It's an awesome story of one of the finest swimbaits you'll find anywhere. While you can alter your retrievefrom fast to slow, or anywhere in between, with stutter steps, slight pauses, and the occasional ripthe most important thing is to keep it moving. Learn More . Once you cipher the proper rhythm, you can increase or decrease the cadence. "While working at a sport show Hawg Trough years ago, I noticed that whenever a topwater rolls or dips below the surface, its sides and back color are reflected off the surface. I focus on shorelines with a 15-percent gradient and plenty of rock, and walk my Duck's Dawg with a quick Tennessee two-step. It's hands down one of the best fall smallmouth bass lures, and it catches smallies in any season. Quite the contrary, even pressured fish still cant resist it and aggressive fish want to punish it. Soon thereafter the product was released and as tournament wins and television exploits piled up, suddenly the Whopper Plopper was the most in-demand and most talked-about lure on the planet, that years version of the Senko or the Chatterbait. Published Oct 21, 2021 9:31 AM EDT, We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. . It's best to fish the Loon Whopper Plopper around heavy vegetation when targeting larger bass. And on various local clear water lakes, I use it to parallel long docks, or traverse the tips of boat ramps, to generate strikes. ", Evers: "I favor braided line. "It's what I use 98% of the time," he begins. When a slight chop forms on the water, the 90 or 110 will get the job done. ", Lefebre: "Unless floating weeds interfere, I fish a hand-tied white feather treble ahead of the plug. The 110 more of a fluttering action and less of the loud thumping action we're all accustomed to. River2Sea Whopper Plopper Highly regarded as one of the deadliest lures on the water today, the River2Sea Whopper Plopper is a total game changer. Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Adjust the retrieve speed and color until the bass hit the lure aggressively and avoid nipping just the back treble and you will be on your way to a fun day on the water. The combination of action and sound is second to none. I caught one on a yellow head ond three on a perchtoday at Hedges Pond, Plymouth, MA. We have a selection of our favorites at the bottom of the page, or have a look at this one (our favorite). Feathers wrapped and glued on the tail hook another must. Mostly because I managed to lose the one we had in a tree Lol. Smallmouths can be picky about what they want often a walking bait. That may make it easier for the angler to track in waves or current. ", Anglers often wonder what difference color on the sides and back of a topwater makes, as they assume bass only see the lure's belly. While originally designed for bigger fish species, muskie anglers found out they were exceptional for bass. The River2Sea Whopper Plopper 130 size is great for bass fishing. Or else fish it with a slower 'rip-pause' retrieve." In an explosion of white spray and bronze flash, the lure disappears before your eyes and a wild aerial show is likely to follow. If the walker isn't working, I use a buzzbait and cover water. "Natural baitfish finishes seem best in clear lakes. The Whopper Plopper comes in both an original and silent version to help you to adapt to the mood of the fish. You are in the right place. If you find yourself in conditions with a light wind and the bass are chasing small baitfish, this bait is amazing. What color do the smallies tend to prefer? The "plop" sound is great at getting the attention of Largemouth bass and Smallmouth bass and puts fish in the boat. This a little more expensive compared to the other topwater lures on this list, but it will not disappoint and is well worth the price. If its in low light conditions, youll want to create a distinctive silhouette. This innovative new lure is a deadly topwater that creates a buzzing sound on a simple, straightforward retrieve with a spinning propeller of a rear end. It casts farther, doesn't stretch on hook-sets, and makes walking baits more responsive. Water depth doesn't much matter. If I'm allowed 2 colors for any topwater, they'd be black and white. Smallies may be aggressively guarding pods of fry, but too much commotion spooks these shallow fish. link to How Often Should You Change Fishing Line? I like it for finessing smallmouths in tough situations," Duckworth says. Keep this in mind when out fishing for the day. All In-Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Here are 10 tips that will help you catch more bass on topwater lures: So when is the best time to use topwater lures? A fun day of topwater action kayak fishing for angry river smallmouth bass with Walmart's budget version of a Whopper Plopper, the Ozark Trail topwater prop . The bait's twirling tail does all the work for you making it super beginner-friendly. Just as the River2Sea version of the Whopper Plopper was derivative