TOPWATER KINGS

KINGFISH produce incredible topwater strikes. To me, big kingfish are the most challenging inshore topwater targets and are formidable opponents on spin tackle. It is often said for good reason that, pound-for-pound, there are few, if any, fish in the sea more powerful.

The reasons for using surface lures over other presentations are quite varied, but most anglers will use them when they can, because a strike on the surface from a fired up fish is very exciting. However, surface lures are undeniably effective in their own right. When you can actually see an interested fish that's not yet prepared to strike, you can often influence or manipulate that fish’s behaviour and turn curiosity or caution into a strike.

Kingfish are opportunistic feeders and eat various preys throughout the year. Baitfish and squid can often be seen fleeing from kingfish on the surface of the water. As a result, surface lures present as a natural food. Surface lures also create a lot of commotion and will quite often pique the interest of naturally inquisitive kingfish.

STICKBAITS OR POPPERS?

There are several different types of surface lures that are effective for kings and having a sound knowledge of stickbaits, poppers and skipping "pencils" will pay