The next types are the floater-diver minnows, with models made by Rapala, Rebel, and Bomber. While not strictly surface plugs, these “jerkbaits” can be slowly twitched on top and around structure such as fallen trees or oysters in shallow water, then retrieved more rapidly for a subsurface presentation the rest of the way.

This feature makes them particularly effective around channel edges and other types of dropoffs. The greatest advantage of these lipped minnow-type plugs is that they have built-in action and are easiest to use.

Their main disadvantage is their relatively low density and high wind resistance. That makes them a poor choice on windy days or when long casts are necessary.

Next are the popper/chugger designs. Some good ones are Storm’s Chug Bug, the Yo-Zuri Hydro Tiger, and the Rebel Pop-R. These lures cast a long way, and make a lot of noise -- characteristics that make them excellent baits to use when the water surface is rough.

Finally, there are some soft-plastic jerkbaits that can be used as surface baits. A lure called the Bait Buster is a mullet imitation manufactured by DOA Lures. The shallow runner sinks when at rest, but it can be retrieved right along the surface and results in explosive strikes. Furthermore, it has only one hook -- an important consideration in today’s world of catch-and-release angling.

Most of the soft-plastic jerkbaits can be rigged so that they are almost completely weedless. Some of the better ones include the RipTide Flats Chub, the DOA CAL Jerk Bait, the Bass Assassin Saltwater Shad, and the Cotee Reel Magic.

Also from DOA Lures is a soft-plastic popping head that can be used with almost all soft-plastic jerkbaits, turning any of them into a weedless, single-hook popper. What a diabolically clever idea!

“I like the Rapala Skitter Walk and the Heddon Zara Spook, as far as hard baits go,” Capt. DePaiva offered. “The Skitter Walk is a noisy chugger with a rattle inside. When it’s choppy, it has a great deal of fish-calling power. The Zara Spook works best under slick calm conditions, when I feel I don’t really even need the rattle. They both have an erratic zigzag action, and they displace water like a finger mullet would.

“When there’s a lot of floating grass, I like to use soft-plastics because the gang hooks on the plugs just foul all the time,” he added. “The DOA Chug Head on their 3-inch CAL Shad tail makes a great bait. It’s a deadly combination that gurgles and chugs, and has the kicking tail that adds to the appeal when the fish get close to strike.

“I also like using the shallow running DOA Bait Buster. I cast it out and hold the rod tip high, reeling it just fast enough that it forms a ‘V’ on the surface of the water. I’ve had good success with redfish with that as well.”

FLIES
For flyfishers, there are fewer options as far as terminal tackle design goes. Here are the choices:

Sliders have a pointed face, and therefore make very little noise. Their main attraction to the fish is the wake they create on the surface. They’re best used when the water is calm and very shallow -- a situation where a noisy lure would spook the fish.

Divers float at rest and dive when retrieved. The Dahlberg Diver is the best known of these flies. These are wonderful choices when the water quickly drops off from shallow to deep, in areas such as oyster bars, or on days when the fish seem reluctant to take on the surface.

You can attract the attention of redfish by popping the fly a few times, then dive it underneath with a steady retrieve. The bubble trail these flies leave seems very appealing to a wide variety of game fish.

Another trick is to use these divers on a sinking line. This gets the fly down and gives it an action achievable in no other way.

Of course, then it’s not “on top.” Pardon my digression.

Poppers have a blunt or concaved face and pop and gurgle when retrieved. These are my personal favorites, especially for wade-fishing when actually seeing fish is difficult due to the low sight angle to the water.