Rapala Skitter Prop
The Rapala Skitter Prop and other top water lures tend to catch bigger bass. This lure is one of several that cover the top of the water column and is probably the most versatile. The Skitter Walk and Skitter Pop are more for the best conditions. When there is a little chop on the water, the flash and vibration created by the prop will call the bass in. As the lure is ripped forward a trail of bubbles follows and points the way to the bait. This quick snap causes the Balsa wood Skitter Prop to dive and roll under the surface, and the propeller slows the rise back to the surface. The bass will usually hit it quite hard and even explode out of the water. How much fun is that? The best gear for the Rapala Skitter Prop is a 7 foot bait casting rig or a larger spinning rig that can handle bigger line. As with any top water bass lure, a good strong line in the 10-20 pound range is necessary. Generally 17 pound monofilament with a fluorocarbon leader, or 17 fluorocarbon by itself is a good choice. If fishing shallow you want the power to get the bass away from cover before it heads to the bottom. The best time to fish the Rapala Skitter Prop is during stable weather with some cloud cover. Early and late in the day when there is low light are also great. Don't limit yourself to the shallows though. It is great for covering lots of water around shallow cover like lily pads and sunken wood. The vibration and flash will call bass off deep cover like weedy sunken humps, deep weed edges and drop offs too. When bass suspend and hunt bluegills and other pelagic, or open water, bait fish, they tend to focus their attention upwards. If you see schools of fish scatter and disturb the surface, then it's time to send the Skitter Prop their way. A jig or bottom bouncer would be underneath some of the most aggressive bass, and they won't be going after it when the food is above them. Experiment with the speed of your retrieve as well. Start off with two or three quick rips with a pause and repeat. This will trigger the most aggressive bass. Then if you need to, go with just one or two rips with a longer pause. Look for clues on the surface like bluegill activity and follow them because that's where the hunting bass will be located. Color selection with the Skitter Prop can be as simple as light colors for lots of ambient light, and darker for overcast skies. A frog,lime frog or silver blue should be experimented with. Color usually won't be as important as retrieve speed.
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