But based on time of year or mood of the fish, sometimes it's a popper, prop bait, or buzzer. Except for a few novelty items that ultimately proved unsuccessful or unpopular or both, however, the two never met in a single product. When a slight chop forms on the water, the 90 or 110 will get the job done. But, the Whopper Plopper is definitely the most exciting, and often the most effective way for getting even sluggish fish to attack. 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. Whopper Plopper (Best Topwater Lure) 4. River2Sea Whopper Plopper 190. 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. I like a little chartreuse in a topwater not a gaudy all-chartreuse, but a splash somewhere on the bait. ", "During summer, I fish walking baits and prop baits aggressively," Lefebre notes. Smallmouths can be picky about what they want often a walking bait. You can catch them on top in certain southeastern reservoirs, but the best bites occur on northern waters with larger populations and clearer water. ", "For smallmouths, I rely solely on walking-style baits," says Balog. 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. Almost always throw 130s i have multiples in loon and bone color. Smallmouth Bass are known to prefer smaller profile baits, especially in the fall when they feed on juvenile baitfish such as shad. It's known to catch a monster River Smallmouth Bass, likely due to its subtle flutter action. I like it for finessing smallmouths in tough situations," Duckworth says. Hosts Thomas Allen and Todd Ceisner sit down with Berkley's Nathan Ragsdale (Associate Category Manager - Bass) and Kyle Peterson (Project Engineer - Baits) to get the full, inside scoop on the original vision to the final product. This lure has been around for decades and straight up catches fish. While originally designed for bigger fish species, muskie anglers found out they were exceptional for bass. River2Sea has now made an entire line of these baits with great Whopper Plopper colors. 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;}. 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. Storm's Chug Bug has long been a favorite, and Rapala's new X-Rap Pop has my attention. Into this mix came legendary globe-trotting multispecies expert Larry Dahlberg. 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. 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. Product Type: FISHING_EQUIPMENT. Best approach for float fishing smallmouths is to use a fishing kayak. The smaller version does have its time and place and Watson says that is due to weather conditions and where he is fishing it. It features a double-cupped lip that creates a loud rhythmic sound that any nearby bass will have a hard time resisting. link to Ambush Predator is the Wrong Term for Bass - Here's Why. In-Fisherman Editor in Chief Doug Stange talks about one of the finest and longest standing hooks on the market, unique and classic rigging options and hook removal techniques. 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. An angler may find threadfin shad in one and gizzard shad in the other. So, the Whopper Plopper by River2Sea has . The rotating tail of the Whopper Plopper acts like a propeller and creates lots of noise and attention. Speeding the cadence makes the bait turn back and forth abruptly, throwing lots of water. Bone is a solid all-around choice, especially in smallmouth country, as is Chrome, especially in clear water. Some are remarkably similar to the original, while others put a new shine on the concept. There is no additional cost to you. When most anglers are using rattling topwaters, the One Knocker's alternate sound often outperforms them. In the spring, bluegill have the same colors as this bait. River2Sea Whopper Plopper Highly regarded as one of the deadliest lures on the water today, the River2Sea Whopper Plopper is a total game changer. The natural patterns on the Monkey But Whopper Plopper are essential for clear water conditions. If you can afford multiple bait styles, the Whopper Plopper Monkey Butt Color is a phenomenal bait. If you want the same exact thing as the Whopper Plopper except 1/2 to 2/3 the cost - check out the Choppo. The total distance of downward rod tip movement is typically 6 to 12 inches. "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. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. "The original size Whopper Plopper was intended for muskie, but we had so many smallies blow up on it that we added a downsized model for bass. 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. Give a Gift Balog and Duckworth consider walking baits superb producers when brown bass chase preyfish on flats. Cast it far and retrieve as fast as you can turn the reel, throwing water and gurgling all the way. 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. 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 If you can afford the Whopper Plopper Bone, Monkey Butt, and Loon, you'll be ready for any fishing situation. Most of all, dont forget to check your hooks and split rings throughout the course of the day. The ideal time to fish the Delta Craw color is in the early spring. 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. the vicious strikes I was getting from smallmouth and largemouth bass. I retrieve quickly over gravel bars, shallow rock-weed transitions, main-lake points, and offshore humps. Also, smallmouths sometimes slap at or jump over a lure. ", ABT King Dawg "The ABT King Dawg is unlike any other lure on the market," says its designer Allen Borden. While throwing this lure over the years, Ive been super impressed with its drawing power. Evers: "The effectiveness of topwaters during summer is related to water clarity. Nothing will get your blood pumping quite like seeing a big smallmouth come up and crush your topwater bait. For buzzbaits, there's only one color black. This Whopper Plopper Bone Color is the third-best pattern of this popular topwater lure. Topwater lures are most effective in the hours that mark the transition period of dawn and dusk. They include: Even River2Sea got into the act, creating a Double Plopper Buzzbait with mini propellers where the metal blades would normally go. This panel of anglers agrees that walking baits are best for smallmouths. At first, it seems like it's too small to be a great topwater lure for bass. The tail spins faster than the 130 and 190 creating more frequent vibrations, but the sounds are far quieter. Everything needs to stay clean if you want to maximize your efficiency and your bites. - YouTube Whopper Plopper Smallie Action! And if you are only using a spinning rod then this is a great size bait. But there are more factors to consider when targeting smallmouths. River2Sea makes two basic versions of the Whopper Plopper. If its in low light conditions, youll want to create a distinctive silhouette. The Rover is an absolute fun topwater lure to fish. 