of pre-existing lures, once it hit the bass world it spawned a host of copycats and successors. jimduckworth.com, Duck's Pup "Made from cedar, this prop bait has one rear propeller with a feather hook. As topwater fishing has gained popularity, the River2Sea Whopper Plopper has become a household name. river2seausa.com, Late Spring: According the Lefebre, "The best topwater action often occurs just as smallmouths are finishing the spawn, feeding in shallow water before moving deeper. If you choose 1-3 baits on this list, you're sure to catch tons of fish the next time you're out on the water. While you can steer the Whopper Plopper through obstacles and objects, it does have two sticky-sharp treble hooks, so its a nightmare in matted vegetation. And while it does OK in the prespawn and fall migration, this is not a lure youll rely on in the winter, except maybe in Florida, Mexico, or similar climates. He has hosted a nationally aired television show, written over 800 published articles, hit the road as a sales rep, worked outdoors retail, and has helped to develop new lures. Most anglers work a walker with rod tip close to the water's surface. That's when the fun begins. No doubt this is a great color to add to your whopper plopper arsenal. It wasnt fast and furious, but at a time when the bite was relatively tough this lure outfished them all, with a constant stream of 4- to 8-pound suicide bombers attacking it seemingly from out of nowhere. This may occur in October on the Great Lakes and a month or two later in Tennessee. Your previous content has been restored. They also had buzzbaits upon which a blade rotated on a wire. ", Lefebre: "I only use a couple surface baits for largemouths, while my topwater assortment for smallmouths fills a Plano 3700 box. Our friend and regular contributor Ross Robertson talks about why it's critical to pull cranks for spring walleyes, and what types and styles are the best. It's not a versatile bait for all situations, but it can be extremely effective in some cases. It has a simplistic presentation that works well in dirtier waters. If the water is calm or has a slight surface ripple, a size 75 or 90 Whopper Plopper is ideal. The Whopper Plopper comes in a 90, 130 and 190 size and is available in both rattling and silent versions. You can catch them on top in certain southeastern reservoirs, but the best bites occur on northern waters with larger populations and clearer water. 110 mm (4 3/8), 1 ounce, with #2 trebles, 130 mm (5), 1 3/8 ounce, with #2 trebles, 190 mm (7 ), 2 ounce, with 5/0 trebles, PH Custom Lures Wesleys Ploppin P and Wounded Ploppin P topwaters, with metal fins to create a different sound. Youll want a rod at least 7-feet longtypically a baitcaster except possibly for the smallest sizes of Ploppers, and a high speed reel to keep up with the retrieve. With three treble hooks, fish are readily hooked. SEE IT. 2 thoughts on "Best Color Whopper Plopper for Every Condition" andrew. Display as a link instead, On Buggs Island, Ive guided it through flooded buck brush where others might throw a spinnerbait. arlures.com, Duck's Dawg "My surface walker is made from solid wood with no internal weight or rattles," says designer Jim Duckworth. What color Whopper Plopper for smallmouth? Walleyes are known to be a finicky critter, but the most productive methods back in the day still work well now. The 110 size, for example, is not substantially smaller than the 130, but its tone is much less intrusive and boisterous. Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth Bass Reviews. Berkley Powerbait Tube (Best Soft Plastic Lure) 3. The size of the lure can also have an impact on its effectiveness for catching fish. The 75 is also a great choice for targeting smallmouth bass, since they can have a hard time getting the bigger sizes in their mouths. Just $1 per month , The ultimate guide to fishing the River2Sea Whopper Plopper, By If you frequently switch between bass fishing and muskie or pike fishing, the 190 is the most versatile size. The Megabass PopMax is a premium popper that will not only help you catch a ton of fish, but will also help you land some of the biggest smallmouth of the year. Doug Stange talks about how versatile a swimbait hook is for multiple rigging options. Tiltfishing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Here are the 7 Best Topwater Lures for Smallmouth Bass: The River2Sea Whopper Plopper has taken the bass fishing industry by storm recently and for good reason. That is exactly what we are going to discuss in this article.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tiltfishing_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tiltfishing_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',107,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-medrectangle-3-0_1'); .medrectangle-3-multi-107{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}, If you have ever fished a topwater lure for bass, then you know that its the most exciting and addicting way to catch fish.