Fluorocarbon, which sinks, is not a good choice. Once you cipher the proper rhythm, you can increase or decrease the cadence. An angler may find threadfin shad in one and gizzard shad in the other. Toss it and bring it back from multiple angles searching for where the bass are holding. You cannot paste images directly. Receive Premium Angler Content, 100% Free of Charge. Whopper Plopper (Best Topwater Lure) 4. When casting, target grass edges as bigger Largemouth Bass are likely waiting to ambush floating prey. Make sure to add this bait and technique to your bass fishing arsenal. Speaking of tackle, many anglers throw the Whopper Ploppers on straight braid. This bait has a blueish body, a clear bottom and very subtle Chartreuse accents. If you frequently switch between bass fishing and muskie or pike fishing, the 190 is the most versatile size. 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. It has a great action and just the amount of spit and chug to draw any nearby bass in. This is probably the most overlooked aspect of fishing a Whopper Plopper. Whopper Plopper vs Smallmouth Bass - YouTube The Whopper Plopper comes in a 90, 130 and 190 size and is available in both rattling and silent versions. 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. Length: 3 inches (75mm) Weight: 9/16 ounce Hooks: #4 Rattle: No Whopper Plopper 90 Best Color Whopper Plopper: 9 Best Choices In 2023 - YourBassGuy.com 6 Best Whopper Plopper Colors 2022 - Bass Tackle Lures It's best to fish the Loon Whopper Plopper around heavy vegetation when, If you can afford multiple bait styles, the, It has a simplistic presentation that works well in dirtier waters. Nothing will get your blood pumping quite like seeing a big smallmouth come up and crush your topwater bait. The 110 size, for example, is not substantially smaller than the 130, but its tone is much less intrusive and boisterous. While the bait was originally designed to catch muskie and pike, many people quickly realized its potential as a bass fishing lure. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. I don't think it really matters except for the loon since it's black. When bass are surface feeding on schooling shad, this is a go-to color. It takes practice. On the other hand, post-frontal or highly-pressured bass that are reluctant to bite even the most finesse-oriented presentations will sometimes attempt to make mincemeat of this gaudy, obnoxious lure. Places like southern California have lots of trout tempting hungry bass while Lake Champlain out east is flush with yellow perch. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Few surface lures have the ability to pull bass up from deep water. 3 whopper plopper 90 lot / New / my240 | eBay Throwing topwater lures for smallmouth best is one of my all-time favorite way to fish. Fishing leaders play a critical role in the sport of fishing. The Booyah Buzz Blade is an all-around great buzz bait and is ideal for targeting smallmouth bass in grass and around heavey cover. Another all-time great topwater lure for smallmouth bass is the Jitterbug by Arbogast. Sunfish are an often overlooked prey species for bass that also need to be factored in to the decision making process. Make sure to check outMy RecommendedBass Fishing Gear and Tackle Guideto ensure you have the right gear for your next fishing adventure. But that's not the case, says Balog. Cabelas was out, but Fisherman's Central in Akron had them so I picked up the Loon color. Also, smallmouths sometimes slap at or jump over a lure. ", "Color plays a key role," Lefebre agrees. Thanks to the smallmouth's preference for forage and crayfish, crankbaits are a great option for smallies in moving water and rocky situations. Compact size; Cons: They've caught more trophy-sized fish this year than ever before, which has shown the world how great these lures really are. We're thoroughly impressed by the thumping sound this small bait can produce. . The dark paint color casts a realistic shadow in the water, bring fish in from long distances. - YouTube Whopper Plopper Smallie Action! link to Ambush Predator is the Wrong Term for Bass - Here's Why. NDYakAngler 311K subscribers 281K views 1 year ago Back on the river fishing topwater lures for smallmouth bass!. The, The ideal time to fish the Delta Craw color is in the. When anglers think about the topwater Whopper Plopper bait, they think about the sound the lure makes. 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. As a general rule, the more wind, the larger your topwater needs to get the bass's attention. Needless to say, the Whopper Plopper is the most popular topwater lure the world has ever seen. It offers an iconic walk-the-dog action that has proven to catch not only a ton of fish, but it catches bigger fish as well. So, the Whopper Plopper by River2Sea has . | It's adorned with detailed X-Style Finish and Flash Feather Teaser Tail. Maybe the only exception is that the 90 on the Choppo doesn't nose dive like the 90 Plopper does. 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. It can become one of those lures that catch fish every cast in the right circumstances. 