Summer is the time when serious seatrout enthusiasts dig into their tackle boxes and tie on a proven killer. The action and commotion of a topwater surface plug offers several advantages. They are dead ringers for stunned or wounded bait fish and big trout are ambush predators, especially in low-light conditions like dawn and dusk. As an added bonus, there’s nothing more exciting than powerful explosions on the surface.
Classic balsa plugs like the Smithwick Devil’s Horse or original Bagley Jumping Mullet still draw top dollar at auctions and flea markets. But hard and soft plastic is the norm now, with great track records of success. Here are seven with the “stuff” to take trout on top:
