Topwater lures are fishing bait designed to float on the water’s surface, creating enticing movements and vibrations to attract fish.
They are particularly effective for targeting fish species that feed on prey near the surface or exhibit aggressive surface-striking behavior. Here are some Topwater lures for bass:
Popper
Poppers have a concave face, and when you jerk the fishing rod, they create a “popping” sound that mimics the noise of a struggling or injured prey.
This action attracts predatory fish like bass, pike, and muskies.
Features of fishing poppers:
Shape: Fishing poppers typically have a concave or cupped face, which allows them to displace water and create a popping or splashing sound when retrieved. The open-face design is essential for producing the desired action and sound.
Buoyant: Poppers are usually made from buoyant materials like wood, foam, or hard plastic, which enables them to stay afloat and create surface commotion effectively.
Hooks and Hardware: Most fishing poppers have strong treble hooks attached to the body.
They may also have durable split rings and sturdy hardware to ensure they can withstand the strikes of powerful fish.
Color and Size: Poppers come in various colors and sizes to mimic different types of baitfish or match the natural prey of the target species.
The choice of color and size can depend on the fishing conditions and the specific fish you target.
Fishing with poppers involves an active retrieval technique. Anglers cast the popper to a likely fishing spot and then retrieve it with a combination of short and sharp jerks (pops) of the fishing rod.
This action causes the popper to splash and make noise, imitating the behavior of a distressed or wounded baitfish struggling on the water’s surface.
The erratic movement and enticing sound attract predatory fish, prompting them to strike the lure aggressively.
Walking Bait
Also known as “walk-the-dog” lures, these lures have a slender body and produce a side-to-side walking action when you twitch the rod tip.
This imitates a wounded or fleeing baitfish and is highly effective for bass and other freshwater species.
A “walking bait” is a type of fishing lure designed to imitate the movements of a wounded or injured baitfish on the water’s surface.
It typically features a slender, elongated body and a series of side-to-side zigzag movements when retrieved by the angler.
This lure is effective for catching species like bass, pike, muskellunge, and other surface-feeding fish.
Buzzbait
A “buzz bait” is a type of fishing lure specifically crafted for topwater fishing.
It features a propeller-like blade on the front, creating a buzzing or splashing noise when retrieved.
The buzzbait is worked across the water’s surface, imitating distressed prey and attracting predatory fish, particularly bass.
Buzzbaits have a bent wire frame with a rotating blade on the top that churns through the water, creating a buzzing or humming sound.
They work well in shallow water and are often used to catch bass.
Propeller Lure
A “propeller lure” is a fishing lure with one or more spinning propeller blades attached. When retrieved, the propeller blades create vibrations and surface disturbance, imitating a wounded or struggling baitfish.
This action attracts predatory fish, making the propeller lure effective for catching species that feed near the water’s surface.
These lures have one or more propellers at the front or back, churning and splashing water as they move.
The spinning action and commotion attract fish from below, making them excellent for bass, pike, and panfish.
Frog Lure
A “frog lure” is a fishing lure designed to resemble a frog. It typically has a soft, hollow body and legs that move like a real frog when retrieved across the water’s surface.
Frog lures are used for topwater fishing and are particularly effective for catching bass and other predatory fish that feed on frogs.
Frog lures mimic the appearance of frogs and are designed to be fished in and around dense vegetation.
Crawlers and Chuggers
“Crawlers and chuggers” is not a specific term in fishing. It seems to combine two different types of fishing lures:
Crawlers: “Crawlers” likely refer to “soft plastic crawfish lures.” These lures imitate the appearance and movement of crawfish, which are common prey for many freshwater gamefish like bass.
Soft plastic crawlers often have realistic appendages, such as pinchers and legs, that flutter and move underwater, attracting the attention of predatory fish.
Chuggers: “Chuggers” likely refer to “chugging lures” or “popper chugger lures.”
These are topwater fishing lures with a concave or cupped face, creating a splashing or chugging sound when retrieved.
They are designed to imitate a wounded baitfish struggling on the water’s surface and are effective for attracting bass and other surface-feeding fish.
In summary, “crawlers and chuggers” are two different types of fishing lures.
Crawlers are soft plastic lures that mimic crawfish, while chuggers are topwater lures that produce a splashing sound to mimic distressed baitfish.
Both types of lures can effectively attract predatory fish in different fishing scenarios.
Prop Bait
A “prop bait” is a fishing lure with one or more propellers. When retrieved, the spinning propellers create surface disturbance and vibrations, imitating a distressed baitfish.
Prop baits are used for topwater fishing and effectively attract predatory fish like bass and pike.
Similar to propeller lures, prop baits have one or more propellers but are typically more elongated in shape.
Hollow Body Frog
Hollow body frogs are exceptional lures for bass fishing in and around heavy covers, such as lily pads, weeds, and grass.
They imitate frogs, which are a favorite prey of bass. Popular choices include the Spro Bronzeye Frog and Live Target Hollow Body Frog.
Jitterbug
The Arbogast Jitterbug is a classic topwater lure producing wobbling and gurgling action.
It works well for bass, especially in the early morning or late evening.
When using types of topwater lures, it’s essential to vary your retrieval speed and action to find what triggers the most strikes.
Also, consider the weather and light conditions, as fish may respond differently under various circumstances.
Best topwater lures
However, here are some popular and highly effective topwater lures that are known for producing great results across different fishing situations:
Heddon Zara Spook
The “Heddon Zara Spook” is a specific type of topwater fishing lure. It is a prop bait manufactured by the Heddon company and is known for its unique “walk-the-dog” action.
When retrieved in a side-to-side zigzag motion, the Zara Spook creates a seductive surface movement that attracts predatory fish, especially bass.
A classic “walk-the-dog” lure, the Zara Spook has been a favorite among anglers for decades.
It has a side-to-side action that imitates wounded baitfish and works well for bass and other freshwater predators.
Rapala Skitter Walk
The “Rapala Skitter Walk” is a topwater fishing lure manufactured by Rapala. It is designed to imitate a wounded or struggling baitfish on the water’s surface.
The Skitter Walk’s unique walk-the-dog action, achieved by a rhythmic side-to-side motion, attracts predatory fish, making it effective for catching species like bass and other surface-feeding fish.
Another excellent walking bait, the Skitter Walk from Rapala, is designed to be easy to use and creates a realistic “walk-the-dog” action. It is effective for various saltwater and freshwater species.
Booyah Buzz
The “Booyah Buzz” is a specific type of topwater fishing lure. It is a buzzbait manufactured by Booyah Bait Company.
The Booyah Buzz features a propeller blade on the front that creates a buzzing or splashing noise when retrieved.
This action imitates distressed prey, attracting predatory fish, especially bass.
The Booyah Buzz is a popular buzz bait that produces a buzzing sound and surface disturbance.
It is an excellent choice for bass fishing in shallow water and weedy areas.
Spro Bronzeye Frog
The “Spro Bronzeye Frog” is a topwater fishing lure, specifically a frog lure, manufactured by Spro.
It is designed to resemble a frog with a soft, hollow body and legs that move realistically when retrieved across the water’s surface.
The Spro Bronzeye Frog is highly effective for bass fishing, as it imitates a frog’s natural movements and is especially enticing to predatory fish in vegetation-rich areas.
This frog lure is designed for fishing in heavy cover and lily pads.
Its lifelike appearance and weedless design make it an effective choice for bass and other predatory fish that feed on frogs.
Strike King Sexy Dawg
The “Strike King Sexy Dawg” is a topwater fishing lure, specifically a walking bait, manufactured by Strike King.
It is designed to imitate a wounded or struggling baitfish on the water’s surface.
The Sexy Dawg’s walking action, achieved by side-to-side movements, attracts predatory fish, particularly bass, making it an effective lure for topwater fishing.
The Sexy Dawg is a prop bait with a unique design that produces a pronounced “spitting” and “bubbling” action when twitched.
It is known to entice aggressive strikes from bass and other species.
River2Sea Whopper Plopper
The “River2Sea Whopper Plopper” is a topwater fishing lure, specifically a prop bait, manufactured by River2Sea.
It is designed with a propeller tail, creating a distinctive plopping sound and surface disturbance when retrieved.
The Whopper Plopper is a propeller lure with a distinctive “plopping” sound.
It works well for bass, pike, and muskie, and its action can draw fish from a considerable distance.
Live Target Hollow Body Frog
The “Live Target Hollow Body Frog” is a topwater fishing lure, specifically a frog lure, manufactured by Live Target.
It is designed with a soft, hollow body and lifelike legs to imitate a real frog’s appearance and movements.
The Hollow Body Frog is highly effective for bass fishing, particularly in areas with heavy vegetation and lily pads, as it can be worked across the surface, imitating a frog’s natural behavior and attracting predatory fish.
This frog lure is highly realistic and designed to be fished through heavy cover.
Its soft body collapses on the strike, exposing the hooks and increasing hookup rates.
Yo-Zuri 3DB Popper
The Yo-Zuri 3DB Popper is a well-designed popper that produces a loud “popping” sound and spitting action.
It is suitable for various saltwater and freshwater species.
Remember that the effectiveness of a topwater lure can also vary depending on the fishing conditions, such as water temperature, clarity, and the presence of cover.
It’s a good idea to have a variety of topwater lures in your tackle box to adjust to the fishing situation and increase your chances of success.
Topwater trout lures
When targeting trout with topwater lures, choosing lures that imitate the prey that trout typically feed on at or near the water’s surface is essential.
Here are some effective topwater lures for trout fishing:
Floating Minnows: Floating minnow lures like the Rapala Original Floating Minnow or the Yo-Zuri 3DB Minnow can be effective for trout, especially in streams and rivers.
Their realistic swimming action and appearance mimic small baitfish or fry that trout often feed on.
Panther Martin Spinner: The Panther Martin Spinner is a versatile lure that can be retrieved at varying speeds to produce attractive spinning and flashing action.
It’s particularly effective for catching trout in streams and smaller bodies of water.
Dry Flies: Dry flies are a classic and popular choice for fly fishing trout on the surface.
Patterns like Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Royal Wulff, and Stimulator can imitate various insects that trout feed on, such as mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies.
Popper Flies: Popper flies are foam or cork-based flies designed to create popping or splashing sounds when retrieved across the water’s surface.
They can attract trout’s attention, especially in calm waters or when trout feed near the surface.
Hoppers and Grasshopper Patterns: During the warmer months, grasshoppers and other terrestrial insects can become a significant part of a trout’s diet.
Using hopper patterns like Dave’s Hopper or Joe’s Hopper can be effective, especially in areas near grassy banks.
Mice Patterns: Mice patterns are large, floating flies that imitate mice or voles falling into the water.
They are particularly effective for targeting aggressive trout in larger rivers and streams.
Gurgler Flies: Gurgler flies are surface flies that create a “gurgling” or “popping” action when retrieved.
They can mimic struggling insects or small baitfish and entice trout in still and moving water situations.
Wakers: Waker flies are designed to skate across the water’s surface, imitating injured or disoriented insects.
They can be very effective during caddisfly hatches or when trout feed on the surface.
When using topwater lures for trout, it’s crucial to be stealthy and approach the fishing spot carefully, as trout can be easily spooked in clear water.
Additionally, pay attention to the water temperature and the time of day, as trout are more likely to be active on the surface during cooler periods or low-light conditions.
Topwater pike lures
When targeting pike with topwater lures, it is essential to choose lures that can withstand their aggressive strikes and have a large profile to entice these formidable predators.
Here are some effective topwater pike lures:
Jointed Floating Minnows: Jointed floating minnow lures like the Rapala Jointed Minnow or the Savage Gear 3D Jointed Glide Swimmer create a lifelike swimming action with added movement from the jointed body.
Pike are attracted to these large and realistic-looking lures.
Topwater Frogs: Hollow-body frogs like the Lunkerhunt Frog or the Booyah Pad Crasher are excellent choices for fishing in weedy or shallow areas where pike lurk.
Their weedless design allows them to move smoothly over vegetation without getting tangled.
Buzzbaits: Pike is aggressive and loves the commotion created by buzz baits like the Strike King Premier Plus Buzzbait or the Booyah Pikee.
