Can anyone else say that they've noticed a decline in their topwater bite? I'm not saying I haven't caught fish on topwater in the last 5 years, but I've noticed a sharp decline in the action, especially when it comes to baits like yellow magics and spooks. Topwater used to be automatic for me at dawn and dusk, but I'm getting to the point where they're not on my deck anymore.

I can't say I agree. This past summer with the high muddy water we had all spring the top water bite wasn't the best. Now with the lakes clearing up the top water bite seems to be back for me.

I thought this year was solid on top. Whopper Plopper ftw!

This year wasn't as good on the spook bite for me.

For me its been all Frog for the past few years, it doesn't matter if it's in cover or not. I just haven't been getting bites on pop-r's, or spooks. When they use to be my favorite baits!

We boated 23 fish last Saturday, from 6am until 1. Most were on top water. Missed quite a few also. The Choppo and spook are gonna get tossed around in the morning for sure!

When I was in Arkansas in June it was on big time. I haven’t had a ton of success on a spook in Texas this year, but the frog bite has been great.

your over thinking it, same bite as always.

Agreed. The topwater bite can change from day to day, but overall from year to year its the same.
I've caught at least a hundred fish on a spook this year, plus plenty on yellow magic, buzzbaits, and frogs.

Being in the right place at the right time is a big factor.

maybe y0u have varied your topwater technique slightly and it is effecting your results.

It's possible...?

Glad the topwater bite's still alive and well from boats other than mine.

I haven't caught as many on topwaters and I'm not seeing nearly as many schoolers, either. I attribute it to murkier water from loss of vegetation and a lot of rain during the first half of the year.

I tend to agree. I love to catch them on top water but the bite has definitely slowed down for me over the last 5-7 years. I will say that the I have transitioned to throwing the frog more and I do get more bites on them than the older style baits.

Been good for us for sure

Well I've had a spook tied on and ready for the last 5 months, and I've caught more fish over 4lbs on it than everything else combined this year. Not sure where you guys are fishing, but the topwater bite is just as good as it's always been.