However, this small profile has been balanced with a larger tail, giving it the extra action it needs. 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 Paste as plain text instead, Perhaps the most popular and affordable popper is the Rebel Pop-R. If you ever come across floating grass mats and hear a distinct popping sound, throwing this bait will surely catch a huge fish. The bait's twirling tail does all the work for you making it super beginner-friendly. "Its segmented body allows easy walk-the-dog presentation with minimal effort." There are two dozen different color patterns aimed at imitating any available forage in a wide range of water clarities. 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. BassTackleLures.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Compact size; Cons: The Whopper Plopper catches the most fish in the early morning but still consistently gets bit throughout the day. Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth Bass Reviews. 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. 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. A 9ft 5wt may work well on the smaller rivers across Virginia but you will want a heavier rod on our larger rivers. Speaking of tackle, many anglers throw the Whopper Ploppers on straight braid. I slowed the bait down to a methodical gurgle and the bite drastically improved. Needless to say, the Whopper Plopper is the most popular topwater lure the world has ever seen. The Zara Spook is one of the all-time great topwater lures. Topwater lures are most effective in the hours that mark the transition period of dawn and dusk. Whopper Plopper Smallie Action! 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. When casting, target grass edges as bigger Largemouth Bass are likely waiting to ambush floating prey. 880469305041. We discuss the best applications for each size below, but in general, the harder the wind is blowing, the bigger the Whopper Plopper you should be using. NDYakAngler 311K subscribers 281K views 1 year ago Back on the river fishing topwater lures for smallmouth bass!. But that's not the case, says Balog. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. You are in the right place. 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 ", Evers: "My most successful topwater for smallmouth is Heddon's One Knocker Spook. River2Sea has now made an entire line of these baits with great Whopper Plopper colors. WPL75/08. If the walker isn't working, I use a buzzbait and cover water. While typically I rely on topwaters most heavily during the low light hours, I often keep the Whopper Plopper on the deck of my bass boat all day. 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. This Whopper Plopper Bone Color is the third-best pattern of this popular topwater lure. In spring, I go with a prop bait. "On these lakes, topwaters can be effective over flats and humps any time of day," he says. on a windy day, opt for a 110 size or larger. 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. especially ponds that haven't been fished with a Whopper Plopper yet. 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 its in low light conditions, youll want to create a distinctive silhouette. Depending on how the bass bite, anglers can speed up or slow down the bait. When bass are up in the shallow waters feeding on shad, you need to have the blue bloodat your disposal. It has a great action and just the amount of spit and chug to draw any nearby bass in. Summer smallmouths are generally attracted by fast-moving baits and water disturbance so increase the tempo during the warm-water period. The size and type of the 190 Whopper Plopper will depend on the conditions and the type of water you are fishing in. Subscriber Services. 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. Check Price at Amazon. 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. Consider 2X or 4X models if youre fishing for toothy critters or using heavy braid, as otherwise they may bend out. For river smallies, the Powder White 90 is the, If you're serious about having a topwater bait for all seasons of the year, the, Every angler should have a red topwater bait in their tackle box. The tail's distinct thumping action is what sets this bait apart from the dozens of other topwater lures on the market. "I'm not saying other styles don't catch fish, but that side-to-side action, fished with the right cadence, works for me. On the hottest summer days, I also fish a buzzbait. The total distance of downward rod tip movement is typically 6 to 12 inches. The blades on this bait creates a loud clatter that will annoy any nearby bass so much that theyll have to smack it. 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. Receive Premium Angler Content, 100% Free of Charge. 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. When bass are surface feeding on schooling shad, this is a go-to color. 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. Retrieve so the blade barely sputters across the surface. 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's adorned with detailed X-Style Finish and Flash Feather Teaser Tail. TRUE VISUAL EXPERIENCE: Perfect size and awesome color gives you a real visual experience. That enticing retrieve from the Whopper Plopper may just pull them off of it and you will get a topwater blowup in places you never imagined. The rotating tail of the Whopper Plopper acts like a propeller and creates lots of noise and attention. Strike King KVD Jerkbait (Best Hard Body Lure) 5. But there are more factors to consider when targeting smallmouths. When using mono or copolymer, its feasible and advisable to go slightly stiffer on the rod choice than you would with braid. 