The spinning blade on the surface generates vibrations and noise that attract pike from a distance.
Poppers: Poppers like the Heddon Chug’n Spook or the Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Pup can be effective for pike.
Their popping and spitting action mimics injured prey and triggers pike’s predatory instincts.
Prop Baits: Prop baits such as the River2Sea Whopper Plopper or the Heddon Super Spook Jr.
have propellers that churn and splash water, creating a lot of surface disturbance.
This attracts pike and induces aggressive strikes.
Large Walking Baits: Big walking baits like the Rapala Skitter Walk or the Savage Gear 3D Suicide Duck can be enticing to pike.
Their side-to-side walking action imitates struggling or injured prey, making them a tempting target for pike.
Large Mouse Patterns: Large mouse fly patterns can be highly effective for pike in freshwater and brackish environments.
These flies imitate rodents or birds that may fall into the water, and pike can’t resist striking them.
When using topwater lures for pike, it’s essential to use a leader or wire trace to prevent the pike’s sharp teeth from cutting through the fishing line.
Pike have powerful jaws and can exert a lot of force during the strike, so ensure you have sturdy gear capable of handling their size and strength.
Always check local fishing regulations and practice catch-and-release whenever possible to help conserve the pike population.
Topwater lures for redfish
When targeting redfish with topwater lures, choose lures that can effectively imitate the prey they feed on and handle the conditions in shallow and often weedy or marshy areas where redfish are commonly found.
Here are some effective topwater lures for redfish:
Topwater Spooks
Topwater spooks like the Heddon Super Spook Jr. or the MirrOlure MirrOdine C-Eye Pro can be productive for redfish.
Their side-to-side “walk-the-dog” action imitates wounded baitfish, attracting redfish in shallow waters.
Poppers: Poppers like the Rapala Skitter Pop or the Yo-Zuri 3DB Popper can be enticing to redfish.
Their popping and spitting action creates surface commotion, imitating a struggling or injured prey.
Surface Walkers: Surface walkers like the Heddon Zara Spook or the Yo-Zuri 3DB Pencil create a zig-zag walking action on the surface when retrieved.
This imitates a baitfish or shrimp darting along the water, attracting redfish to strike.
Soft Plastic Frog Lures: Soft plastic frog lures, like the Strike King KVD Sexy Frog or the Zoom Horny Toad, are effective in weedy or grassy areas where redfish often hunt for prey.
Their weedless design allows them to move smoothly over vegetation without getting snagged.
Shallow Diving Prop Baits: Shallow diving prop baits like the Heddon Super Spook Jr., or the Savage Gear Prop Walker can work well for redfish.
The spinning propellers churn and splash water, creating a surface disturbance that attracts redfish.
Wake Baits: Wake baits like the Rapala Skitter V or the Live Target Mullet Wakebait can produce great results for redfish.
They swim just below the surface, leaving a wake that mimics a fleeing baitfish.
Gurgler Flies: Gurgler flies are popular in fly fishing for redfish.
Their foam body creates a “gurgling” or “popping” action, and the feather tail imitates shrimp or baitfish, which redfish eagerly go after.
Making accurate casts and working the lure slowly and steadily is crucial when using topwater lures for redfish.
Redfish may be wary of clear water so a stealthy approach can be beneficial.
Additionally, pay attention to the tide and time of day, as redfish tend to be more active around incoming tides and during low-light conditions, such as early morning or late evening.
Topwater musky lures
When targeting musky with topwater lures, it’s essential to choose large, durable, and enticing lures that can handle the aggressive strikes of these powerful predators.
Musky, often dubbed the “fish of 10,000 casts,” require persistence and careful lure selection. Here are some highly effective topwater musky lures:
Topwater Bucktails
Topwater bucktails like the Bucher TopRaider or the Mepps Musky Killer are popular choices for musky fishing.
They have a large profile and create significant surface disturbance, attracting musky from a distance.
Topwater Walk-the-Dog Lures
Walk-the-dog lures like the Jackall Bowstick or the SPRO BBZ-1 Rat can be effective for musky.
Their side-to-side action imitates an injured or struggling prey, enticing musky to strike.
