too.

[@anthonycox1870]

Another quality video Starlo, how long a leader do you use when surface fishing, and do you ever use mono or floating leader for bream, whiting or flathead on surface, learning heaps watching your videos, will definitely be getting one of them lures, look amazing, great work mate,

[@StarloGetsReel]

Cheers! I run a rather short leader on the surface -- about 50cm. So the material is immaterial, if you get my drift. ;) I like to be able to cast with the connection knot outside the tip runner. I go a bit heavier than sub-surface too: 8 to 12 pound usually, even 16, as flathead often get in on the act.

[@anthonycox1870]

@@StarloGetsReel Thanks mate, I have been using a two rods length leader, that's probably why I've only ever caught one small bream on surface and not another fish, will definitely try the smaller leader, thanks again,

[@OGWolf313]

Hey Starlo what knot do you do for soft plastics?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Depends. In very light leaders (6 pound or less) I'll often tie a "tight" or fixed (non-loop) connection using an Improved Blood or Uni Knot. In heavier leaders I prefer a loop so as not to inhibit the lure's action. From about 8 to 30 pound leaders, I use a Uni Knot tightened in place short of the eyelet to leave a small loop. Over 30 pound, I prefer a Lefty's Loop or something similar. In very heavy leaders (60 pound and up) I'll use a Homer Rhodes Loop.

[@OGWolf313]

@@StarloGetsReel Sweet as thanks heaps Starlo 🍻

[@antonb8422]

Hey Starlo. How come I can’t find the 2 colours of Ligen you are using??

[@StarloGetsReel]

Mine were pre-release prototypes and they didn’t go with those two colours. Colour isn’t a big deal in surface lures and the ones in the current range are great.

[@antonb8422]

@@StarloGetsReel Iv got the rest but I won’t them all 😂

[@StarloGetsReel]

@@antonb8422 🤣

[@-Scotty]

That lure isnt available to us yet mate?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Not yet! Still at least a few weeks away. Maybe a month. But on its way.

[@stevejones9636]

Hi how come those 2 colours are not even available to get i just brought 6 colours out of the 8 and none are gold like yours?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Not sure. That must have just been a prototype colour I guess. I got two of them off Shimano several months before they launched so I’m guessing those didn’t make the final cut for the range??

[@stevejones9636]

@@StarloGetsReel don't know why because that gold one looks dynamite

[@StarloGetsReel]

@@stevejones9636 yes, but I reckon that Chiayu (008) colour they went with is pretty good, too!

[@whodoesntlove4wding197]

Whereabouts were you fishing?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Tuross Head on the far south coast of NSW.

[@abi1816]

Wat details on yr rod pls

[@StarloGetsReel]

One of the long cast/flats spin Shimano T-Curve Premiums.

[@CathyRostron]

yay for left hand wind . Nothing more annoying than watching right handers juggling the rod every time they cast because they insist on using righthand wind .

[@StarloGetsReel]

I hear you, but I guess it’s a personal choice in the end. Plus the fish the “jugglers” miss means more for us! 😉🤣

[@abi1816]

N lure pls

[@StarloGetsReel]

Shimano Ligen, as explained in the video.

[@ynots0625]

**its essential for whiting 😂😂

[@StarloGetsReel]

Not with you? What's essential?