There is nothing in bass fishing quite like the heart-pounding moment when a giant explodes on a topwater lure. The thrill only gets bigger when the bait you are throwing is nearly the size of the meal that monster has been waiting for. Oversized topwater walking baits are designed for one thing: calling up the heaviest fish in the lake. The Megabass Megadog is a perfect example of this style of bait. At nine inches long, it is built to draw strikes from trophy-class bass that rarely waste their energy on small prey.
In this article, we will break down why big topwater lures catch bigger bass, how to fish them in different conditions, where to cast for maximum success, and the best gear to handle these heavy baits.
Why Big Topwater Lures Catch Bigger Bass
The saying “big bait, big fish” is more than just a cliché. Bass are opportunistic feeders, and when they see a meal that offers the most calories for the least effort, they are going to take it. Oversized walking baits like the Megadog perfectly imitate large forage such as gizzard shad and stocked trout, which are staples in many trophy fisheries.
These baits shine in waters that hold a healthy population of four to six-pound bass and beyond. When a lake is full of larger forage, throwing an oversized bait not only matches the hatch but also weeds out smaller fish that are unlikely to commit. If you are serious about targeting giants, big topwaters are one of the most efficient tools you can throw.
Meet the Megabass Megadog
The Megabass Megadog is a nine-inch walking bait designed specifically for monster bass. Its size alone creates a commanding presence on the water, but what sets it apart is its versatility. Anglers can fish it with aggressive chops to make it spit water across the surface, or they can slow it down for wide, gliding motions that perfectly mimic a wounded baitfish.
Built for distance, the Megadog is designed to cover big water and draw fish from a great distance. Its oversized profile is not just about getting noticed; it is about triggering the instinct of a big bass to attack prey that represents a high-value meal.
How to Work Oversized Walking Baits
Retrieve style is critical when fishing a giant walking bait. The Megadog can be worked in two distinct ways, depending on the conditions.
- Windy or Choppy Water: When the surface is broken up by wind, aggressive rod pops are the way to go. Work the bait with a firm “chop chop” rhythm to make it spit water. This commotion makes the lure stand out against the chop and attracts fish that are roaming or feeding aggressively.
- Calm Water: In slick conditions, tone it down. Cast the Megadog out and work it with smooth, downward pulls of the rod tip. This gives the bait long, slow glides to the left and right, imitating a wounded gizzard shad or trout struggling near the surface. The subtle action looks natural and convinces wary fish to commit.
The key is to let the conditions dictate your cadence. Be loud when the water is noisy, and be subtle when it is calm.
Pinpoint Casting for Big Bass
Just because the Megadog is large does not mean you can ignore accuracy. Pinpoint casts are essential with any walking bait, and even more so with a giant one. The goal is to make your lure resemble a large baitfish fleeing from cover or sliding out of vegetation.
Target areas that naturally hold big bass, such as shade pockets, grass lines, reed clumps, and the ends of pockets, as these are prime locations. With a lure this large, fish do not need to be right on top of the structure to notice it. They will travel to intercept the bait if it appears to be an easy meal.
One trick to remember is to land the bait softly. Use your thumb to stop the spool just before the lure hits the water so it settles gently instead of splashing down and spooking fish. Once it lands, begin retrieving it immediately to make it appear alive.
Best Gear Setup for the Megadog
Throwing a nine-inch bait requires specialized gear. A powerful rod, strong line, and a heavy-duty reel all play important roles in making sure you can cast effectively and land the fish of a lifetime.
- Rod: The Destroyer P5 USA MARK-56 is an excellent choice. At 7 feet 6 inches, it has the length needed for long casts and the backbone to handle oversized walking baits. It offers the perfect blend of power and precision for big topwater presentations.
- Line: A 50-pound braided line is recommended. It provides the strength to drive hooks home on a giant fish while also giving you the control to work such a large lure with authority.
- Reel: A heavy-duty reel designed for large swimbaits or big topwaters will keep everything balanced. Look for a model that can handle long casts and the resistance of walking a bait of this size.
This setup ensures you can throw the Megadog a long way, work it effectively in all conditions, and keep fish pinned when they strike.
Seasonal and Situational Applications
Big topwater baits are at their best during the warm months when bass are actively feeding on large forage near the surface. From late spring through summer and into early fall, the Megadog can be deadly on lakes with populations of gizzard shad, trout, or large bluegill.
Conditions also play a role. Slight chop on the water often helps, as it breaks up light penetration and gives bass the confidence to strike. However, calm water situations can also produce if you use the subtle glide retrieve. The key is to match the lure’s action to the conditions in front of you.
Why Throwing Big Topwaters Gives You an Edge
Most anglers throw smaller topwaters, such as poppers, buzzbaits, or frogs. While those baits catch fish, they are also heavily pressured presentations. When you pick up a bait like the Megadog, you are showing bass something different. That element of surprise is often enough to trigger strikes from the biggest fish in the system.
Big topwaters also cover water efficiently. A lure this size can call fish from greater distances, allowing you to target trophy bass without having to work every piece of cover in the lake. For tournament anglers or anyone chasing a personal best, oversized walking baits offer a clear advantage.
Final Thoughts
Oversized topwater baits are not for everyone, but if you are serious about catching the biggest bass in the lake, they need to be part of your arsenal. The Megabass Megadog has the size, action, and presence to consistently draw strikes from giants, and when paired with the right setup like the Destroyer P5 USA MARK-56, you are ready for those violent surface explosions.
The next time you find yourself on a lake with big forage and big bass, tie on a Megadog, make a long cast, and hold on tight.