Surface Gliders
Surface gliders, such as the Savage Gear Suicide Duck or the River2Sea Whopper Plopper, can produce enticing “S” patterns and create loud plopping sounds that attract musky.
Topwater Jerkbaits: Topwater jerkbaits like the Suick Thriller or the Musky Mania Doc can effectively trigger musky strikes.
Their erratic darting can mimic wounded prey, triggering musky’s predatory instincts.
Musky Poppers: Musky poppers like the Jackall Gantarel or the Tackle Industries Super D are designed to create surface commotion and imitate distressed prey.
Their large size makes them an appealing target for musky.
Musky Buzzbaits: Musky buzzbaits like the BOOYAH Pikee or the Musky Innovations Double Dawg can be productive for topwater musky action.
The rotating blades churn the water, creating noise and vibrations that attract musky.
When using topwater lures for musky, it’s crucial to use heavy-duty tackle, including a sturdy rod, reel, and braided line.
Musky have sharp teeth and strong jaws, so a wire leader is essential to prevent bite-offs.
Additionally, musky fishing often requires a lot of casting, so be prepared for long hours of persistence to increase your chances of landing one of these elusive and powerful fish.
Topwater frog lures
Topwater frog lures are designed to imitate frogs and other amphibians, a common food source for various predatory fish, especially bass and pike.
These lures typically have a soft, hollow body and often come equipped with weedless hooks to be fished effectively in and around heavy cover, such as lily pads, weeds, and grass.
Famous examples include the Spro Bronzeye Frog, Booyah Pad Crasher, and LIVETARGET Hollow Body Frog.
When fishing with topwater frog lures, cast them close to the edges of weed beds, lily pads, or other structures where bass and pike are likely to hide.
Retrieve the lure with a steady, popping, or walking motion to imitate a frog’s movements and trigger the fish’s predatory instincts.
Be prepared for aggressive strikes, as topwater frog fishing can lead to some exhilarating moments on the water.
Topwater lures saltwater
Topwater lures for saltwater fishing are specifically designed to attract and entice various predatory fish species that feed near the water’s surface.
These lures create commotion, noise, and surface disturbance to mimic injured or struggling prey, enticing saltwater gamefish to strike.
Saltwater Topwater lures for fishing are designed to be used on the water’s surface and effectively target various saltwater species.
Some popular examples include topwater poppers, surface walkers, and prop baits.
They commonly catch species like striped bass, redfish, snook, tarpon, and others that feed near the surface.
The best fishing lures freshwater
The best fishing lures for freshwater can vary depending on the target species and fishing conditions.
Some popular and versatile freshwater lures include soft plastic worms, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater poppers.
These lures can attract a wide range of freshwater fish, such as bass, trout, walleye, pike, and panfish.
Weedless topwater lures
Weedless topwater lures are surface lures designed with features to prevent them from getting snagged in vegetation or heavy cover.
They typically have a weed guard or a hook design that allows them to move smoothly over weeds, lily pads, and other obstructions without getting tangled.
These lures are highly effective for fishing in weedy or grassy areas where fish like bass, pike, and other predators often hide.
Topwater popper lures
Topwater popper lures are surface lures with a concave or cupped face that creates a popping or splashing action when retrieved.
They imitate the movement of wounded or struggling prey, attracting predatory fish from below.
These lures are designed to be worked with short, sharp jerks to create a popping sound and draw strikes from species like bass, pike, redfish, and others that feed near the water’s surface.
Topwater striper lures
Topwater striper lures are surface lures specifically designed to attract striped bass (stripers).
These lures create surface commotion, noise, and action to mimic injured or fleeing baitfish, a primary food source for striped bass.
Poppers, surface walkers, prop baits, and stick baits/jerk baits are popular types of topwater lures for targeting stripers.
Heddon topwater lures
Heddon is a famous fishing tackle company known for its wide range of fishing lures, including topwater lures.
Some of their topwater lures are the Heddon Super Spook, Heddon Zara Spook, and Heddon Chug’n Spook.
These lures are widely used for bass fishing and imitate injured or struggling baitfish to attract predatory fish from the water’s surface.
When to use topwater lures
Topwater lures are best used in specific fishing situations and conditions, often when fish feed near the water’s surface.
