Last updated on August 17th, 2023
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When it comes to the best topwater bass lures, anglers know that selecting the right bait can make all the difference in their success on the water. In this guide, we’ll cover the advantages of various topwater baits for catching bass and provide recommendations on some of the best lures available.
We’ll discuss poppers, frogs, and walk-the-dog style lures—each with their own unique advantages for attracting both smallmouth and largemouth bass. Not only will we delve into how to effectively use these lures, but we will also provide recommendations for some of the best options available in today’s bass world.
Our tips and tricks section will also cover crucial aspects such as location selection and optimal fishing times to ensure you’re prepared for anything when utilizing the finest topwater bass lures out on open water or thick weeds. Stay tuned as we dive deep into everything you need to know about topwater fishing for bass.
Editor’s Picks: 6 Best Topwater Bass Lures
Walk-the-dog Lures:
Table of Contents:
- Types of Topwater Bass Lures
- Tips and Tricks for Topwater Bass Fishing
- FAQs in Relation to Best Topwater Bass Lures
- Conclusion
Different Types of Topwater Bass Lures
Disclaimer: All products in this article were independently researched and reviewed by our team of experienced anglers. Learn more about our review process here. We use so-called affiliate links in this article. This means that if you click on one of the links provided in this article and end up making a purchase, we might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we’ve tested and believe in.
Poppers
Poppers are a type of topwater lure that creates a loud, popping sound when they’re worked across the surface of the water. This sound attracts bass and other game fish, making poppers an effective tool for anglers looking to catch more fish. Poppers come in many shapes and sizes, but all have one thing in common: their concave face, which helps them create that distinctive “pop” as it moves through the water.
When fishing with poppers, you want to use short jerks on your rod tip to make the lure “pop” across the surface of the water. It should move forward about two feet each time before stopping and then repeating this motion again until you reach your desired location or spot where you think there might be some bass lurking below. The key is to keep your retrieve slow enough so that it creates noise but not too fast so that it skips along the surface instead of creating any disturbance in its wake.
When selecting the best popper lures for bass fishing, several factors must be taken into consideration, such as size, shape, coloration, weight, and action. If visibility is low due to murky waters or dark skies, then opting for a brighter hue like chartreuse or white would be wise; however, if conditions are normal during daylight hours, then more natural tones like browns and greens may provide better camouflage against their surroundings. For smaller species like bluegill, using a small-sized popper should do the trick, while larger ones might prove more successful when targeting bigger fish such as largemouth bass or pike.
Lastly, don’t forget about adding rattles inside your lure if possible—these can help attract attention from far away distances by producing a unique buzzing noise that simulates struggling prey items being chased around underwater.
Poppers are an effective way to target bass and can be a great choice for anglers of all skill levels. By contrast, fishing with frogs requires more finesse but can produce some excellent results when done correctly.
Key Takeaway: When bass fishing, poppers are a great choice for topwater lures as they create an enticing sound and movement that attracts fish. Selecting the right size, shape, coloration, and action is key when choosing your lure; additionally, adding rattles can help make it stand out even more from far away distances.
Alwonder 5 Pack Fishing Popper Lure
Specs:
- 5 Colors
- Length: 2.4″
- Weight: 1/4oz Per Popper Lure
- Hook size: 6#
- Alloy steel material
Why we picked it:
I recently got the chance to try out the Alwonder Topwater Popper Fishing Lure, and let me tell you; it exceeded my expectations. Let’s start with the basics and then delve into my personal experience with this topwater gem.
Product Specs & Key Features:
This lure is a topwater popper, which means it’s designed to create a splash or “pop” on the water surface, mimicking wounded baitfish—a surefire way to attract predatory fish. The Alwonder Popper comes in a set of 10, and each lure is 3 inches long and weighs about 0.4 ounces. The lures feature a variety of realistic, vibrant colors and have 3D holographic eyes, which I found highly appealing to fish.
The lures are equipped with strong, high-carbon steel treble hooks, which are durable and super sharp. They’re designed to ensure a solid and secure hookset, which is critical when you’re battling a big fish.
