Explosive Surface Action: Catching Snapper & Spangled Emperor with Salt Water Lures for Top Water Fishing
- Saltwater Fish Lures
- May 9
- 2 min read
When targeting reef species like snapper and spangled emperor, many anglers reach for bait or soft plastics. But if you want next-level excitement, it’s time to fish the surface. Top water fishing with Salt Water Lures floating poppers and surface stickbaits can trigger violent surface strikes from these hard-fighting predators —especially in shallow reef systems during low light.
Why Top Water?
Snapper and spangled emperor are ambush hunters. At dawn, dusk, or on overcast days, they’ll move up in the water column to hit baitfish near the surface. That’s where Salt Water Lures top water range shines.
Visual thrills: There’s nothing like watching a big fish smash your lure on top.
Aggressive reaction strikes: The lure splash and movement triggers instinctive attacks.
Selective appeal: Top water lures often draw out the bigger, bolder fish.
Choosing the Right Salt Water Surface Lure
Salt Water Lures - Poppers: These feature a cupped face to throw water and imitate a panicked baitfish. Medium-sized models (80–120mm) are perfect for drawing attention across reef flats or drop-offs.
Salt Water Lures - Stickbaits: With a natural gliding action, these are ideal for calmer water or when fish are cautious. Use 100–150mm floating or slow-sinking models to entice wary snapper and emperor into striking.
Poppers and stickbaits from Salt Water Lures – built for reef action.
How to Work Them
Find structure: Cast near reef edges, bommies, or coral flats—prime ambush zones.
Work the lure: Pop, pause, and repeat with poppers. Sweep and glide with stickbaits.
Watch and strike: Keep your rod up and line tight. When that explosion happens, you’ll want to be ready.
Recommended Setup
Rod: 7–8ft medium-heavy spin rod
Reel: 4000–6000 size with solid drag
Line: 30–50lb braid
Leader: 40–60lb fluorocarbon
Hooks: Use strong trebles or inline singles—Salt Water Lures are fitted with hardware ready for battle.
Pro Tips
Fish at low light for best results.
If you get follows but no strikes, try downsizing or slowing your retrieve.
Keep casting—topwater fishing is about timing, and when it’s right, it’s electric.
Explore the Salt Water Lures Topwater Range Our hand made wooden stickbaits and poppers are built for tough saltwater action and tested on Aussie species like snapper, spangled emperor, GT mackerel and more.
Topwater lures for reef fish