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. I don't limit myself to traditional walkers like a Zara Spook, but also fish chugger-style walking baits. Some anglers take those props off of the wire and peg them in front of buzz toads and other soft plastics for a weedless noisemaker. Pasted as rich text. "On calm days, an old Johnny Rattler is deadly. "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. Whopper Plopper Review | Outdoor Life It's the most popular Whopper Plopper color because the design has a natural look that catches a ton of fish. 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. I got a chance to pre-fish before it's release date same exact thing. This rigging style works everywhere largemouth bass swim. When I hear the prop making the most noise I know I am using a great starting retrieve. River2Sea Whopper Plopper 190. 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. Smallmouths can be picky about what they want often a walking bait. Listen, the Jitterbug has been flying under the radar recently with all of the other new popular topwater lures. Any time you have long expanses of water to cast and fish that are willing to break the surface to attack, this style of lure will complement or even replace the other topwaters in your tackle box. I favor baits with a single prop in the rear, like the Heddon Baby Torpedo or my own Duck's Pup. When using mono or copolymer, its feasible and advisable to go slightly stiffer on the rod choice than you would with braid. In a stronger wind try a model 110 or larger. The size didn't seem to affect the hits. Two of my favorite topwaters are ones I make Duck's Pup prop bait and Duck's Dawg walking bait. There are two dozen different color patterns aimed at imitating any available forage in a wide range of water clarities. 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. Heddon Rattling Sonar (Best Blade Bait) Conclusion Best Smallmouth Bass Lures I really like the Phantom Shad in gin clear water when there is sun, Powder for the same gin clear water with it being overcast or low light, and Loon if there is any stain at all to the water. And if you are only using a spinning rod then this is a great size bait. Same with a red front treble. Smallmouths are so competitive, they often hit the feather, apparently thinking they're taking a minnow away from another fish. Best Smallmouth Bass Lures Reviewed 1. The size of the lure can also have an impact on its effectiveness for catching fish. Most of all, dont forget to check your hooks and split rings throughout the course of the day. River2Sea Whopper Plopper | Karl's Bait & Tackle The Zara Spook is one of the all-time great topwater lures. 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. It comes in a variety of different color options and bait sizes. Whopper Plopper 101: All There Is To Know About The Whopper Plopper This walking style bait offers a unique acoustic sound that will draw big fish in and deliver when it counts. "Its segmented body allows easy walk-the-dog presentation with minimal effort." When you know you'll be targeting smallies, fishing any other color on this list will be a waste of your time. I fish a Rapala Skitter Pop with a slow pop-pop-pause motion, far slower than a summertime cadence. While not as versatile, the Powder White Color Whopper Plopper is a necessity for smallmouth bass anglers. Using only wrist and forearms, snap the rod tip towards the surface, and in a smooth continuous motion, return the rod tip to the start position. As the old-timers might say: They want to kill it so it doesnt reproduce. Whether theyre hungry or territorial or just plain ornery, this is a lure that generates topwater strikes when you wouldnt expect bass to break the surface of the water. Furthermore, the lure doesnt require any tuning. It provides the same type of baitfish imitation as the Loon color in these situations. *Darl Black, Cochranton, Pennsylvania, is a veteran outdoor writer and photographer. Pete Robbins 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. Another situation where the Whopper Plopper 190 outperforms is when it gets super windy. Retrieve so the blade barely sputters across the surface. 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. 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. Its added weight at the back makes casting it a breeze and gives it an ideal side-to-side action triggering any nearby smallie into striking. Top Lures and Tactics for Summertime River Smallmouth Bass The Whopper Plopper - Best Bass Fishing Lures That may make it easier for the angler to track in waves or current. 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. One of the best value and performance buzz baits out on the market is the Booyah Buzz Blade. This came to be when muskie fishermen voiced their frustration with how many bass they were catching by accident. I fire casts in both directions toward shore and out to open water. How to CLEAN Cork Handles on Your FISHING RODS, Top 5 Old-School Lures that Still Crush Bass, Vandam's All Time Texas Bass Fishing Favorites, The Seiche Effect: How Wind-Driven Current Affects Fishing. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The trebles hanging below a Whopper Plopper are more likely to get hung on leaves, floating vegetation, or other foliage on the surface. Use this bait when you're fishing big lakes such as Lake Fork or Sam Rayburn. 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]. The River2Sea Whopper Plopper 130 size is great for bass fishing. 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. Strike King KVD Jerkbait (Best Hard Body Lure) 5. "It's a great alternative to a spinnerbait for fishing shallow in clear lakes." ", Lefebre: "Unless floating weeds interfere, I fish a hand-tied white feather treble ahead of the plug. Bearcat89 Participant North branch, mn Posts: 11795 June 27, 2020 at 8:48 pm #1953107 I use whopper poppers often. What Is The Best Whopper Plopper Color? My Top 5 Choices Make sure to use the right lines and equipment. It casts farther, doesn't stretch on hook-sets, and makes walking baits more responsive. 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. BassTackleLures.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Muddy lakes with low visibility are ideal when water and air temperatures drop. Whopper Plopper Smallie Action! Doug Stange talks about the seasonal movements of largemouth bass and techniques that work well from North to South. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'tiltfishing_com-box-4','ezslot_5',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'tiltfishing_com-box-4','ezslot_6',109,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-box-4-0_1'); .box-4-multi-109{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;}. If you have a chartreuse magic marker, try adding a few streaks to the underside of the bait's tail. 5 Best Whopper Plopper Sizes of 2022 | Bass Tackle Lures There is no additional cost to you. If so, stop and say "hi.". If you ever come across floating grass mats and hear a distinct popping sound, throwing this bait will surely catch a huge fish. Learn and experiment with all types of topwater lures. Just $1 per month , The ultimate guide to fishing the River2Sea Whopper Plopper, By Evers: "The effectiveness of topwaters during summer is related to water clarity. It's phenomenal both over deep waters or in shallow water situations because it creates so much noise. ", Lefebre: "I only use a couple surface baits for largemouths, while my topwater assortment for smallmouths fills a Plano 3700 box. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Any self-respecting musky angler had a variety of gaudy, hard-gurgling plopping-style baits in their boattypically with a fixed, cigar-shaped front section, and a rotating tail by the back treble. The largest size you should consider when bass fishing is the Whopper Plopper 190. When red lures are fished in deep waters, they often don't work well because bass can't see the color red in low-light environments. In truth, opportunities to catch smallmouths on top arise throughout the day, from late spring into the late fall. If the water is calm or has a slight surface ripple, a size 75 or 90 Whopper Plopper is ideal. If I was going to have just 1 it would be Loon, that black works in all water clarities. In-Fisherman's Thomas Allen fishes with pro walleye angler Ross Grothe as they target aggressive walleyes in shallow, weedy water. I like a little chartreuse in a topwater not a gaudy all-chartreuse, but a splash somewhere on the bait. 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. Cast it out, reel it back, repeat. arlures.com, Duck's Dawg "My surface walker is made from solid wood with no internal weight or rattles," says designer Jim Duckworth. Key Features. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Into this mix came legendary globe-trotting multispecies expert Larry Dahlberg. Best Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth Bass - Justagric This opinion is shared by every red-blooded angler who's had a surface bait torpedoed by a brown missile. They both generate substantial noise on even a slow, steady retrieve, but one with small glass beads inside makes even more of a commotion. Every angler should have a red topwater bait in their tackle box. The Remarkably Simple Guide On Where and When To Fish Each Size Whopper The 7 Best Topwater Lures for Smallmouth Bass - Tilt Fishing My suspicion was short-lived, as a 6-pound largemouth came up from beside a clump of water hyacinths and scared the living daylights out of me. Water depth doesn't much matter. The clearer the water the more natural the colors. 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. Some anglers have found success with the Whopper Plopper 110; however, it's certainly not as popular as other models. The majority of the time Watson is fishing the 130 size. The lure has created a different sound signature and surface disturbance that bass have found irresistible. The first time I threw the Whopper Plopper 130 was at Lake El Salto in Mexico when the impoundment was at flood stage, with water pouring over the spillway. "Over the years, a lot of misinformation has been passed around. When bass are aggressively feeding on shad or bluegill, this bait can catch an absurd number of fish and make for a great day out on the water. Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth Bass Reviews. A Whopper Plopper will get the nod if I want to fish quicker or if the wind is strong. 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. Doug Stange and Bret Alexander demonstrate how to put your eyesight to work. It sounds similar to the Whopper Plopper 130 while being shorter and wider. 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 black Whopper Plopper Loon topwater bait is a must-have for bass fishermen. Bone and Loon are my choice as well. That's when the fun begins. It would be best if you also tried to closely match your lure size to the baitfish the bass are feeding on. The Rover is an absolute fun topwater lure to fish. Making it a great option to give the bass a different look. Loon, Powder, and Phantom Shad. We may earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. If I get the choice of a third, it'll match the color of the primary forage in the body of water I'm fishing. ", Duckworth: "Super-sharp hooks are a must. 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. Baitfish size is also important. The size 130 has worked for me on windy days and the size 190 gets tied on if the bass lurking in the water have true potential as giants. I found there are 3 in the 90 size that are killer for smallmouth. Overall, the dark profile it has on the surface of the water is super realistic. They come in a total of: There is also a saltwater version. Baitfish size is also important. 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. All you need to fish this bait is a rod, a reel, preferably, In the early morning or low light conditions, this lure is unstoppable. A hollow gill tunnel creates extra splashing and bubbles. Smallmouth Bass are known to prefer smaller profile baits, especially in the fall when they feed on juvenile baitfish such as shad. A properly constructed walker slides either left or right when given slack. Specifically, the two most important factors are the wind levels and the baitfish size. 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. 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. When you're fishing in lakes or rivers with lower water clarity, this bait catches much more fish than the first two colors on this list. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The tail's distinct thumping action is what sets this bait apart from the dozens of other topwater lures on the market. Its a must have bait.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tiltfishing_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_18',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tiltfishing_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_19',114,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0_1'); .large-mobile-banner-2-multi-114{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;}. "Topwater fishing for smallmouths has always been a blend of folklore and fact," explains Tennessee smallmouth guide Jim Duckworth. Yes, things have advanced and new techniques have been introduced, but understanding where new presentations came from will help you make the right selection the next time things get tough. Here are a few general guidelines for choosing the right size lure: The next downward rod snap slides the bait in the opposition direction. ", Evers: "My most successful topwater for smallmouth is Heddon's One Knocker Spook. The ideal size varies based on weather conditions, but most of the time, this is the size that will catch the most fish. Keep this in mind when out fishing for the day. 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 it is a small bass like smallmouth, utilize the seventy-five or ninety size. ". "For largemouths, I generally target isolated cover. River2Sea Whopper Plopper - Tackle Warehouse ", 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. It would be best if you also tried to closely match your lure size to, The 130 Whopper Plopper has the classic sound that we all know and love. It can be great when the bass are chasing juvenile shad, but it's not great for much else. Top 10 Best Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth Bass In [2021] ", Evers: "I favor braided line. That is over complicated as I've caught fish on other colors but those three are consistent fish producers with Loon being one that has worked well no matter if it was bright and sunny or overcast and raining in both clear and stained water. If the water is calm or has a slight surface ripple, a size 75 or 90 Whopper Plopper is ideal. In this situation, don't pause the lure keep it moving; speeding the retrieve challenges fish to run it down. It can even catch fish in big lakes if it's fished along the grass line close to shore. Berkley Powerbait Tube (Best Soft Plastic Lure) 3. In clean water the color choice has a more noticeable impact on the quality and amount of bites an angler gets. 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.