There’s nothing quite like having a full day ahead of you with nothing on the agenda but paddling and fishing in one of our beautiful local creeks—Cypress Creek, Bluewater Creek, or any of the lesser-known waterways flowing through the Shoals region. Fishing while floating down these quiet waters is one of my favorite things to do, especially when the bass are biting.
Over the years, I’ve honed my approach and found two types of lures that I come back to time and time again: topwater poppers and crankbaits. These lures have helped me consistently land some solid fish, including:
Largemouth bass
Smallmouth bass
Rock bass (also known as rock perch)
Bream (yes, they hit lures too!)
The Fight is Half the Fun
If you’ve never caught a bass from a kayak or canoe, let me tell you—it’s exhilarating. You’re down at water level, eye-to-eye with the fish as you reel them in, and those smallmouth and rock bass especially put up a serious fight. Even in shallow water, I’ve pulled out surprisingly big fish that make you feel a real sense of accomplishment.
And don’t sleep on bream. While they might not have the same reputation as bass, those little guys are opportunistic and aggressive. They’ll smash a lure hard enough to make you think you’ve hooked into something much bigger.
🎣 Lure Breakdown & Techniques
Topwater Poppers
These are my go-to for surface action and exciting strikes. Watching a bass explode out of the water to grab your lure never gets old—but it does take some finesse to fish a popper effectively.
🎯 Where to Cast:
Under low-hanging tree limbs: Fish love shaded cover, especially in summer. They lie in wait for insects or frogs to drop into the water.
Near rock walls or natural ledges: Bouncing a popper off the rock wall mimics prey accidentally falling in—an easy target.
Close to submerged logs, root balls, or large rocks: Bass love ambush points.
🛠️ Casting & Retrieval Technique: (From a right-handed angler’s perspective)
The cast: Hold the rod with both hands—right hand on the main grip, left hand above it. Use your index finger and thumb to gently pinch the line just as it comes out of the reel. This helps you slow the lure down just before it hits the water, reducing splash and making it feel more natural.
The first pop: As soon as your lure lands, give it a quick, light twitch to make it pop forward about an inch. Fish often strike immediately, thinking it’s a struggling insect or frog.
The retrieve: Slowly reel in for about a second, then pop a few times, pause, and repeat. Your goal is to mimic an injured or tired animal—"easy pickins" for a hungry bass.
Side-arm casting tip: If you’re casting under low limbs, try casting sideways—like a baseball swing—to avoid snagging your lure in branches.
Pro tip: Even if you don’t get a hit right after the lure lands, don’t give up on that cast. I’ve had plenty of fish hit during the retrieve.
Crankbaits
Crankbaits have changed the game for me. I still cast them into the same areas I would a popper, but the strike zone is broader because crankbaits dive and move through the water column in a more erratic pattern.
🛠️ Retrieval Technique:
Reel in slow and steady for a second or two.
Let the bait rise slightly, then give it a small pop or two.
Repeat the process, mimicking the movement of a disoriented or wounded baitfish.
For some reason, the bass I’ve caught on crankbaits tend to be larger on average than the ones I catch with poppers—especially largemouth. They seem to love that deeper, wobbling motion. I’m still refining my technique, but if you’re after size, give crankbaits a serious look.
🧠 Bonus Tips for Creek Fishing Success
Time of day matters: Early morning and late evening are prime times for topwater action.
Stay quiet: Your presence matters. The calmer and more stealthy you are, the better your chances.
Mind the season: In warmer months, fish tend to be more active, especially near shaded and cooler areas of the creek.
Keep learning: I always go home and look up what I saw or caught. It helps me fish smarter and appreciate the ecology more deeply.
Final Thoughts
I’m not a pro angler by any means—but I’ve spent enough time with a rod in my hand and a paddle at my feet to know what works in the creeks around here. Whether you’re just getting into fishing or looking to change up your approach, give topwater poppers and crankbaits a shot. You might be surprised by what you catch—and how much fun you have doing it.
If you’ve got favorite techniques or a go-to creek, drop me a message or comment. I’m always looking to learn something new or swap fishing stories.
🎣 Check Out the New Shop!
If you love spending time on the water as much as I do, swing by the new store right here on the site! I’ve got Cypress Creek and Bluewater Creek shirts and hats—perfect for repping your favorite local fishing spots. And if you’re a fan of chasing bass on big water, don’t miss the “Bass Fishin’ on Pickwick” hat. Comfortable, outdoor-ready, and designed with creek folks in mind.
See y’all out on the water.
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