SInce I consistently catch the larger bass subsurface, I rarely use top water when I'm after big fish. My top producing sub suface fly is an all black minnow pattern tied with Icelandic sheep hair on a size 1 or 2 streamer hook. The fly is usually around 7-8 inches long. If I do fish top water, I use an all black version of the gurgler with a longish tail.

Jim Smith