JR Walking bait — Cigar — Firetiger

Cigar body built to walk the dog — left-right, wounded baitfish on top. When a bladed bait gets a boil but no hookup, this is the slower topwater that stays in the zone longer. Firetiger gives loud contrast in stained water and low light.

How to fish it

• Rod tip down; twitch-twitch-pause so the body crosses side to side.
• Keep a little slack so it can walk — a tight line kills the cadence.
• After a non-committing follow on a chatter or spinner, throw this and work it slower through the same water.

When it shines

Surface activity, schooling days, and "they looked but wouldn't eat" moments. Darker, flashier patterns like Firetiger lean muddy or low-light; go lighter if the water is gin clear.

Tackle notes

• Direct tie. Wait for weight before you set — topwater fish often miss on the first splash.

Hand-painted blank by Jeff & Ray — a topwater that earns its keep after the first boil.