The TOP DOG series by MirrOlure are a favorite among local fisherman. These surface walkers come in several sizes, the original Top Dog, the Top Dog Jr. and the Top Pup. To work these baits, use a steady retrieval while constantly twitching the tip of the rod with your wrist. When used correctly, the TOP DOG will zig zap in a pattern called "Walking the dog". What's nice about this kind of "walking the dog" is you don't have to stop so that it can relieve itself.

If you don't get any strikes after a few casts, try working the lure at various speeds. Some fish are picky about the speed of their prey.

POPPERS are even easier to use than a surface walker. Their name says it all, they "pop." As they are twitched, the concave shape of the mouth pushes water forward, making a big splash. It is this sound and action that attracts the predator fish. A commonly used pattern is to cast the lure out and let it sit for about three seconds. Then, give one mild twitch, wait a few seconds, then another. Repeat this pattern until the lure has been fully retrieved. If this pattern does not work, try others.

Bottom Lures
Bottom lures are not difficult to use either, but tend to get hung up more often. Soft baits, such as grubs and DOA shrimp, are among the more effective in the intracoastal fishery. You can catch almost anything, if not everything, on a curl tail grub. The difficulty is in picking the right color for the conditions. Chartreuse grubs on a yellow jig head have been very effective. Red fish, Trout, Flounder, Jack Crevalle, Lady fish, Snapper, Pinfish and almost every other species has been caught on this combination.

There are many ways to work a grub. You can go with a steady retrieval or jig pattern. The slower the retrieval, the deeper the grub will go. To jig it, hold your rod level, then lift the tip straight up. As you lower the rod tip, reel in the slack. This will cause the lure to travel in an up and down motion.

The DOA shrimp is another fantastic lure. The 3" and 4" glow shrimp are particularly effective. This bait can be use in many different ways. The easiest is to let the lure sink to the bottom, then start retrieving very slowly with a light twitch every few seconds. Or, you can let the lure sink only a foot or two, giving constant light twitches as you retrieve.

Remember, these are just tips. Also try your own retrieval patterns, as you might find something that works better for you.

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