I make long casts and retrieve as quickly as possible to trigger schooling fish in open water. All In-Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. When it comes to heart-pounding excitement, nothing compares to topwater fishing for smallmouth bass. jimduckworth.com, Duck's Pup "Made from cedar, this prop bait has one rear propeller with a feather hook. ", Lefebre: "I only use a couple surface baits for largemouths, while my topwater assortment for smallmouths fills a Plano 3700 box. Your link has been automatically embedded. It can be great when the bass are chasing juvenile shad, but it's not great for much else. You can post now and register later. Forage varies in size from one location to the next even impoundments a few miles apart. 5 Best Whopper Plopper Sizes of 2022 | Bass Tackle Lures That's when the fun begins. However, over the years Ive learned the hard way that there are certain topwater lures that outperform others when fishing for smallmouths. On flat-calm days, when bass feed on small baitfish, I use transparent baits. It's bigger than the Super Spook Jr., and has a unique knocker in the body that creates a low-frequency sound like a drum beat rather than a rattle. 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. For river smallies, the Powder White 90 is the best size Whopper Plopper. All Rights Reserved. An average-size smallmouth bass kayak anglers can expect to catch on the Illinois River in Oklahoma. The Zara Spook is one of the all-time great topwater lures. Whether bass are feeding on bluegill, bugs, baitfish, or birds, this bait gets bit. 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. He has participated and won fishing tournaments all over the country and enjoys fishing for bass, trout, walleye and other species. A rainbow trout Whopper Plopper features a highly reflective body, and when the sun is shining, it immediately catches the attention of your target fish. Fall: On many waters, cooling water in fall brings smallmouths that spent the summer offshore toward shallower water to feed. They both generate substantial noise on even a slow, steady retrieve, but one with small glass beads inside makes even more of a commotion. It's especially productive in sunny conditions when there's little wind or chop on the water. Once you cipher the proper rhythm, you can increase or decrease the cadence. Thanks to the smallmouth's preference for forage and crayfish, crankbaits are a great option for smallies in moving water and rocky situations. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. There may be a big boulder or hump sitting in deep water. (Here is an article that discusses choosing the right topwater for the situation.). It features a double-cupped lip that creates a loud rhythmic sound that any nearby bass will have a hard time resisting. When attempting to match minnows I will stick with the grays, silvers, and whites. The bait's twirling tail does all the work for you making it super beginner-friendly. Smallies suspend in open water off steep ledges along rocky banks where they move periodically to forage. I don't think it really matters except for the loon since it's black. Best two sizes for me (by far) for both LMB and SMB are the Whopper Plopper 75 (fishes "bigger" than the WP 90 IMO) and the Choppo 105. 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. Smallmouths are so competitive, they often hit the feather, apparently thinking they're taking a minnow away from another fish. All the other colors are clear or white so they should all look similar from below. redemptionoutdoors.com, River2Sea Whopper Plopper "I didn't set out to make a smallmouth bait," says designer Larry Dahlberg. If the water is calm or has a slight surface ripple, a size 75 or 90 Whopper Plopper is ideal. The "plop" sound is great at getting the attention of Largemouth bass and Smallmouth bass and puts fish in the boat. . ", ABT King Dawg "The ABT King Dawg is unlike any other lure on the market," says its designer Allen Borden. Almost always throw 130s i have multiples in loon and bone color. The subtle profile looks just like a baitfish trying to escape a bass on the surface. The Whopper PLopper 110 When fishing pressure causes bass to ignore the 130 I downscale to the 110 version to tempt the fish into biting again. That includes water temperatures down into the lower 50s, although the lure is at its best in the 60s or 70s. A buzzbait will also do a better job of working its way over weeds that are almost emergent. Bearcat89 Participant North branch, mn Posts: 11795 June 27, 2020 at 8:48 pm #1953107 I use whopper poppers often. The black Whopper Plopper Loon topwater bait is a must-have for bass fishermen. the vicious strikes I was getting from smallmouth and largemouth bass. Choosing a Whopper Plopper Based on the Wind. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tiltfishing_com-leader-4','ezslot_22',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-leader-4-0'); This bait is especially known for being a great night-time topwater lure, but also works great during the day as well. Bass anglers had cigar-shaped walk-the-dog topwaters like the Zara Spook and its descendants. . Speeding the cadence makes the bait turn back and forth abruptly, throwing lots of water. Topwater lures are most effective in the hours that mark the transition period of dawn and dusk. Choosing a Whopper Plopper Based on the Forage. The agility of a kayak trumps a canoe. It also outperforms other styles on overcast days because the body's lighter color has better contrast against dark skies. link to Ambush Predator is the Wrong Term for Bass - Here's Why. Make sure to add this bait and technique to your bass fishing arsenal. While there are many conditions where either topwater will work, there are a few critical situations where I will pull out one over the other. 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. . Favorites include Rapala's Skitter Walk, Skitter Pop, and Skitter Prop, and a modified buzzbait plus an old Luhr Jensen Johnny Rattler. Same with a red front treble. 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 . Whopper Plopper hooks for smallmouth - Bass Fishing Forums The Whopper Plopper looks like an old lure Named "Mud Puppy" from the 1920's or so that lure collectors should be familiar with. At this time, my retrieve is subtle. Thats why the various black models are so popular, including Loon and Yellow Head, which as the name suggests has a bright yellow tip of the nose. So, the Whopper Plopper by River2Sea has . 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]. White or shad-oriented paint jobs, like Powder or I Know It are also popular for good reason. jimduckworth.com, Jackall Bowstick The 514-inch Bowstick moves a lot of water as it sashays back and forth. Reading how the bass bite will tell you if your retrieve is effective. ", Evers chooses among three colors of Spook. By Pasted as rich text. 