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. In the early morning or low light conditions, this lure is unstoppable. Depending on the size and color choice, the bait is fished in different water depths. Cabelas was out, but Fisherman's Central in Akron had them so I picked up the Loon color. 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. Upload or insert images from URL. 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. Lefebre: "During fall, with water temps between 65F and 55F, I find success with a 1/8-ounce buzzbait retrieved slowly. 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. Berkley Powerbait Tube (Best Soft Plastic Lure) 3. They both generate substantial noise on even a slow, steady retrieve, but one with small glass beads inside makes even more of a commotion. rapala.com, Redemption Outdoors Smack-N-Shad The brainchild of Ferlin Wynacht, this bait is unique, best described as a topwater dart bait. The clearer the water the more natural the colors. Making it a great option to give the bass a different look. 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. | 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. So what are the best topwater lures for smallmouth bass? 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 . 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. On flat-calm days, when bass feed on small baitfish, I use transparent baits. In clean water the color choice has a more noticeable impact on the quality and amount of bites an angler gets. 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. 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? Display as a link instead, Each Whopper Plopper 75 comes pre-rigged with two 1X- Strong #4 Black Nickel Treble Hooks and is available in 11 colors to match any fishing condition. You can't retrieve it too fast.". If you are like most anglers you probably have a fishing reel that has had the same line on it for a few years now. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Pasted as rich text. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. 2 thoughts on "Best Color Whopper Plopper for Every Condition" andrew. That includes water temperatures down into the lower 50s, although the lure is at its best in the 60s or 70s. You can mix up the action and colors by adding different trailers and the versatility is unbelievable. "Over the years, a lot of misinformation has been passed around. 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. Overall, the dark profile it has on the surface of the water is super realistic. Bass apparently find it harder to judge size when the lure's clear. Published Oct 21, 2021 9:31 AM EDT, We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. If the water is calm or has a slight surface ripple, a size 75 or 90 Whopper Plopper is ideal. White or shad-oriented paint jobs, like Powder or I Know It are also popular for good reason. We have a selection of our favorites at the bottom of the page, or have a look at this one (our favorite). The largest size you should consider when bass fishing is the Whopper Plopper 190. The combination of action and sound is second to none. The MOST Overlooked Walleye Presentation!! Our team is composed of passionate anglers who specialize in researching and recommending the best bass fishing tackle and equipment on the market. Needless to say, the Whopper Plopper is the most popular topwater lure the world has ever seen. ", Evers chooses among three colors of Spook. 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. Depending on how the bass bite, anglers can speed up or slow down the bait. The Whopper Plopper catches the most fish in the early morning but still consistently gets bit throughout the day. The River2Sea Whopper Plopper takes advantage of largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass at both extremes of the behavioral spectrum. 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. Thank you for your support! Quite the contrary, even pressured fish still cant resist it and aggressive fish want to punish it. This legendary walking bait was first introduced in 1939 and has caught bass all over the country ever since. One of the best value and performance buzz baits out on the market is the Booyah Buzz Blade. In recent years, few lures have garnered as much attention as the River2Sea Whopper Plopper and for good reason. 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. 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. He has contributed many features to Bass Guide. When the bass are hitting the lure aggressively and engulfing it you can be rest-assured the color and retrieve speed are dialed in. If theyre super-aggressive and want to chase a lure, theyll come a long way to destroy it. 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. The occasional cast with the Plopper keeps the bass honest and can help you round out a monster limit. When I hear the prop making the most noise I know I am using a great starting retrieve. The right lure has the ability to pull in and draw strikes from big smallmouth and are a blast to fish. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. It's the most popular Whopper Plopper color because the design has a natural look that catches a ton of fish. The River2Sea Whopper Plopper 90 is a secret weapon that experienced anglers use. CybrSlydr Just $1 per month , The ultimate guide to fishing the River2Sea Whopper Plopper, By Places like southern California have lots of trout tempting hungry bass while Lake Champlain out east is flush with yellow perch. If you are fishing topwater for smallmouth bass than the Whopper Plopper is a must have. Loon, Powder, and Phantom Shad. At this time, my retrieve is subtle. It can even catch fish in big lakes if it's fished along the grass line close to shore. This bait has a blueish body, a clear bottom and very subtle Chartreuse accents. I found there are 3 in the 90 size that are killer for smallmouth. If so, stop and say "hi.". This is critical. He also owns Bass Fishing Life Coffee Co. and a video production business focusing on the outdoors industry. 