These Old Dog Rippers aren't fizzers...

Top water fishing has been around for eons. It can often produce results when all else has failed and is an exciting and visually spectacular way to fish.

It hasn’t really caught on in the saltwater in Australia, I think, because of the method of construction necessary to mount the blades.  It’s a widely held misconception that screw eyes are not strong enough for our style of fishing. I can tell you that this method of construction has been used with great effect for a VERY long time in the U.S. and the lures are widely used in the Amazon to great effect.  (We use the same materials in our lures as those as those used in the Amazon lures).

We are currently making two “Fizzers/Woodchopper” styles, blades on the front and back, and we will soon release two smaller ones. One will be 110mm and the other 70mm. It is my intention to turn the current 100 and 150 models into what the Americans refer to as “Rippers”.  I have it on good authority that the “Ripper” style gets a better hook-up rate and is less prone to tangle in the leader.

However, having said that there is a method to using these lures that will give you far better results and make the experience far more enjoyable.

First: Tackle choice:

A rod that is between 6 and 7ft long with good backbone and soft tip for casting is the rod of choice.  Most good barra rods will do the job and I prefer a bait caster to a spin reel, but that’s a preference.  You need to feather the line as the lure lands in order to reduce the amount of slack line. (It’s easier for me with a bait caster).  As much as I hate to say it braid is the line of choice, too much stretch in mono.

Second: Technique:

When you cast the lure, as mentioned above, feather the line so you minimise the amount of slack line between the rod tip and the lure when it lands.  Point the rod tip at the water, don’t hold it up.  Turn your shoulders so the lure moves or rips through the water wind up the slack and repeat. Do not sweep the rod tip like you’re pulling a popper it only pulls the lure out of the water and causes tangles. You can use this technique to retrieve the lure as fast or slow as you like. It doesn’t take much practice to get it but it’s worth making the effort, you’ll be amazed at the results.

Remember these are my thoughts and I’m confident there are a million different ways of using these things but I have had the privilege of being advised by one of the masters of bladed lure building Kermett Adams.

Watch the technique used by these guys. THROWING CRAZY GIANT TOPWATERS FOR HUGE FISH IN THE AMAZON 

The photos used in this Blog are courtesy of John Haenke. Thank you for giving us permission to use your photos and we look forward to catching up soon. Checkout John's Facebook Page.  

P.S.  I’m tipping when the impoundment guys get onto this It’s going to go off.  Replace the trebles with singles and use them over the weed beds.