Use Cases:
The Alwonder Topwater Popper Fishing Lure is ideal for freshwater and saltwater fishing. I’ve used it for bass fishing in lakes, but it’s also suitable for other species, such as trout, pike, and even saltwater species like redfish and snook.
Pros:
- Versatility: This lure performs well in various environments, from lakes to rivers to saltwater flats.
- Variety: The package comes with 10 different colored lures, providing options to match various water conditions and target species.
- Quality Hooks: The high-carbon steel treble hooks are impressively sharp and durable.
- Effective Action: The popping action on the water surface is highly attractive to predatory fish.
Cons:
- Weight: At 0.4 ounces, the lure may be a bit light for extremely windy conditions or for casting long distances.
- Hook Size: Depending on the target species, the treble hooks may be a bit small for larger fish.
Personal Experience:
I’ve had the Alwonder Topwater Popper out on a few fishing trips now, and it’s quickly becoming a favorite in my tackle box. The popping action on the water is just fantastic, and it’s brought some aggressive strikes from the bass. The hooks have held up well so far and have shown no signs of rust or dulling.
The variety of colors in the pack has been useful as well. Depending on the light conditions and water clarity, I’ve been able to switch out lures to find a color that gets the fish biting.
On the downside, I did struggle a bit with casting distance on a particularly windy day. Also, while the hooks are sharp and durable, they might be a bit small if you’re targeting larger game fish.
Overall, the Alwonder Topwater Popper Fishing Lure offers great value for its price. It’s a versatile, durable, and effective lure that’s earned a permanent place in my fishing gear. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, I’d definitely recommend giving this lure a try. Happy fishing!
Strike King KVD Splash Hardbait Series Bait
Specs:
- 3D eyes
- Ultra-realistic paint jobs
- Strike inducing action
- 3/8oz
- 2.75″ in length
Why we picked it:
After having a fantastic time with the Strike King KVD Splash Hardbait, I’m excited to share my experience and thoughts about this topwater marvel.
Product Specs & Key Features:
The Strike King KVD Splash Hardbait is a topwater popper crafted to create a distinct “splash” on the water surface, perfectly imitating distressed baitfish. This lure is 3 inches long and weighs 7/16 ounces. It’s built with 3D eyes and is available in various realistic colors to mimic different kinds of prey.
The lure features premium hooks and components, including a feathered treble hook at the back, which adds to the realism and appeal. It’s designed with an exclusive weighting system that ensures longer casts and keeps the bait stable on the retrieve.
Use Cases:
The Strike King KVD Splash Hardbait is designed for both freshwater and saltwater environments. I used it for bass fishing, but it’s also suitable for other predatory fish species such as trout, pike, or saltwater fish like redfish and snook.
Pros:
- Impressive Action: The splash and popping action effectively attract predatory fish.
- Feathered Treble Hook: The feathered treble hook at the back adds to the lure’s realistic appearance and movement in the water.
- Weighting System: The specialized weighting system allows for longer casts and increases stability during retrieval.
- Variety of Colors: The lure comes in a range of realistic colors, offering flexibility to adapt to different conditions and target species.
Cons:
- Price: This lure is a bit on the pricey side compared to other similar lures on the market.
- Durability: The paint and finish may chip over time, especially with heavy usage or when fishing in rocky areas.
Personal Experience:
The Strike King KVD Splash Hardbait has been a real game-changer on my fishing trips. The splash and popping action are fantastic, and I’ve seen a significant increase in aggressive strikes from bass. The feathered treble hook at the back gives a realistic touch, which I believe contributes to attracting more fish.
I’ve also been quite impressed by the casting distance I can achieve with this lure, thanks to the exclusive weighting system. It makes it easier to target fish even in farther or deeper areas.
On the flip side, this lure is a tad more expensive than other similar options. Also, after several fishing trips, I noticed some minor chipping in the paint, particularly after fishing in areas with lots of rocks and underwater structures.
