This seems to indicate that they may be unsure what they are attacking. Even with the abundance of baitfish in the summer, many of the fish I catch at midday have little or nothing in their digestive tracts. It seems to indicate that they have trouble seeing and may prefer to feed when the sun is at a lower angle. In my experience, however, most fish won't allow a well-presented bait to go by. Reds are mainly bottom feeders, but I tease many to the top with lively, free-lined baitfish.
Reds make almost as much noise as snook when they suck in the bait with a loud pop.
I get far more misses from reds when I fish on top during bright, summer days, and they seem to follow the bait farther before striking it. I add a number 5 or 7 reusable splitshot to the leader when this happens. This is enough weight to sink even a lively baitfish below the surface where the reds can now get a better look at what I'm presenting. Early morning, late afternoon, cloudy days, or shady shorelines are best for topwater plugs in summer. If you're fishing topwaters on bright days, give the fish plenty of time to look over the plugs.