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'tiltfishing_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'tiltfishing_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',108,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-medrectangle-4-0_1'); .medrectangle-4-multi-108{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Bass anglers have heard this term for decades and its just not correct. All in all, the Whopper Plopper 75 is a great choice for largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass when the topwater bite is strong, but fish are pressured and used to a smaller forage base. The popper is a great option when fishing for bass around tight cover or out in the open on clear water flats.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'tiltfishing_com-leader-1','ezslot_15',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-leader-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'tiltfishing_com-leader-1','ezslot_16',112,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-leader-1-0_1'); .leader-1-multi-112{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. It's known to catch a monster River Smallmouth Bass, likely due to its subtle flutter action. The black Whopper Plopper Loon topwater bait is a must-have for bass fishermen. I don't think it really matters except for the loon since it's black. When the bass are hitting the lure aggressively and engulfing it you can be rest-assured the color and retrieve speed are dialed in. When it comes to heart-pounding excitement, nothing compares to topwater fishing for smallmouth bass. Fortunately, if you do go to such lengths, its rare to lose oneyou tend to use heavy line and they floatso the investment is unlikely to be squandered. Use topwater lure all-day, not just in the morning & night hours. Reading how the bass bite will tell you if your retrieve is effective. What Is the Best Size Whopper Plopper Size? October 4, 2022 at 12:33 pm. Youll need exceptional hook setting power at the end of a long cast, and because the lure is moving most of the time the opaque line shouldnt spook even cautious fish. . Package weight : 0.023 kilograms. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Lefebre: "During fall, with water temps between 65F and 55F, I find success with a 1/8-ounce buzzbait retrieved slowly. This walking style bait offers a unique acoustic sound that will draw big fish in and deliver when it counts. However, over the years Ive learned the hard way that there are certain topwater lures that outperform others when fishing for smallmouths. *Darl Black, Cochranton, Pennsylvania, is a veteran outdoor writer and photographer. When to Choose a Whopper Plopper Over a Buzzbait. Color does matter. The arm can also be slightly bent to ensure the blade hits it creating a different sound signature. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. If you dont mind spending a bit more for a premium bait than Id highly recommend you pick up one of these poppers and give it a try, it will be well worth it.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'tiltfishing_com-leader-2','ezslot_20',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-leader-2-0'); Another fantastic topwater lure designed and created by River2Sea is the Rover. While the bait was originally designed to catch muskie and pike, many people quickly realized its potential as a bass fishing lure. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Copyright 1997-2023 The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide LLC All rights reserved. We recommend fishing the 110 as a last resort. The agility of a kayak trumps a canoe. Use the 75 or 90 version if the baitfish are smaller and a larger Whopper Plopper for bigger baitfish, like gizzard shad. Read This Before Posting! Product Type: FISHING_EQUIPMENT. You can post now and register later. Even before River2Sea introduced the world to this very special bass lure, north country anglers were well aware of the tempting nature of this distinctive sound pattern. It can be a great choice for bigger bass since large fish are more likely to strike larger presentations. River2Sea makes two basic versions of the Whopper Plopper. September 2, 2018 at 10:09 pm #1795078. At this point the River2Sea Whopper Plopper is no longer a secret, and bass on your local lake or river may have seen it, but that doesnt mean its not an effective tool. It has the perfect imitation of an animal struggling and trying to stay afloat. Toward the end of the cast pull back just a hair on the lure to straighten it out, which will prevent the line from tangling in the front treble hook. Smallies suspend in open water off steep ledges along rocky banks where they move periodically to forage. These transition periods are going to be the best time to throw topwater lures.