Is the water is warm enough for bass to hit a buzzbait or popper yet, or is it too early? if not, when will be the time? this question mainly applies to peconic river upper mills. also, what color buzzbait works good out there?

Pete, it is never the wronge time to fish a topwater, the surface is just another edge (dropoff, structure). A topwater will work if the fish are shallow or high in the water colume. Bass will suspend and can migrate shallow on warm days in the afternoon during the early spring (prespawn period). For years people said bass would not hit a plastic worm in the winter, bass will hit a plastic worm any time of year. The most important concern with lure selection is what are they eating and where are they eating it? Location always dictates presentation. Good Fishing Dan Bass

bassinpete,
i like to wait until the water temp. hits about 52- 56 degrees to start throwing topwater baits. this gives the bass a little time to really getting active. i am not saying you can't catch them sooner but, i think there are better ways to catch bass in water cooler than 52 degrees, such as a jig, spinnerbait or a tube.

Here in Texas the fish start hitting topwaters as early as Feb. Some Tournaments have been won here on buzz baits at that time. Its hard to beat a Black Buzz bait thrown around the brush in late Feb early March. just remember what ever top water you throw in cooler water WORK IT SLOW.

Mo