One of the best early morning baits is the Zara Spook.  If you have never worked on, I suggest you try one out the next time your on the water.  Top water baits are best when worked early in the morning with water temperatures at or greater than 50 degrees.  The method to work this bait is called walking the dog.

To walk the dog, cast the spook out as far as possible.  This method works best when using a baitcasting rod/reel with a rod that is between 6 to 6’6” long.  Cast the spook out as far as possible.  Let the bait settle on the water until the ring disappears.  Many times bass will hit the bait before you start.  When ready, have some slack in the line and make a short jerk down on the rod tip.  Reel in some slack.  Perform this in rhythm, so you jerk the rod tip down while reeling in some slack.  Continue to do this all the way into the boat. 

If you get a bite, let it wait for about 3 seconds.  With every topwater, it’s best to wait before setting the hook.  This will increase your chance of catching the bass.  After waiting 3 seconds, count it if needed, set the hook.  If the bass made a swirl at your bait, but failed to even eat your bait, reel in fast.  Set that rod down, if you have a 2^nd rod ready with a Senko, cast it out to the exact spot you had the bite.  Let it sit.  This is called a follow up bait.  Follow up baits are great for top water.