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. ", Duckworth: "Super-sharp hooks are a must. The attention to detail in the paintwork gives it a near-identical appearance to many baitfish. Some anglers get their Ploppers custom-painted, but River2Sea produces a wide enough array that such extraordinary efforts seem excessive. Other topwater lures like poppers and ploppers that have treble hooks are great in open water and around structures, but can easily get hung up in cover. Smallmouths can be picky about what they want often a walking bait. Its body also rotates to the side so one eye dips below the surface on each pull." So, the Whopper Plopper by River2Sea has . If you frequently switch between bass fishing and muskie or pike fishing, the 190 is the most versatile size. The next downward rod snap slides the bait in the opposition direction. 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. In truth, opportunities to catch smallmouths on top arise throughout the day, from late spring into the late fall. He has contributed many features to Bass Guide. 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;}. The lure has an uncanny ability to maintain a surface disturbance even with a chop on the water. A hollow gill tunnel creates extra splashing and bubbles. A downward snap pulls the bait, creating forward momentum. All In-Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. 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. One of my favorite things about the buzz bait is its versatility. All of them are made to withstand the vicious strikes that this style of lure generates, with quality hook hangers and proprietary treble hooks. Use the 75 or 90 version if the baitfish are smaller and a larger Whopper Plopper for bigger baitfish, like gizzard shad. *Darl Black, Cochranton, Pennsylvania, is a veteran outdoor writer and photographer. Privacy Statement. For the 130, a 7 foot heavy rod or medium swimbait setup will work fine, spooled with 50 pound braid or 20 pound mono. 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. If bluegills are everywhere, then I will select a Whopper Plopper that has more yellows and greens in it. At first, it seems like it's too small to be a great topwater lure for bass. 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. We're thoroughly impressed by the thumping sound this small bait can produce. Depending on the size and color choice, the bait is fished in different water depths. It can even catch fish in big lakes if it's fished along the grass line close to shore. ", According to Duckworth, "Poppers generally produce smaller bronzebacks. Sizes: 1/8, 3/16, 5/16, , and 7/8 oz. An average-size smallmouth bass kayak anglers can expect to catch on the Illinois River in Oklahoma. Forage varies in size from one location to the next even impoundments a few miles apart. If you take our advice on this one, you're sure to catch a ton of fish on your next fishing trip. I favor baits with a single prop in the rear, like the Heddon Baby Torpedo or my own Duck's Pup. 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. Experiment and vary the cadence, color, and size until the bite is solid. Every bass fishing angler that throws topwater lures needs to have the Zara Spook in their arsenal. Our team is composed of passionate anglers who specialize in researching and recommending the best bass fishing tackle and equipment on the market. The Whopper Plopper comes in a variety of 8 colors, and even if the from smaller forage minnow and shad sizes to giant 8-inch versions intended for musky and pike, if the large version seems too like it would be too much, think again, as they have caught some absolutely monstrous bass as well. The Rover is an absolute fun topwater lure to fish. Can't go wrong with Bone and maybe a green like Chubby. "On calm days, an old Johnny Rattler is deadly. This is the story of the Berkley CullShad. 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 . Wait until you feel the weight of the fish on the line before setting. 9 Best Smallmouth Bass Lures For This Season. That includes water temperatures down into the lower 50s, although the lure is at its best in the 60s or 70s. 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. It's not a versatile bait for all situations, but it can be extremely effective in some cases. It's one of the best red-colored bass baits because of its floating topwater design. No doubt this is a great color to add to your whopper plopper arsenal. . Use the 75 or 90 version if the baitfish are smaller and a larger Whopper Plopper for bigger baitfish, like gizzard shad. 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. I don't think it really matters except for the loon since it's black. All Rights Reserved. Our team went through about 58665 reviews available online for Size Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth.We chose the finest ones, and prepared this list for you. 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. Lefebre: "During fall, with water temps between 65F and 55F, I find success with a 1/8-ounce buzzbait retrieved slowly. Whopper Plopper vs Smallmouth Bass NDYakAngler 322K subscribers Subscribe 2.1K 85K views 4 years ago Video evidence of why the Whopper Plopper has become one of my favorite lures for. Another situation where the Whopper Plopper 190 outperforms is when it gets super windy. ", "For smallmouths, I rely solely on walking-style baits," says Balog. I hope it will help you to take final decision for Best Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth Bass. When attempting to match minnows I will stick with the grays, silvers, and whites. 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. Thank you for your support! Sunfish are an often overlooked prey species for bass that also need to be factored in to the decision making process. 