But there are more factors to consider when targeting smallmouths. Smallmouth Bass are known to prefer smaller profile baits, especially in the fall when they feed on juvenile baitfish such as shad. 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. Read This Before Posting! Fish topwater lures in low-light conditions and at night. As the name suggests, the lures spinning section produced a continuous plopping noise that aggravated bass to strike like Amazonian peacock bass or vicious tropical tuna. Incredible Boating Rescue Caught On Camera, 3 Lipless Crankbait Colors That Made KVD A Million Bucks, 5 Ways Underwater Cameras Will Help You Catch More Fish, You NEED To Be Pulling the RIGHT Cranks for Springtime Walleyes, PERFECT KAYAK TRAILER | Check Out the Malone MegaSport Trailer, In-Fish Storyline E1 | The Berkley CULLSHAD Story, In-Fisherman TV (Season 46) E:4 - Understanding Seasonal Movements of Largemouth Bass, In-Fisherman TV (Season 47) E:1 - Quick Trip Through Time, In-Fisherman TV (Season 47) E:2 - Shallow Water Walleyes with Thomas Allen, In-Fisherman TV (Season 47) E:1 - Trinity River GIANT Alligator Gar, In-Fisherman TV (Season 46) E:4 - Timeless Walleye Presentations that Worked Yesterday and Today, In-Fisherman TV (Season 46) E:4 - Timeless Smallmouth Bass Tactics, In-Fisherman TV (Season 47) E:2 - Sight-Fishing Shallow-Water Smallies with Bret Alexander, In-Fisherman TV (Season 46) E:3 - Swimbait-Hook Rigging for Big Bass with Doug Stange, In-Fisherman (Season 46) E:3 - Top Hooks, Rigging and Removal Techniques with Doug Stange. While you can alter your retrievefrom fast to slow, or anywhere in between, with stutter steps, slight pauses, and the occasional ripthe most important thing is to keep it moving. Bass apparently find it harder to judge size when the lure's clear. Experiment and vary the cadence, color, and size until the bite is solid. Doug Stange talks about the seasonal movements of largemouth bass and techniques that work well from North to South. (Its also so much fun to fish)if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tiltfishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_11',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tiltfishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_12',113,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1'); .large-mobile-banner-1-multi-113{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;}. 6 Best Whopper Plopper Colors 2022 - Bass Tackle Lures 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. Choosing the best whopper plopper for smallmouth bass can be a daunting task. 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. 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. Although I have seen other anglers have success with the bigger sizes as well. Just $1 per month , The ultimate guide to fishing the River2Sea Whopper Plopper, By Topwater lures are most effective in the hours that mark the transition period of dawn and dusk. Cast it out, reel it back, repeat. Perhaps the most popular and affordable popper is the Rebel Pop-R. 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 The 110 size, for example, is not substantially smaller than the 130, but its tone is much less intrusive and boisterous. The Remarkably Simple Guide On Where and When To Fish Each Size Whopper . Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. . That includes water temperatures down into the lower 50s, although the lure is at its best in the 60s or 70s. ". 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. 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. The size didn't seem to affect the hits. If there were trout in the places I fish then the size 130 would get a good workout. When most anglers are using rattling topwaters, the One Knocker's alternate sound often outperforms them. I hope it will help you to take final decision for Best Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth Bass. Clear editor. 880469305041. The size of the bass is also crucial. You cannot paste images directly. 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. Thats why the various black models are so popular, including Loon and Yellow Head, which as the name suggests has a bright yellow tip of the nose. So which topwater lures are the best for smallmouth bass? This is probably the most overlooked aspect of fishing a Whopper Plopper. 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. 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. It's especially productive in sunny conditions when there's little wind or chop on the water. Bluegill works for me. Cabelas was out, but Fisherman's Central in Akron had them so I picked up the Loon color. The Best Fall Bass Lures for Offshore Structure: Rapala Jigging Rap Ice Jig. On many clear lakes, the topwater bite is the best thing going then, not so much for big bass, but for numbers. The total distance of downward rod tip movement is typically 6 to 12 inches. *Darl Black, Cochranton, Pennsylvania, is a veteran outdoor writer and photographer. This site is owned and operated by Aaron Warner. Nor may it be copied, published, rewritten, or redistributed. There are many varieties and styles, but there are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing the right bait. I have never fished one, only seen pictures. Slowing it (longer pauses between downward snaps) allows the plug to glide or slide gently in a wider arc. Whether bass are feeding on bluegill, bugs, baitfish, or birds, this bait gets bit. He has contributed many features to Bass Guide. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Here are 10 tips that will help you catch more bass on topwater lures: So when is the best time to use topwater lures? As far as colors go, you cant go wrong with Bone, Monkey Butt & Bluegill but its always best to match your color based on the bass forage and fishing conditions.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'tiltfishing_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_13',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'tiltfishing_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_14',111,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-large-leaderboard-2-0_1'); .large-leaderboard-2-multi-111{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 vicious strikes I was getting from smallmouth and largemouth bass. In a stronger wind try a model 110 or larger. If I was going to have just 1 it would be Loon, that black works in all water clarities. Furthermore, the lure doesnt require any tuning. A downward snap pulls the bait, creating forward momentum. Walking a plug on the surface requires developing a rhythm between rod tip and lure action. 