Bone is a solid all-around choice, especially in smallmouth country, as is Chrome, especially in clear water. In clean water the color choice has a more noticeable impact on the quality and amount of bites an angler gets. "It's what I use 98% of the time," he begins. In a stronger wind try a model 110 or larger. What color do the smallies tend to prefer? I got a chance to pre-fish before it's release date same exact thing. The Best Fall Bass Lures for Offshore Structure: Rapala Jigging Rap Ice Jig. Because he called Minnesota home, Dahlberg was well-versed in musky jargon and tackle and brought the lure to the River2Sea tackle company. The smaller version does have its time and place and Watson says that is due to weather conditions and where he is fishing it. The lure has created a different sound signature and surface disturbance that bass have found irresistible. The right lure has the ability to pull in and draw strikes from big smallmouth and are a blast to fish. For river smallies, the Powder White 90 is the best size Whopper Plopper. ", Evers: "My most successful topwater for smallmouth is Heddon's One Knocker Spook. In-Fisherman's Thomas Allen fishes with pro walleye angler Ross Grothe as they target aggressive walleyes in shallow, weedy water. ", Lefebre: "I only use a couple surface baits for largemouths, while my topwater assortment for smallmouths fills a Plano 3700 box. When River2Sea released their Whopper Plopper topwater lures it was obvious that they would become super popular. The, The ideal time to fish the Delta Craw color is in the. Compact size; Cons: Make sure to check outMy RecommendedBass Fishing Gear and Tackle Guideto ensure you have the right gear for your next fishing adventure. Make sure to add this bait and technique to your bass fishing arsenal. Bass anglers had cigar-shaped walk-the-dog topwaters like the Zara Spook and its descendants. link to Stop Fishing Line Twist - For Good! When targeting smallmouth bass with the Whopper Plopper I find the 90 and 110 sizes to be the most productive. There seems to be something especially attractive to brown bass about the zig-zag motion of a walker. The River2Sea Whopper Plopper burst onto the international fishing scene less than a decade ago, and suddenly, bass addicts everywhere were unable to put it down. The Whopper Plopper looks like an old lure Named "Mud Puppy" from the 1920's or so that lure collectors should be familiar with. The trebles hanging below a Whopper Plopper are more likely to get hung on leaves, floating vegetation, or other foliage on the surface. In spring, I go with a prop bait. Selecting the right Whopper Plopper for the conditions is key to getting the most from the lure. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. While originally designed for bigger fish species, muskie anglers found out they were exceptional for bass. 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. The 110 size, for example, is not substantially smaller than the 130, but its tone is much less intrusive and boisterous. 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. I don't limit myself to traditional walkers like a Zara Spook, but also fish chugger-style walking baits. Places like southern California have lots of trout tempting hungry bass while Lake Champlain out east is flush with yellow perch. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Forage varies in size from one location to the next even impoundments a few miles apart. Use this bait when you're fishing big lakes such as Lake Fork or Sam Rayburn. If you havent had a chance to throw this lure yet, then I would highly recommend giving this bait a try the next time you are craving that topwater bite.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tiltfishing_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_23',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); When Im fishing areas that have grass or heavy cover, my favorite topwater option is the buzz bait. Florida strain bass have been known to prefer larger topwaters. Many anglers think that you need a ton of colors to be a great bass fisherman, but this is not true. Later in the season, lots of splashing typically attracts them.". That may make it easier for the angler to track in waves or current. If you're serious about having a topwater bait for all seasons of the year, the Bluegill Whopper Plopper is a great addition to your tackle collection. . Thank you for your support! Viewed from below, it looks like scales on a baitfish. It will call deepwater smallmouths and spotted bass in gin-clear water, and also aggravate lazy stump-bound largemouths just the same. That includes water temperatures down into the lower 50s, although the lure is at its best in the 60s or 70s. The color scheme is similar to a Ghost Minnow pattern, and the bottom is partially translucent. It can even catch fish in big lakes if it's fished along the grass line close to shore. The black Whopper Plopper Loon topwater bait is a must-have for bass fishermen. It's not a versatile bait for all situations, but it can be extremely effective in some cases. The popping sound is made by small bluegill feeding on the aquatic plants, and where there are baitfish, there are sure to be large bass. Running it alongside laydowns, docks, and parallel with rip-rap shorelines can draw bites from bass hiding in there, but a Whopper Plopper also excels at calling bass from open water. The pair of props counter-rotate, keeping the bait on a straight track. If the water is calm or has a slight surface ripple, a size 75 or 90 Whopper Plopper is ideal. There is nothing quite like it. Loon, Powder, and Phantom Shad. From the late prespawn into the fall, it may not always be the single best tool for putting numbers of bass into the boat. But based on time of year or mood of the fish, sometimes it's a popper, prop bait, or buzzer. Because of its aerodynamic shapeand comparatively heavy weight-to-size ratioit can be cast a long way on appropriate tackle, even in a headwind or crosswind, situations in which the distinctive noise excels. Ive learned over the years that selecting the right topwater lure when targeting smallmouth bass is absolutely critical. We're thoroughly impressed by the thumping sound this small bait can produce. 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. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. the vicious strikes I was getting from smallmouth and largemouth bass. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. For river smallies, the Powder White 90 is the best size Whopper Plopper. Doug Stange talks about how versatile a swimbait hook is for multiple rigging options. Evers: "The effectiveness of topwaters during summer is related to water clarity. 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 size of the lure can also have an impact on its effectiveness for catching fish. *Darl Black, Cochranton, Pennsylvania, is a veteran outdoor writer and photographer. "On calm days, an old Johnny Rattler is deadly. If you notice the bass are coming up slowly behind it and just nipping at the tail, or only getting hooked on the back treble, it is time to mix up the retrieve speed and maybe the color. Sure, you may catch one while the bait is at rest or when youre picking out an otherwise-inopportune backlash, but thats the exception, not the norm. Throwing topwater lures for smallmouth best is one of my all-time favorite way to fish. This Whopper Plopper Bone Color is the third-best pattern of this popular topwater lure. Fish topwater lures in low-light conditions and at night. Having the right topwater lures tied on can give you a huge advantage, but there are also some important things you should keep when target smallmouth bass on the surface. It has features to stir up a ruckus a rear prop, sloped face and notches on the sides to create extra splashing, plus a rattle. 110 size or more is ideal for . Just $1 per month , The ultimate guide to fishing the River2Sea Whopper Plopper, By The arm can also be slightly bent to ensure the blade hits it creating a different sound signature. At this time, my retrieve is subtle. A River2Sea Whopper Plopper, Berkley Choppo or similar style bait is my favorite topwater for river bronze . Receive Premium Angler Content, 100% Free of Charge. In a stronger wind, the two largest versions get top billing. WPL75/08. If I was going to have just 1 it would be Loon, that black works in all water clarities. Cast it far and retrieve as fast as you can turn the reel, throwing water and gurgling all the way. But based on time of year or mood of the fish, sometimes it's a popper, prop bait, or buzzer. At Tilt Fishing we do that by creating articles, videos, and helpful content that is dedicated to helping you improve as an angler and in turn enhance your fishing experience in the great outdoors. For some reason, though, bass anglers hadnt widely adopted this style of lure, even if the musky hunters often inadvertently landed the biggest bass of the season on a given body of water. If it is a small bass like smallmouth, utilize the seventy-five or ninety size. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below. For buzzbaits, there's only one color black. The total distance of downward rod tip movement is typically 6 to 12 inches. "You can't go wrong with black; in clear water, I like Flitter Shad; for off-color water, it's bone. 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. 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. ", Duckworth: "Super-sharp hooks are a must. choosing the right topwater for the situation. 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. The combination of action and sound is second to none. Poppers, buzzbaits, ploppers, walking baits, wakebaits have all been proven tactics that can catch a lot of fish.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'tiltfishing_com-box-3','ezslot_7',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-box-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'tiltfishing_com-box-3','ezslot_8',106,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-box-3-0_1'); .box-3-multi-106{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;}. jackall-lures.com, Rapala X-Rap Pop "This 2-inch popper has a slender profile, which allows it to walk like a Chug Bug," says pro staffer Joe Balog. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thebassfishinglife_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',151,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thebassfishinglife_com-medrectangle-4-0');The waters I fish, with plenty of minnows and sunfish, see lots of action from the size 75, 90, and the 110 on windy days. 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. Those excel when youre dialed into a particular form of prey, but remember that the bass are only looking at the belly of the bait. On flat-calm days, when bass feed on small baitfish, I use transparent baits. 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. For smallmouths, though, I cover water as I would with a spinnerbait. When smallmouth swim in crystal-clear waters, you can use your sight to locate big fish and accurately present a bait, then watch it eat before your eyes. Muddy lakes with low visibility are ideal when water and air temperatures drop. 2 thoughts on "Best Color Whopper Plopper for Every Condition" andrew. It would be best if you also tried to closely match your lure size to the baitfish the bass are feeding on. It also outperforms other styles on overcast days because the body's lighter color has better contrast against dark skies. They both generate substantial noise on even a slow, steady retrieve, but one with small glass beads inside makes even more of a commotion. This color is also a perfect follow-up bait that you can leave tied onto a separate rod while fishing. smalljaw67 Super User 4.9k 16 Location PA My PB: Between 6-7 lbs Favorite Bass: Smallmouth Favorite Lake or River Susquehanna River Super User Posted September 9, 2017 I found there are 3 in the 90 size that are killer for smallmouth. ", "For smallmouths, I rely solely on walking-style baits," says Balog. Summer: Balog notes that in some waters, such as Michigan's Lake St. Clair, and New York's Oneida and Chautauqua lakes, smallmouths may remain shallow throughout summer. 1 38 Super Fan Members 814 1 Location SE KY My PB: Between 8-9 lbs Favorite Bass: Smallmouth Favorite Lake or River Norris, Laurel, and Cumberland Lake The River2Sea Whopper Plopper 130 size is great for bass fishing. Pete Robbins You can catch them on top in certain southeastern reservoirs, but the best bites occur on northern waters with larger populations and clearer water. 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. This makes it a great time to throw the Bluegill Whopper Plopper. 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. If you want the same exact thing as the Whopper Plopper except 1/2 to 2/3 the cost - check out the Choppo. We'll dive right in and discuss the best Whopper Plopper colors that River2Sea offers. Slowing it (longer pauses between downward snaps) allows the plug to glide or slide gently in a wider arc. When anglers think about the topwater Whopper Plopper bait, they think about the sound the lure makes. While throwing this lure over the years, Ive been super impressed with its drawing power. Your link has been automatically embedded. HIGH QUALITY HOOK: 2 super-sharp hooks, excellent puncture ability, especially important for scholing striper and . "Topwater fishing for smallmouths has always been a blend of folklore and fact," explains Tennessee smallmouth guide Jim Duckworth. 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. Be safe and make sure to encourage someone today. Bone and Loon are my choice as well. At first, it seems like it's too small to be a great topwater lure for bass. If the water is calm, start with the size 75 or 90. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thebassfishinglife_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_9',138,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thebassfishinglife_com-medrectangle-3-0');These two models create the perfect amount of surface ripple in slick conditions. If imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery, then tackle companies are the most sincere industry on earth. The red and orange highlights on the underside of the lure are fantastic in stained or milky waters. 