In conclusion, despite a couple of minor drawbacks, the Strike King KVD Splash Hardbait is a solid, reliable lure that lives up to its name. The action, realism, and effective design make it a worthy addition to any angler’s tackle box, novice or seasoned. It’s a little investment that can lead to big catches!
Frogs
Bass fishing with frogs can be highly successful when used properly, as they mimic a frog swimming on the water’s surface which is attractive to many types of fish. They’re designed to imitate a frog swimming on top of the water, which is irresistible to many types of fish. To maximize the effectiveness of your frog lure, it is important to consider certain techniques when bass fishing.
What are frogs?
Frogs are soft plastic baits with hollow body and two legs that extend outward from either side. The body is usually weighted so it can stay afloat on top of the water while being retrieved by an angler. Most frogs also have small hooks attached near their mouths or eyes in order to hook onto a bass if it strikes at them.
How to fish with frogs?
When fishing with frogs, you want to cast your bait into areas where there’s likely to be plenty of vegetation, such as weeds or lily pads. This gives the frog something solid to rest against as you slowly retrieve it back towards you across the surface of the water—just like how a real frog would move around its habitat. You should also make sure that your rod tip stays low so that your line doesn’t snag onto any vegetation while retrieving your bait; this will keep your presentation looking natural and enticing for any nearby fish.
Fishing with frogs is a great way to target bass, and they can be very effective when used properly. Moving on from frogs, another topwater lure that works well for targeting bass are walk-the-dog lures.
Key Takeaway: Fishing with frogs is an effective way to catch bass, and the best topwater lures are those that imitate a frog swimming on top of the water. To maximize success when using these baits, cast them into areas with plenty of vegetation, such as weeds or lily pads, and keep your rod tip low while retrieving so you don’t snag any lines.
BOOYAH Poppin’ Pad Crasher
Specs:
- Size: 2.5 inches
- Weight: 1/2 ounce
- Super-soft collapsible plastic body
- High strike-to-hookup ratio
- Double 3/0 hooks
Why we picked it:
Recently, I had the opportunity to put the BOOYAH Poppin’ Pad Crasher to the test, and I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on this unique frog lure.
Product Specs & Key Features:
The BOOYAH Poppin’ Pad Crasher is a topwater frog lure designed to create an irresistible commotion on the water surface. It measures 2.5 inches and weighs 1/2 ounce, providing ample size and weight for solid casting.
This lure stands out with its hollow body, which is designed to collapse upon a fish’s strike, ensuring the sharp double hook gets a good grip. The front of the lure is shaped to give a popping and spitting action on the retrieve, mimicking a distressed frog.
Use Cases:
The BOOYAH Poppin’ Pad Crasher is particularly effective in heavy-cover environments. It’s ideal for bass fishing, especially around lily pads, grass, or any other cover where frogs are known to hide.
Pros:
- Weedless Design: The double hook and frog design allows for excellent performance in heavy cover without getting snagged.
- Great Action: The popping and spitting action is highly effective in enticing strikes from predatory fish.
- Durable Construction: The lure has a robust body, capable of withstanding multiple aggressive strikes.
- Variety of Colors: It’s available in several realistic frog patterns to adapt to different conditions and habitats.
Cons:
- Weight: The lure may be slightly heavy for some setups or for those who prefer lighter lures.
- Hook Exposure: The hooks can sometimes be too recessed, leading to missed hooksets.
Personal Experience:
My experience with the BOOYAH Poppin’ Pad Crasher has been quite enjoyable. The lure’s ability to glide through heavy cover without getting snagged is impressive. The popping and spitting action has proven to be a great trigger for bass, especially in areas with a high frog population.
The sturdy construction of this lure is commendable. It’s held up well against multiple aggressive strikes, showing no signs of damage. The variety of available color patterns also allowed me to choose the perfect lure for different situations and times of the day.
On the other hand, the lure’s weight took a bit of getting used to, especially since I typically use lighter lures. Also, I noticed a few instances of missed hooksets, which I believe is due to the hooks being slightly too recessed.