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tiltfishing_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_24',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0'); However, you can effectively throw topwater lures all day, especially when its cloudy or you find areas with shade. Steve spends his time filming and writing about bass fishing. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Tight lines. The lure has an uncanny ability to maintain a surface disturbance even with a chop on the water. ", Duckworth: "I spend summer days on Center Hill Reservoir, a clear highland reservoir in central Tennessee. It's one of the best red-colored bass baits because of its floating topwater design. The Plopper also does not do particularly well when bass demand long pauses. In clean water the color choice has a more noticeable impact on the quality and amount of bites an angler gets. In the early morning or low light conditions, this lure is unstoppable. . Paste as plain text instead, You cannot paste images directly. HIGH QUALITY HOOK: 2 super-sharp hooks, excellent puncture ability, especially important for scholing striper and . . ", "For smallmouths, I rely solely on walking-style baits," says Balog. While there isn't a white and chartreuse color combination of the Whopper Plopper, adding vibrant colors to this bait can lead to great results. Doug Stange and Bret Alexander demonstrate how to put your eyesight to work. Experienced anglers know that in order to draw in smallmouth bass and get them to take your lure on the surface, you need to make sure you have the best topwater lure tied on based on the fishing conditions. Except for a few novelty items that ultimately proved unsuccessful or unpopular or both, however, the two never met in a single product. Bass that had never seen it before went absolutely ballistic, and while the novelty of the lure has dimmed slightly, its still a remarkably exciting way to get both tentative and aggressive fish to make a move. If there were trout in the places I fish then the size 130 would get a good workout. The retrieve is a slight pull just enough to make the prop sputter followed by a pause. Specifically, the two most important factors are the wind levels and the baitfish size. The River2Sea Whopper Plopper takes advantage of largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass at both extremes of the behavioral spectrum. While there isn't a white and chartreuse color combination of the Whopper Plopper, adding vibrant colors to this bait can lead to great results. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and the Bass Pro Shops Associates Program., affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and Bass Pro.com We are compensated for referring traffic and business to other companies linked to on this site. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Overall, the dark profile it has on the surface of the water is super realistic. Loon, Powder, and Phantom Shad. Its key to match your chosen River2Sea Whopper Plopper not only to the size of the baitfish and the appetite of the resident bass, but also to the sound profile that they demand. The Whopper Plopper looks like an old lure Named "Mud Puppy" from the 1920's or so that lure collectors should be familiar with. For example, many anglers have been led to believe surface baits are rarely effective outside early morning and late evening. September 8, 2017 in Fishing Tackle, I'm going to Hoover Reservoir tomorrow morning to fish with a friend and I wanted to grab a couple wp90s. For fly fishing, 9 to 10 foot rods in the 6 to 8 wt range are best. The next downward rod snap slides the bait in the opposition direction. Needless to say, the Whopper Plopper is the most popular topwater lure the world has ever seen. That color's a great trigger for smallies. It comes in a variety of different color options and bait sizes. We may earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. It's phenomenal both over deep waters or in shallow water situations because it creates so much noise. There seems to be something especially attractive to brown bass about the zig-zag motion of a walker. A River2Sea Whopper Plopper, Berkley Choppo or similar style bait is my favorite topwater for river bronze . Fluorocarbon, which sinks, is not a good choice. rapala.com, Rapala X-Rap Prop At 438 inches, this bait calls up big smallies from deep clear water, and the Teaser Tail triggers reluctant biters. This came to be when muskie fishermen voiced their frustration with how many bass they were catching by accident. The red and orange highlights on the underside of the lure are fantastic in stained or milky waters. The MOST Overlooked Walleye Presentation!! One of my all-time favorite topwater lures to target smallmouth bass with is a popper. Its erratic action is part of the appeal, as it shoots one way, dips below the surface, then bounces up in wild action that attracts bass of all sorts.
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