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. In the spring, bluegill have the same colors as this bait. rapala.com, Redemption Outdoors Smack-N-Shad The brainchild of Ferlin Wynacht, this bait is unique, best described as a topwater dart bait. He also owns Bass Fishing Life Coffee Co. and a video production business focusing on the outdoors industry. The blades on this bait creates a loud clatter that will annoy any nearby bass so much that theyll have to smack it. Smallmouth Bass are known to prefer smaller profile baits, especially in the fall when they feed on juvenile baitfish such as shad. Published Oct 21, 2021 9:31 AM EDT, We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. I always attach walkers and prop baits with a #2 cross-lock snap or split ring, but chuggers I tie direct. Paste as plain text instead, Tie a Palomar knot to the feather treble, leaving a 2-foot tag end (as with a drop-shot rig); tie the snap for the plug between 6 and 18 inches behind the feather. On many clear lakes, the topwater bite is the best thing going then, not so much for big bass, but for numbers. Steve spends his time filming and writing about bass fishing. Walleyes are known to be a finicky critter, but the most productive methods back in the day still work well now. Speaking of tackle, many anglers throw the Whopper Ploppers on straight braid. Here are 10 tips that will help you catch more bass on topwater lures: So when is the best time to use topwater lures? Walking a plug on the surface requires developing a rhythm between rod tip and lure action. If you are looking for an all-around great walking the dog style topwater bait than the River2Sea Rover is an excellent choice and I would highly recommend adding it to your topwater box. For example, many anglers have been led to believe surface baits are rarely effective outside early morning and late evening. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies., link to Fishing Leader Length [Complete Guide]. This bait has a blueish body, a clear bottom and very subtle Chartreuse accents. If I'm allowed 2 colors for any topwater, they'd be black and white. All Rights Reserved. They come in a total of: 60 mm (2 3/8"), ounce, with #8 trebles 75 mm (3"), 3/5 ounce, with #4 trebles 90 mm (3 "), ounce, with #4 trebles |
Here are a few general guidelines for choosing the right size lure: Its body also rotates to the side so one eye dips below the surface on each pull." It provides the same type of baitfish imitation as the Loon color in these situations. It has a great action and just the amount of spit and chug to draw any nearby bass in. 10 Best Size Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth Reviews 01 River2Sea Whopper Plopper 75 Blue Blood WPL75/08 Topwater Surface Bait Lure. 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 is probably the most overlooked aspect of fishing a Whopper Plopper. Learn More . The 110mm Plopper performs best on a 7 or 7 foot medium-heavy to heavy rod, and 14-17 pound monofilament (or 30 pound braid). Best approach for float fishing smallmouths is to use a fishing kayak. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. This one does.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thebassfishinglife_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_10',143,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thebassfishinglife_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); I have been fishing a Whopper Plopper in open water that is 25 30ft deep and witnessed largemouth come from the depths to obliterate it. 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. SEE IT. "I'm not saying other styles don't catch fish, but that side-to-side action, fished with the right cadence, works for me. Tight lines. Zoom Ultravibe Craw (Best Overall Smallmouth Lure) 2. Color does matter. The In-Fisherman podcast E:1 gets the inside story of the Berkley CullShad and how the lure made a near accidental appearance before the planned release at the 2023 Redcrest. This size is known as a great Whopper Plopper for pond fishing. Product Type: FISHING_EQUIPMENT. I prefer to start with the smaller size 90 if I can since most of the waters I fish have small minnows as a key forage base. 880469305041. Repeated casts with buzzbaits and spinnerbaits wouldnt elicit a strike but the first throw of the Plopper produced results. The size of the bass is also crucial. While many fish will inhale the lure and impale themselves, those that swipe at it may require a bit more luck to get them in the boat you enhance your odds of hooking them and keeping them hooked if your trebles are razor sharp. 