All things considered, the BOOYAH Poppin’ Pad Crasher is a top-notch frog lure that performs excellently in heavy cover and triggers aggressive strikes from predatory fish. Despite a couple of minor cons, I’d highly recommend this lure to any angler who enjoys topwater bass fishing. It’s indeed a worthy addition to any tackle box.
KRLAO Topwater Frog Lure
Specs:
- High-quality PVC material
- Length: 3.5 inches
- Weight: 13 grams
- 3D eye design
- Double 360° rotatable feet soles
Why we picked it:
I recently got my hands on the KRLAO Topwater Frog Lure and had the chance to test them out on the water. I’m eager to share my insights on these lifelike, high-performing lures.
Product Specs & Key Features:
The KRLAO Topwater Frog Lure are a set of 5 frog lures, each measuring 2.2 inches and weighing 0.46 ounces. They feature a lifelike design with 3D eyes, realistic painting, and silicone skirts that mimic the legs of a frog.
These lures are designed to be weedless, with dual sharp hooks hidden in the belly of the frog to avoid snags. Additionally, they’re made with a high-quality ABS material, ensuring durability and longevity.
Use Cases:
These frog lures are versatile and can be used in both freshwater and saltwater environments. They’re particularly effective when used around heavy covers, like lily pads, grass, or weeds, where frogs are known to lurk.
Pros:
- Weedless Design: The dual hidden hooks allow the lure to glide through heavy cover without getting stuck.
- Realistic Appearance: The 3D eyes, realistic paint, and silicone skirts all contribute to a very lifelike appearance that entices predatory fish.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality ABS material, these lures are built to withstand aggressive strikes.
- Variety of Colors: The set includes 5 different color patterns, allowing for adaptability in various conditions and habitats.
Cons:
- Size: The lures might be slightly small for some anglers’ preferences or for targeting larger species.
- Possible Water Ingress: There’s a chance of water getting into the hollow body, requiring occasional emptying.
Personal Experience:
Testing the KRLAO Topwater Frog Lure was quite an adventure. Their ability to mimic a real frog’s appearance and movement is exceptional. I found that the lures’ realistic design and silicone skirt did an excellent job of triggering strikes from bass.
The lures’ weedless design allowed me to cast them into heavy covers without worrying about snags, which significantly improved my fishing experience. The durability of these lures is also a big plus. They endured multiple hard strikes without showing any signs of wear or tear.
The downside, however, was their size. I found them to be slightly smaller than I prefer, and they might not attract larger fish as effectively. Also, water occasionally seeped into the hollow body, which required periodic emptying.
In conclusion, the KRLAO Topwater Frog Lure are a fantastic set that offers a realistic design, great performance, and impressive durability. Despite a couple of minor issues, these lures have proven to be an effective tool in my angling arsenal, and I would certainly recommend them to any angler looking to step up their top water game.
Walk-the-Dog Lures
Walk-the-dog lures are an effective and popular way to catch bass. They are designed with a cupped face that creates ripples on the water’s surface, simulating a wounded baitfish or frog. When retrieved in a ‘walk-the-dog’ fashion, they can be incredibly enticing for bass. To fish with walk-the-dog lures, start by casting out your lure and letting it sit for about five seconds before beginning your retrieve. Then use a jerking motion while reeling in line to make the lure move side to side as if it is walking across the surface of the water. This action will cause ripples and splashes that attract bass from nearby covers or structures.
When selecting walk-the-dog lures, look for those made with soft plastic bodies that create plenty of commotion when retrieved properly. A variety of colors can also be used depending on conditions; bright colors like chartreuse work well during low-light periods, while more natural shades like browns and greens may be better during brighter times of the day. Additionally, you should consider adding rattles to your lure if you’re fishing in murky waters since sound carries farther underwater than sight does above it.
Walk-the-dog lures are a great way to target bass on top water and can be used in many ways. When utilizing walk-the-dog lures, a few pointers should be kept in mind for optimal results.
Key Takeaway: Walk-the-dog lures are an effective way to catch bass; they create ripples on the surface of the water, simulating a wounded baitfish or frog. When selecting walk-the dog lures, look for those made with soft plastic bodies and additional rattles if fishing in murky waters—some great options include Strike King’s KVD Perfect Plastics Jerkbaits, Rapala’s X-Rap Walk and Rebel’s Pop R Topwater Lure.