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]. Bluegill works for me. Because he called Minnesota home, Dahlberg was well-versed in musky jargon and tackle and brought the lure to the River2Sea tackle company. Buzzbaits also offer anglers the opportunity to add plastic trailers that can entice wary bass to bite. If the water is calm or has a slight surface ripple, a size 75 or 90 Whopper Plopper is ideal. For calm water, the size 90 . Surface action isn't limited to traditional cigar-shaped lures like the Zara Spook, however. The combination of action and sound is second to none. We have a selection of our favorites at the bottom of the page, or have a look at this one (our favorite). link to How Often Should You Change Fishing Line? However, over the years Ive learned the hard way that there are certain topwater lures that outperform others when fishing for smallmouths. The trebles hanging below a Whopper Plopper are more likely to get hung on leaves, floating vegetation, or other foliage on the surface. Tight lines. Loon, Powder, and Phantom Shad. This size is known as a great Whopper Plopper for pond fishing. The tail spins faster than the 130 and 190 creating more frequent vibrations, but the sounds are far quieter. Best approach for float fishing smallmouths is to use a fishing kayak. Unlike a popper or jerkbait, in which a lengthy pause is often the triggering moment, the Whopper Plopper gets its power from both its sound and the gurgling bubble trail that it creates. On many clear lakes, the topwater bite is the best thing going then, not so much for big bass, but for numbers. It provides the same type of baitfish imitation as the Loon color in these situations. link to Ambush Predator is the Wrong Term for Bass - Here's Why. The 130 Whopper Plopper has the classic sound that we all know and love. Not only does it get a ton of bites, but it will also help you catch some giant smallmouth bass. If there were trout in the places I fish then the size 130 would get a good workout. 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 It takes practice. On flat-calm days, when bass feed on small baitfish, I use transparent baits. In other situations, lures with some hot colors chartreuse, orange, and hot pink produce better on clear lakes than shad colors. The dark paint color casts a realistic shadow in the water, bring fish in from long distances. The 110 more of a fluttering action and less of the loud thumping action we're all accustomed to. He has participated and won fishing tournaments all over the country and enjoys fishing for bass, trout, walleye and other species. Cast it out, reel it back, repeat. Make sure to check outMy RecommendedBass Fishing Gear and Tackle Guideto ensure you have the right gear for your next fishing adventure. 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. 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;}. The majority of the time Watson is fishing the 130 size. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. 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. 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. Specifically, the two most important factors are the wind levels and the baitfish size. 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. 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. In-Fisherman's Rob Neumann profiles the Malone MegaSport kayak trailer and discusses why it's such a great trailer for the dedicated kayak angler. The Booyah Buzz Blade is an all-around great buzz bait and is ideal for targeting smallmouth bass in grass and around heavey cover. Color does matter. If they're feeding up and able to see a commotion above, you can bring them up from 25 feet. 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). A River2Sea Whopper Plopper, Berkley Choppo or similar style bait is my favorite topwater for river bronze . There is no additional cost to you. 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. Berkley Powerbait Tube (Best Soft Plastic Lure) 3. 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. This rigging style works everywhere largemouth bass swim. Product Type: FISHING_EQUIPMENT. When most anglers are using rattling topwaters, the One Knocker's alternate sound often outperforms them. . Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. . | You might be asking yourself is it time to change the line and how long does Our passion for fishing is what drives us to do everything possible to empower other anglers. The largest size you should consider when bass fishing is the Whopper Plopper 190. Choosing a Whopper Plopper Based on the Forage. Choosing a Whopper Plopper Based on the Wind. Except for a few novelty items that ultimately proved unsuccessful or unpopular or both, however, the two never met in a single product. 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. I've been using it in a shallow clear river. 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. The size of the bass is also crucial. 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. Furthermore, the lure doesnt require any tuning. It features a double-cupped lip that creates a loud rhythmic sound that any nearby bass will have a hard time resisting. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. A Whopper Plopper will get the nod if I want to fish quicker or if the wind is strong. It would be best if you also tried to closely match your lure size to the baitfish the bass are feeding on. Replacing the silicone skirt with a tube body lets you cast it far on braided line to cover water. You can't retrieve it too fast.". The PopMax has a lateral weight system where the weight moves right to left allowing the bait to move back and forth creating a unique walking action. When anglers think about the topwater Whopper Plopper bait, they think about the sound the lure makes. 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. Thanks to the smallmouth's preference for forage and crayfish, crankbaits are a great option for smallies in moving water and rocky situations.