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. I fish a Rapala Skitter Pop with a slow pop-pop-pause motion, far slower than a summertime cadence. Get the lure moving toward you immediately and be ready to strike often the attacks come within the first one or two cranks of the handle. This opinion is shared by every red-blooded angler who's had a surface bait torpedoed by a brown missile. Into this mix came legendary globe-trotting multispecies expert Larry Dahlberg. When fish have better visibility, they're often better at discerning between real and fake presentations. In the early morning or low light conditions, this lure is unstoppable. I have never fished one, only seen pictures. You can post now and register later. The clearer the water the more natural the colors. It is also important to take into consideration what other anglers are throwing since bass will develop a memory from negative stimulus. I retrieve quickly over gravel bars, shallow rock-weed transitions, main-lake points, and offshore humps. When to Choose a Whopper Plopper Over a Buzzbait. Whopper Plopper Smallie Action! This panel of anglers agrees that walking baits are best for smallmouths. As a general rule, the more wind, the larger your topwater needs to get the bass's attention. Can't go wrong with Bone and maybe a green like Chubby. Surface action isn't limited to traditional cigar-shaped lures like the Zara Spook, however. Smallmouths are so competitive, they often hit the feather, apparently thinking they're taking a minnow away from another fish. For calm water, the size 90 . Needless to say, the Whopper Plopper is the most popular topwater lure the world has ever seen. It features a double-cupped lip that creates a loud rhythmic sound that any nearby bass will have a hard time resisting. However, over the years Ive learned the hard way that there are certain topwater lures that outperform others when fishing for smallmouths. Subscriber Services. Whether you are a seasoned angler or just starting out, understanding the importance of fishing leaders can greatly improve your success How Often Should You Change Fishing Line? "Its segmented body allows easy walk-the-dog presentation with minimal effort." White or shad-oriented paint jobs, like Powder or I Know It are also popular for good reason. 9 Best Smallmouth Bass Lures For This Season. We recommend fishing the 110 as a last resort. The MOST Overlooked Walleye Presentation!! A Whopper Plopper will get the nod if I want to fish quicker or if the wind is strong. This is the first item taken into consideration when deciding on what Whopper Plopper to pull out of the box. 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. So where do we start?if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thebassfishinglife_com-leader-1','ezslot_11',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thebassfishinglife_com-leader-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thebassfishinglife_com-leader-1','ezslot_12',144,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thebassfishinglife_com-leader-1-0_1'); .leader-1-multi-144{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. All In-Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. ", Duckworth: "I spend summer days on Center Hill Reservoir, a clear highland reservoir in central Tennessee. "Natural baitfish finishes seem best in clear lakes. The agility of a kayak trumps a canoe. The Whopper Plopper comes in a 90, 130 and 190 size and is available in both rattling and silent versions. One of my all-time favorite topwater lures to target smallmouth bass with is a popper. These two models usually produce hard strikes from quality bass so I throw the lures on 30- to 50-pound braid with a 7 1/2-foot flipping stick. If they're feeding up and able to see a commotion above, you can bring them up from 25 feet. Replacing the silicone skirt with a tube body lets you cast it far on braided line to cover water. 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. You'll catch more fish, for sure. ", "Color plays a key role," Lefebre agrees. This came to be when muskie fishermen voiced their frustration with how many bass they were catching by accident. Once you cipher the proper rhythm, you can increase or decrease the cadence. The size and type of the 190 Whopper Plopper will depend on the conditions and the type of water you are fishing in. I like a little chartreuse in a topwater not a gaudy all-chartreuse, but a splash somewhere on the bait. Learn and experiment with all types of topwater lures. We may earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. It can be a great choice for bigger bass since large fish are more likely to strike larger presentations. Whopper Plopper Size Chart (Inches and Centimeters) WP 60 = 2 3/8 inches (6 cm) WP 75 = 3 . On Buggs Island, Ive guided it through flooded buck brush where others might throw a spinnerbait. The red and black combination is a deadly bass fishing pattern. Furthermore, the lure doesnt require any tuning. I would highly recommend checking out the baits and lures we have covered in this article.
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