Heddon Zara Spook Topwater Fishing Lure
Specs:
- 4 1/2 inches long
- 3/4 oz weight
- 1/0 Hooks
- Zigzag or side-to-side walking action
- Sharp treble hooks for increased hook-up rates
Why we picked it:
The Heddon Zara Spook is a topwater lure that’s gained quite a reputation among anglers. Here’s my take on this classic ‘walk the dog’ bait.
Product Specs & Key Features:
The Heddon Zara Spook is a 4.5-inch, 3/4-ounce topwater lure known for its classic ‘walk the dog’ action. It features two super-sharp treble hooks and a realistic finish complete with lifelike eyes.
The key feature of this lure is its ability to mimic wounded baitfish, which is achieved by its unique side-to-side movement when retrieved correctly.
Use Cases:
This lure is a versatile choice, suitable for both freshwater and saltwater environments. It’s especially effective when targeting bass, pike, and other predatory fish species that feed on the water’s surface.
Pros:
- Classic ‘Walk-the-Dog’ Action: This lure’s unique side-to-side movement is highly effective in attracting fish.
- Realistic Appearance: The lifelike eyes and detailed finish make this lure highly attractive to predatory fish.
- Sharp Hooks: The two super-sharp treble hooks ensure a high hookup ratio.
- Versatility: The Heddon Zara Spook is useful in various fishing environments and for multiple fish species.
Cons:
- Requires Skill to Operate: The ‘walk-the-dog’ action requires some practice to perfect.
- Durability: Some anglers have reported issues with the paint chipping after several uses.
Personal Experience:
Fishing with the Heddon Zara Spook was an exciting experience. Its ‘walk-the-dog’ action, when done right, proved highly effective in drawing in fish, and the realistic finish added to its attractiveness.
The sharpness of the treble hooks was impressive, leading to a great hookup ratio. Also, I appreciated the versatility of this lure. I could use it in both freshwater and saltwater environments and target various fish species.
However, I did find that achieving the ‘walk the dog’ action required a bit of skill and practice. This might be challenging for beginners. Additionally, the lure’s finish began to show some signs of wear after several uses.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Heddon Zara Spook is a solid topwater lure that offers a unique action, a realistic appearance, and great versatility. It’s certainly a lure I’d recommend to any angler looking to enhance their topwater fishing experience.
Rapala Rapala Skitter Walk
Specs:
- Weighted Tail
- Realistic Eyes
- Rugged Construction
- Super sharp VMC Hooks
- Size 8, 3.125-Inch
Why we picked it:
I had the opportunity to test out the Rapala Skitter Walk, a lure known for its impressive ‘walk the dog’ action. Here’s my review on this topwater classic.
Product Specs & Key Features:
The Rapala Skitter Walk is a 3.125-inch, 0.4-ounce topwater lure. It boasts two VMC black nickel hooks and a realistic finish with 3D holographic eyes. The key feature of this lure is its ‘walk-the-dog’ action that mimics a wounded baitfish, a highly attractive movement for predatory fish.
Use Cases:
This lure is excellent for both freshwater and saltwater applications. It’s ideal for attracting species like bass, pike, and other predatory fish that feed on the surface.
Pros:
- Impressive ‘Walk the Dog’ Action: The lure delivers an enticing side-to-side movement that effectively mimics a wounded baitfish.
- Realistic Appearance: The 3D holographic eyes and realistic finish make this lure highly appealing to fish.
- Sharp Hooks: The two VMC black nickel hooks are designed for superior strength and sharpness.
- Versatile: The Rapala Skitter Walk is effective in different fishing conditions and for various species.
Cons:
- Requires Skill: Like other ‘walk-the-dog’ lures, achieving the desired action with the Skitter Walk requires some skill and practice.
- Potential Durability Issues: Some anglers have reported the paint chipping off after repeated use.