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. I like a little chartreuse in a topwater not a gaudy all-chartreuse, but a splash somewhere on the bait. October 4, 2022 at 12:33 pm. Also, smallmouths sometimes slap at or jump over a lure. Make sure to check outMy RecommendedBass Fishing Gear and Tackle Guideto ensure you have the right gear for your next fishing adventure. Bone is a solid all-around choice, especially in smallmouth country, as is Chrome, especially in clear water. link to Stop Fishing Line Twist - For Good! ", "During summer, I fish walking baits and prop baits aggressively," Lefebre notes. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. When using mono or copolymer, its feasible and advisable to go slightly stiffer on the rod choice than you would with braid. On the tidal Potomac River, before the grass gets completely matted, its possible to run it over submerged aquatic vegetation, producing the first (and often biggest) topwater strikes of the year. 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 For river smallies, the Powder White 90 is the best size Whopper Plopper. This came to be when muskie fishermen voiced their frustration with how many bass they were catching by accident. Make sure to use the right lines and equipment. It would be best if you also tried to closely match your lure size to the baitfish the bass are feeding on. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Privacy Statement. 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. CybrSlydr When bass are up in the shallow waters feeding on shad, you need to have the blue bloodat your disposal. The bait's twirling tail does all the work for you making it super beginner-friendly. *Darl Black, Cochranton, Pennsylvania, is a veteran outdoor writer and photographer. Best Seller River2Sea Whopper Plopper $16.99 - $20.99 6 Colors River2Sea Opening Bell Buzzbait $12.99 11 Colors River2Sea Bubble Popper $9.99 - $10.99 11 Colors River2Sea Bubble Walker $9.99 - $12.99 15 Colors River2Sea Bully Wa 2 Frog $10.99 7 Colors River2Sea Chris Lane Big Mistake $16.99 10 Colors River2Sea Chris Lane Lane Changer $12.99 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 you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 880469305041. When a slight chop forms on the water, the 90 or 110 will get the job done. Don't know if the original one floated or not. If there were trout in the places I fish then the size 130 would get a good workout. Toss it and bring it back from multiple angles searching for where the bass are holding. Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth Bass Reviews. Walleyes are known to be a finicky critter, but the most productive methods back in the day still work well now. This is the first item taken into consideration when deciding on what Whopper Plopper to pull out of the box. This is the story of the Berkley CullShad. While other sizes may be better for different situations, this is the true bass fishing Whopper Plopper. 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. River2Sea Whopper Plopper 190. The Whopper Plopper is a formidable topwater that offers anglers a variety of situations where it can shine.Choose the size based on wind conditions and the forage base. 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. Slowing it (longer pauses between downward snaps) allows the plug to glide or slide gently in a wider arc. 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. One of the best aspects of River2Seas Whopper Plopper is that just about anyone who can cast semi-accurately will be able to catch bass on it. link to How Often Should You Change Fishing Line? Tactical Topwater For Smallmouth Bass - In-Fisherman This material may not be posted on another website. This decision is also based on the forage, but water clarity is a factor as well. 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;}. 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. Into this mix came legendary globe-trotting multispecies expert Larry Dahlberg. Perhaps the most popular and affordable popper is the Rebel Pop-R. In truth, opportunities to catch smallmouths on top arise throughout the day, from late spring into the late fall. 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. Eliminate line twist by spooling baitcast and Ambush Predator is the Wrong Term for Bass - Here's Why. The propeller on the back is molded in the perfect size, shape and attitude to work correctly right out of the package. | It can be a great choice for bigger bass since large fish are more likely to strike larger presentations. If the water is calm or has a slight surface ripple, a size 75 or 90 Whopper Plopper is ideal. Maybe the only exception is that the 90 on the Choppo doesn't nose dive like the 90 Plopper does. In spring, I go with a prop bait. The other groups of fishermen who use the Whopper Plopper 90 are kayakers, floaters, and stream waders. 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. If so, stop and say "hi.". 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. Not only does it get a ton of bites, but it will also help you catch some giant smallmouth bass. Whopper Plopper Lures 2022 [#1 Whopper Plopper Guide] - Rogue Rods One of my all-time favorite topwater lures to target smallmouth bass with is a popper. "On these lakes, topwaters can be effective over flats and humps any time of day," he says. Feathers wrapped and glued on the tail hook another must. Learn and experiment with all types of topwater lures. 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. While other sizes may be better for different situations, this is the true bass fishing Whopper Plopper. As the name suggests, the lures spinning section produced a continuous plopping noise that aggravated bass to strike like Amazonian peacock bass or vicious tropical tuna. This realization came when anglers started to catch more bass than the species they were targeting with these lures. Joe Balog, Great Lakes smallmouth guide and tournament angler, is quick to point out differences in topwater presentations between largemouths and smallmouths. Use the 75 or 90 version if the baitfish are smaller and a larger Whopper Plopper for bigger baitfish, like gizzard shad. The tail spins faster than the 130 and 190 creating more frequent vibrations, but the sounds are far quieter. Fish topwater lures in low-light conditions and at night. This size is known as a great Whopper Plopper for pond fishing. I have never fished one, only seen pictures. ", Duckworth: "I spend summer days on Center Hill Reservoir, a clear highland reservoir in central Tennessee. You are in the right place. I found there are 3 in the 90 size that are killer for smallmouth. Be safe and make sure to encourage someone today. tested and flat out catches both monster large and smallmouth bass.