The trick to sinking the hooks on a topwater into a fish’s mouth isn’t the same as when fishing a jig. In other words, don’t jerk the snot out of it when a fish picks up the lure.
“Quickly take up any slack, feel the tension and pull back until you feel the fish on the line!” Matherne said. “Reel in, and do not give him any slack at all or he’s gone.”