Start using top waters?

All year, depending on the lake.

Typically I start throwing topwater when the water hits 68 degrees.

I throw whenever I get that feeling that I need to throw it. I've done it in 54 degree water on a warm day in winter and caught them. It never hurts to try one. I wouldn't do it right in the middle of a cold front but if we get a warm streak a spook will get those big girls worked real slow over spawning flats

Rick Clunn says it is NEVER too cold to to throw a buzzbait. GO figure, but he is a TON better fisherman than nearly EVERYONE on these boards. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

I've caught them on frogs in January, in as low as 55 degrees.

in the morning and in the evening,..

Usually first part of April for NTX lakes for me.

As soon as I start seeing fry.

January through December

Ok thanks guys. I will try to have a open mind about top water baits. The reason I asked was because I was fishing over the weekend and thought I might try it out. My partner said it was to cold to try it out.

I like using top water anytime the water is calm. If it's flat, it's almost a no brainer. Any time of year. Any temp of water. The only caveat for me is I don't like to fish in deep water. Deep water to me is anything over about ten feet. I fish banks and shallow water almost exclusively.

Just like with many things, works best on an overcast day, or in the shade. If I'm out on the lake, working tree's and stumps, pop on the shady side. But, like with most things fishing, there really aren't any definitive rules. I've killed 'em on sunny, hot days with no shade in sight.

Be sure to adjust your presentation. I prefer a popper of any kind, but buzz baits and whopper ploppers have been good to me as well. The calmer the water, the lighter the pop. You don't need to make a whole lot of noise if it's calm. Start off slow. One pop ever 2-3 seconds. Speed up over the next few minutes if that doesn't work for you. If you're not getting anything with 10-15 minutes, I'll put the top water away and go with something else. I always go back and try again have an hour or two. Conditions change all the time.

You'll know pretty quickly if their hitting top water. Top water is, by far, my favorite way to fish. I love it when the water explodes. Seems to me most fish hit fairly quickly right after the lures hits the water. However, I have caught many fish just as I was about to pull the lure out of the water next to the boat. Can be quite the heart-thumping experience.

Thanks for the tips!

I've caught bass with a buzzbait during a snow storm....

Water temp above 55 degrees is my general rule of thumb. I would fish it anytime I thought I could get a bite.