Personal Experience:
I found the Rapala Skitter Walk to be an exciting lure to fish with. Its ‘walk the dog’ action is highly effective when executed properly, and the lure’s realistic appearance added to its appeal.
The sharpness and strength of the hooks were impressive, ensuring solid hookups. The versatility of the lure was also a huge plus, as it allowed me to target a variety of species in both fresh and saltwater environments.
However, the ‘walk-the-dog’ action took a bit of time to master, which might be challenging for less experienced anglers. Also, after a few fishing trips, the lure’s finish began to show signs of wear.
Overall, despite a couple of minor drawbacks, the Rapala Skitter Walk is a top-notch topwater lure that combines an enticing action, realistic appearance, and versatility. It’s definitely a lure I’d recommend to anglers looking to expand their topwater lure collection.
Tips and Tricks for Using the Best Topwater Bass Lures
When it comes to topwater bass fishing, success is all about location, timing, and preparation. Location is key when you’re out on the water looking for that big catch. You want to look for areas where there are plenty of hiding spots and structures like fallen trees or rocks. It’s also important to consider the type of baitfish in the area—if they’re bigger than usual, then so will your chances of catching a larger bass. Time of day matters too; early morning or late evening usually produces better results as this is when the fish tend to feed most actively.
With these tips in mind, you’ll soon become an expert angler who knows how to maximize their chances when topwater bass fishing. Keep an eye out for signs from nature, like birds diving down onto baitfish, indicating where schools of active fish may be located. Try different techniques, such as twitching or jerking your rod tip until you find what works best for each situation, and don’t forget patience—sometimes it takes several casts before getting a bite, so keep at it.
Key Takeaway: Location is key when it comes to topwater bass fishing; you want to look for areas with plenty of hiding spots and structure. Time your casts right; early morning or late evening usually produces better results, as this is when the fish tend to feed most actively. Get creative with techniques such as twitching or jerking your rod tip until you find what works best—no matter how long it takes.
Conclusion
With the right combination of poppers, frogs, and walk-the-dog lures, you can have an exciting time on the water. Remember to use these tips and tricks when fishing with the best topwater bass lures to maximize your success rate. Good luck out there, anglers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good top water lure for bass?
A top water lure for bass fishing is one of the most effective methods to catch these fish. One of the best lures for this purpose is a walking bait, such as a Zara Spook or Heddon Super Spook Jr. These baits create an attractive disturbance on the surface that will draw in nearby bass and cause them to strike. Other great options include buzzbaits, poppers, chuggers, and stickbaits which can be worked slowly across the surface with varying retrieves depending on conditions. All of these lures are surefire ways to entice hungry bass into striking.
What color topwater bass lure is best?
The best color topwater bass lure depends on the conditions and preferences of the angler. Generally, in low light conditions, more visible colors like chartreuse, white, yellow, or orange may be preferred, while darker hues like black or brown could work better for sunny days. It is important to consider water clarity when selecting a color since lighter shades can blend into murky waters, whereas dark hues will stand out more in clear waters. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference, so experiment with different lures until you find what works best for you.
What is the best topwater popper?
The best topwater popper for anglers and fishermen is the Rapala Skitter Pop. This lure has a unique, cupped plastic lip that creates an irresistible “popping” sound on the surface of the water when retrieved. Its body design produces a strong vibration to attract fish from afar, while its heavy-duty construction ensures it will stand up to tough conditions. It also features 3D holographic eyes, which help draw in curious predators and trigger strikes even at great distances. The Rapala Skitter Pop is a great choice for anglers looking to catch bass and other gamefish.
What are the best top water bass lures for spring?
Spring is an ideal time for topwater bass fishing. The best lures to use during this season are ones that will make a commotion on the surface of the water, such as poppers and buzzbaits. Poppers work well when cast close to shorelines or around structures like logs, rocks, stumps, and weed beds. Buzzbaits can be retrieved slowly over shallow flats or rapidly over deeper areas in order to entice strikes from aggressive fish. Other effective options include walking baits, frogs, and chuggers, which all create enticing sounds and movements that draw attention from hungry bass below the surface.
