TOPWATER MAGIC

john snyder
Aug 25
3 min read

🎣 Topwater Magic: Vixen, Evergreen Blow, Sammy-Style & Wakebaits

There’s nothing in fishing quite like the explosion of a topwater strike. The anticipation, the sudden blow-up, the adrenaline—topwater baits don’t just catch fish, they create memories. While there are endless choices out there, some lures have become legends on the water. Today we’re breaking down four proven topwater weapons: the Reaction Innovations Vixen, the Evergreen Blow 105, the Sammy-style walking bait, and the always-reliable wakebait.

🐟 The Vixen – The “Walk-the-Dog” Legend

The Vixen has earned its reputation as one of the most effective walking baits of all time. With its slim profile and perfect side-to-side action, this lure can draw bass from long distances—especially in calm, clear conditions. Its unique rattling sound adds an extra layer of attraction, pulling fish from deep water even when the surface looks quiet.

When to throw it:

Clear water and light wind.
Summer mornings and evenings.
Over points, submerged grass lines, and flats.

Why it works: The Vixen’s action is so natural and effortless that even pressured bass find it hard to resist.

🌊 Evergreen Blow 105 – Long Casts, Easy Walks

The Evergreen Blow 105 is a Japanese-engineered walking bait designed for precision and distance. With its keel-shaped body and weight transfer system, this lure sails through the air for long casts and lands ready to work. The wide, gliding walk creates an irresistible surface presence that calls bass up—even from deeper water. Unlike smaller pencil baits, the Blow moves water with each glide, giving fish a bigger profile to target.

When to throw it:

Clear or slightly stained water.
Long points, offshore structure, or open flats where you need distance.
During calm to slightly breezy conditions.

Why it works: The Blow 105 combines the classic walk-the-dog action with a larger profile and better casting ability, making it ideal when bass are feeding on bigger bait or when you need to cover water efficiently.

🎯 Sammy-Style Walking Baits – Precision Meets Versatility

The Lucky Craft Sammy set the standard for “walk-the-dog” baits, and countless variations exist today. These lures combine the slim body of a pencil bait with a subtle spit of water as they glide side to side. They excel in situations where bass are feeding on shad or small baitfish near the surface.

When to throw it:

Shad spawns or fall schooling activity.
Calm pockets near structure.
Anytime fish are feeding on small bait at the surface.

Why it works: The Sammy’s effortless glide and flash look exactly like a struggling baitfish—irresistible to schooling bass.

🌙 Wakebaits – Subtle Surface Disruption

Wakebaits don’t explode across the surface—they glide just below, leaving a “V” shaped wake that screams vulnerability. They shine in low-light or calm conditions when fish are wary of too much commotion. Unlike buzzbaits or prop baits, a wakebait can be crawled painfully slow, tempting giant bass to follow and strike.

When to throw it:

First light and last light.
Calm water conditions.
Around shallow cover and laydowns.

Why it works: The wake creates curiosity, and the slow, steady pace often draws out the biggest bass in the area.

⚡ Final Thoughts

Topwater fishing isn’t just about catching bass—it’s about creating a moment you’ll never forget. Whether you’re walking a Vixen across a calm flat, zig-zagging the Evergreen Blow 105 over offshore structure, sliding a Sammy-style bait over schooling fish, or crawling a wakebait through shallow cover, each lure offers its own thrill.

At Big Bass Baits, we live for that explosion on the surface—the one that keeps us coming back, cast after cast. If you haven’t tied on one of these classics lately, now’s the time. The next strike might just be the biggest bass of your life.