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;}. But, the Whopper Plopper is definitely the most exciting, and often the most effective way for getting even sluggish fish to attack. Because he called Minnesota home, Dahlberg was well-versed in musky jargon and tackle and brought the lure to the River2Sea tackle company. It would be best if you also tried to closely match your lure size to the baitfish the bass are feeding on. While the bait was originally designed to catch muskie and pike, many people quickly realized its potential as a bass fishing lure. 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). Upload or insert images from URL. This material may not be posted on another website. It's adorned with detailed X-Style Finish and Flash Feather Teaser Tail. The lure has an uncanny ability to maintain a surface disturbance even with a chop on the water. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below. 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. ", "In building my baits," Duckworth adds, "I put silver glitter on the belly of natural-color wood topwaters. It's one of the best red-colored bass baits because of its floating topwater design. Some anglers have found success with the Whopper Plopper 110; however, it's certainly not as popular as other models. Fluorocarbon, which sinks, is not a good choice. River2Sea Whopper Plopper 75 Perch WPL75/09 Topwater Surface Bait Lure White or shad-oriented paint jobs, like Powder or I Know It are also popular for good reason. I like a little chartreuse in a topwater not a gaudy all-chartreuse, but a splash somewhere on the bait. It can be great when the bass are chasing juvenile shad, but it's not great for much else. 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. . Choosing a Whopper Plopper Based on the Forage. Doug Stange talks about how versatile a swimbait hook is for multiple rigging options. Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth Bass Reviews. Thanks to the smallmouth's preference for forage and crayfish, crankbaits are a great option for smallies in moving water and rocky situations. 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. Whopper Plopper Review | Outdoor Life 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. Steve spends his time filming and writing about bass fishing. The Plopper also does not do particularly well when bass demand long pauses. Summer Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Virginia | Virginia DWR It features a double-cupped lip that creates a loud rhythmic sound that any nearby bass will have a hard time resisting. I have the larger sizes, but those are reserved for trips when I am fishing waters with lots of gizzard shad. Best Smallmouth Bass Lures (2021 Review) - Tactical Huntr It provides the same type of baitfish imitation as the Loon color in these situations. Understanding the characteristics and benefits of each size Whopper Plopper will help you make critical on-the-water decisions that will bring more fish to the boat. They work well on smallmouth for me. 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. If so, stop and say "hi.". Make sure to add this bait and technique to your bass fishing arsenal. The size of the lure can also have an impact on its effectiveness for catching fish. You'll catch more fish, for sure. This is the story of the Berkley CullShad. Sizes: 1/8, 3/16, 5/16, , and 7/8 oz. Strike King KVD Jerkbait (Best Hard Body Lure) 5. If you take our advice on this one, you're sure to catch a ton of fish on your next fishing trip. Smallmouths can be picky about what they want often a walking bait. 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. When anglers think about the topwater Whopper Plopper bait, they think about the sound the lure makes. 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. on a windy day, opt for a 110 size or larger. link to Stop Fishing Line Twist - For Good! Best Smallmouth Bass Lures Reviewed 1. Zoom Ultravibe Craw (Best Overall Smallmouth Lure) 2. Loon, Powder, and Phantom Shad. 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. ", Lefebre: "I only use a couple surface baits for largemouths, while my topwater assortment for smallmouths fills a Plano 3700 box. ", Evers chooses among three colors of Spook. Tactical Topwater For Smallmouth Bass - In-Fisherman While originally designed for bigger fish species, muskie anglers found out they were exceptional for bass. Ultimate Guide to Whopper Ploppers - Fished That I'd go with a Whopper Plopper 110 for topwater fishing whether I'm chasing smallies or largemouth. Wait until you feel the weight of the fish on the line before setting. An average-size smallmouth bass kayak anglers can expect to catch on the Illinois River in Oklahoma. Joe Balog, Great Lakes smallmouth guide and tournament angler, is quick to point out differences in topwater presentations between largemouths and smallmouths. Most of all, dont forget to check your hooks and split rings throughout the course of the day. The size and type of the 190 Whopper Plopper will depend on the conditions and the type of water you are fishing in. October 4, 2022 at 12:33 pm. For river smallies, the Powder White 90 is the best size Whopper Plopper. "It produces a 120-degree arc left to right when walked. The River2Sea Whopper Plopper 130 size is great for bass fishing. Keep this in mind when out fishing for the day. Selecting the right Whopper Plopper for the conditions is key to getting the most from the lure. I've been using it in a shallow clear river. All In-Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. 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. A River2Sea Whopper Plopper, Berkley Choppo or similar style bait is my favorite topwater for river bronze . ", "During summer, I fish walking baits and prop baits aggressively," Lefebre notes. Smallmouths are so competitive, they often hit the feather, apparently thinking they're taking a minnow away from another fish. 