Here are some scenarios and conditions when using topwater lures can be highly effective:
Low-Light Conditions: Early morning, late evening, and overcast days are ideal times to use topwater lures.
Fish, especially predatory species like bass and pike, tend to feed more aggressively near the surface during these times.
Warmer Water Temperatures: Fish are more likely to be active near the surface in warm water conditions, making it a great time to use topwater lures.
Shallow Water: Topwater lures are excellent for fishing in shallow areas, especially with cover like weeds, grass, lily pads, or fallen trees.
They can be fished over these structures without getting snagged.
Aggressive Feeding Behavior: When fish are in a feeding frenzy and actively chasing prey on the surface, topwater lures can elicit explosive strikes.
Targeting Surface-Feeding Fish: Topwater lures are specifically designed to attract fish that feed near the surface, such as bass, pike, trout, redfish, and other predatory species.
Fishing in Clear Water: In clear water conditions, fish can see and react to surface lures more readily, making topwater fishing an effective tactic.
Spawning Season: During spawning, some fish species may be more aggressive and willing to strike at topwater lures defending their nests.
Fishing in Calm Water: Topwater lures work well in still or calm water where nearby fish can easily notice their action and noise.
Remember that topwater fishing lures can be more challenging than other types of lures, as it requires precise casting and skilful retrieval to create the right action.
Patience and persistence are essential when using topwater lures, as it may take some time to provoke a strike.
However, the excitement of seeing a fish strike a topwater lure on the surface can make it a thrilling and rewarding fishing experience.
Best topwater lures for summer bass
The best topwater lures for summer bass include topwater poppers, walking baits, and buzzbaits.
These lures imitate the natural movements of injured or struggling prey, making them highly effective during warm water conditions when bass are more active near the surface.
The best knot for topwater lures
One of the best knots for tying topwater lures to your fishing line is the “Improved Clinch Knot.”
It is a simple and reliable knot that securely fastens the lure while providing good strength and ease of tying.
To tie the Improved Clinch Knot:
- Pass the line through the lure’s eye or split ring, leaving a few inches of tag end.
- Make 5-7 wraps around the standing line with the tag end.
- Insert the tag end through the small loop just above the lure’s eye.
- Hold the tag end and the standing line and pull simultaneously to tighten the knot.
- Trim the excess tag end.
Ensure that the wraps are neat and tight for maximum strength.
The Improved Clinch Knot works well with various fishing lines and is particularly useful for topwater lures that require precise action and movement.
Always wet the knot before tightening to prevent friction and ensure a secure knot.
Topwater lures for rainbow trout
Topwater lures for rainbow trout include small poppers, floating minnows, and dry flies.
These lures can imitate insects and small baitfish that rainbow trout feed on at the water’s surface.
Conclusion
Remember, when fishing with topwater lures for bass, you must vary your retrieval speed and action to find what triggers the most strikes.
Additionally, consider fishing during low-light periods, such as early morning or late evening, as bass tend to be more active near the surface.
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FAQs
What are topwater lures good for?
Topwater lures attract fish that feed near the water’s surface.
They create surface commotion, noise, and action to mimic struggling or injured prey, enticing predatory fish to strike from above.
Topwater lures are highly effective for species like bass, pike, trout, redfish, and others that actively feed near the surface.
What lures are topwater?
Topwater lures are fishing lures designed to be fished on the surface.
They create action and commotion at the surface to imitate injured or struggling prey, attracting predatory fish that feed near the surface.
Topwater lures include poppers, surface walkers, prop baits, buzzbaits, and topwater frogs.
What is a topwater?
“Topwater” refers to the area of the water’s surface where certain fishing lures are designed to be fished.
Topwater lures are intended to imitate prey that floats or moves on the surface, and they are worked or retrieved at or just below the water’s surface.
These lures create surface commotion, noise, and action to attract predatory fish that feed near the top of the water column.
What fish like topwater lures?
Predatory fish, such as bass, pike, muskies, trout, redfish, snook, tarpon, and bluefish, are particularly fond of topwater lures.
These fish species are often found near the water’s surface, making them highly responsive to the surface commotion and action created by topwater lures.