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. It sounds similar to the Whopper Plopper 130 while being shorter and wider. . If there is much debris on the water, a buzzbait will do a better job. Its an all-around solid popper that will help you catch a ton of fish. 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. Wait until you feel the weight of the fish on the line before setting. Surface action isn't limited to traditional cigar-shaped lures like the Zara Spook, however. Any lure over 3-inches is good for the bigger bass in whatever lake or river you're fishing. On the hottest summer days, I also fish a buzzbait. It will call deepwater smallmouths and spotted bass in gin-clear water, and also aggravate lazy stump-bound largemouths just the same. 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 segmented body allows easy walk-the-dog presentation with minimal effort." The Whopper Plopper looks like an old lure Named "Mud Puppy" from the 1920's or so that lure collectors should be familiar with. Whopper Plopper Smallie Action! It will allow you to cover a lot of water and catch a lot of fish. Fish topwater lures in low-light conditions and at night. Joe Balog, Great Lakes smallmouth guide and tournament angler, is quick to point out differences in topwater presentations between largemouths and smallmouths. A Whopper Plopper is effective just chugging along or being burned. That color's a great trigger for smallies. 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. Speaking of tackle, many anglers throw the Whopper Ploppers on straight braid. jimduckworth.com, Duck's Pup "Made from cedar, this prop bait has one rear propeller with a feather hook. Last Update: March 24 2023 13PM Are you looking for the Best Size Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth. jimduckworth.com, Jackall Bowstick The 514-inch Bowstick moves a lot of water as it sashays back and forth. There are two dozen different color patterns aimed at imitating any available forage in a wide range of water clarities. Choosing the ideal size of whopper plopper for bass is a key to have success with the bait. Replacing the silicone skirt with a tube body lets you cast it far on braided line to cover water. It's especially productive in sunny conditions when there's little wind or chop on the water. These qualities allow it to perform extremely well in clearwater lakes and rivers. The tail's distinct thumping action is what sets this bait apart from the dozens of other topwater lures on the market. 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. I rely on them summer and fall. 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. 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. I favor baits with a single prop in the rear, like the Heddon Baby Torpedo or my own Duck's Pup. What Is the Best Size Whopper Plopper Size? While other sizes may be better for different situations, this is the true bass fishing Whopper Plopper. You are in the right place. It also outperforms other styles on overcast days because the body's lighter color has better contrast against dark skies. Compact size; Cons: Choosing the best whopper plopper for smallmouth bass can be a daunting task. Choosing a Whopper Plopper Based on the Forage. Ive learned over the years that selecting the right topwater lure when targeting smallmouth bass is absolutely critical. Here are 10 tips that will help you catch more bass on topwater lures: So when is the best time to use topwater lures? 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. I don't think it really matters except for the loon since it's black. The pair of props counter-rotate, keeping the bait on a straight track. These days anglers have a ton of different topwater lures to choose from. Bass anglers had cigar-shaped walk-the-dog topwaters like the Zara Spook and its descendants. Aaron Warner is an avid angler with over 15 years of experience. Even if you think you have lanes in the grass, invariably either one of the trebles or the rotating propeller itself will get bogged down, leaving you with a wasted cast. This rigging style works everywhere largemouth bass swim. As topwater fishing has gained popularity, the River2Sea Whopper Plopper has become a household name. Learn More . This may occur in October on the Great Lakes and a month or two later in Tennessee. One of my all-time favorite topwater lures to target smallmouth bass with is a popper. Baitfish size is also important. From the late prespawn into the fall, it may not always be the single best tool for putting numbers of bass into the boat. 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. It has the perfect imitation of an animal struggling and trying to stay afloat. BassTackleLures.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. It would be best if you also tried to closely match your lure size to the baitfish the bass are feeding on. Use the 75 or 90 version if the baitfish are smaller and a larger Whopper Plopper for bigger baitfish, like gizzard shad. We recommend fishing the 110 as a last resort. The bait's twirling tail does all the work for you making it super beginner-friendly. It's an awesome story of one of the finest swimbaits you'll find anywhere. Make sure to use the right lines and equipment. Buzzbaits also offer anglers the opportunity to add plastic trailers that can entice wary bass to bite. An average-size smallmouth bass kayak anglers can expect to catch on the Illinois River in Oklahoma. When bass are surface feeding on schooling shad, this is a go-to color. Some anglers get their Ploppers custom-painted, but River2Sea produces a wide enough array that such extraordinary efforts seem excessive. 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. When using mono or copolymer, its feasible and advisable to go slightly stiffer on the rod choice than you would with braid. However, this small profile has been balanced with a larger tail, giving it the extra action it needs. 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. If I'm allowed 2 colors for any topwater, they'd be black and white.
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