Gear alert: What bait every angler needs when the temperature soars

In fishing, hot summer weather is top-water weather, particularly when seeking largemouth or smallmouth bass. Here are three baits top-water anglers might want to have in their arsenals before leaving the dock. One: The Zara Spook by Heddon, model X9255. Two: Rapala Skitter Pop, 07 or 09. Three: Scum Frog Trophy Series in 5/8-ounce. For explosive strikes, "Walk the dog" is a good presentation for the Zara Spook and Skitter Pop, while the Scum Frog can be retrieved, stopped, twitched and retrieved.