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. Two of my favorite topwaters are ones I make Duck's Pup prop bait and Duck's Dawg walking bait. . "You can't go wrong with black; in clear water, I like Flitter Shad; for off-color water, it's bone. 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. While you can throw the biggest Ploppers on a flipping stick or otherwise broomstick-like rod, a little bit of give in the tip is preferable, to prevent you from pulling the rapidly-moving lure away from a striking fish. Sunfish are an often overlooked prey species for bass that also need to be factored in to the decision making process. The trebles hanging below a Whopper Plopper are more likely to get hung on leaves, floating vegetation, or other foliage on the surface. ", Evers: "I favor braided line. abtlures.com, AR Popper 55 "Our topwater baits are made from basswood and feature exceptional lifelike finishes," says Chip Servant of AR Lures U.S. "The new Popper 55 pops, spits water, and walks." WPL75/08. I focus on shorelines with a 15-percent gradient and plenty of rock, and walk my Duck's Dawg with a quick Tennessee two-step. 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? On flat-calm days, when bass feed on small baitfish, I use transparent baits. Every bass fishing angler that throws topwater lures needs to have the Zara Spook in their arsenal. 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. "Over the years, a lot of misinformation has been passed around. choosing the right topwater for the situation. It can be a great choice for bigger bass since large fish are more likely to strike larger presentations. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. This opinion is shared by every red-blooded angler who's had a surface bait torpedoed by a brown missile. Choosing the ideal size of whopper plopper for bass is a key to have success with the bait. | ", Duckworth: "Super-sharp hooks are a must. As topwater fishing has gained popularity, the, River2Sea has now made an entire line of these baits with, 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. If theyre super-aggressive and want to chase a lure, theyll come a long way to destroy it. For example, on one recent outing, I was bringing the lure back where it was making the most noise a great starting retrieve. Lets take a look. The bait's twirling tail does all the work for you making it super beginner-friendly. So, what's the best size Whopper Plopper then? Use the 75 or 90 version if the baitfish are smaller and a larger Whopper Plopper for bigger baitfish, like gizzard shad. Whopper Plopper vs Smallmouth Bass - YouTube The occasional cast with the Plopper keeps the bass honest and can help you round out a monster limit. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. 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. Making it a great option to give the bass a different look. At this time, my retrieve is subtle. The River2Sea Whopper Plopper takes advantage of largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass at both extremes of the behavioral spectrum. We may earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. For river smallies, the Powder White 90 is the best size Whopper Plopper. It can be a great choice for bigger bass since large fish are more likely to strike larger presentations. Best two sizes for me (by far) for both LMB and SMB are the Whopper Plopper 75 (fishes "bigger" than the WP 90 IMO) and the Choppo 105. The ideal time to fish the Delta Craw color is in the early spring. ", ABT King Dawg "The ABT King Dawg is unlike any other lure on the market," says its designer Allen Borden. Replacing the silicone skirt with a tube body lets you cast it far on braided line to cover water. When bass are up in the shallow waters feeding on shad, you need to have the blue bloodat your disposal. 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. Whopper Plopper Lures 2022 [#1 Whopper Plopper Guide] - Rogue Rods This surface lure does a great job of pulling bass from cover. One of the best value and performance buzz baits out on the market is the Booyah Buzz Blade. As a general rule, the more wind, the larger your topwater needs to get the bass's attention. Whopper Plopper Smallie Action! - YouTube "It's what I use 98% of the time," he begins. I caught one on a yellow head ond three on a perchtoday at Hedges Pond, Plymouth, MA. Whopper Plopper Size Chart (Inches and Centimeters) WP 60 = 2 3/8 inches (6 cm) WP 75 = 3 . While not as versatile, the Powder White Color Whopper Plopper is a necessity for smallmouth bass anglers. rapala.com, Redemption Outdoors Smack-N-Shad The brainchild of Ferlin Wynacht, this bait is unique, best described as a topwater dart bait. 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. Adjust the retrieve speed and color until the bass hit the lure aggressively and avoid nipping just the back treble and you will be on your way to a fun day on the water. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and the Bass Pro Shops Associates Program., affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and Bass Pro.com We are compensated for referring traffic and business to other companies linked to on this site. ", "For smallmouths, I rely solely on walking-style baits," says Balog. CybrSlydr The combination of action and sound is second to none. 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. Use topwater lure all-day, not just in the morning & night hours. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Same with a red front treble. Places like southern California have lots of trout tempting hungry bass while Lake Champlain out east is flush with yellow perch. Water depth doesn't much matter. The, The ideal time to fish the Delta Craw color is in the. The Delta Craw Whopper Plopper is a great option for anglers who don't yet have this type of lure. I also was . In the spring, bluegill have the same colors as this bait. 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. So, the Whopper Plopper by River2Sea has . In other situations, lures with some hot colors chartreuse, orange, and hot pink produce better on clear lakes than shad colors. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 3 whopper plopper 90 lot / New / my240 at the best online prices at eBay! Once you cipher the proper rhythm, you can increase or decrease the cadence. Bone and Loon are my choice as well. However, this small profile has been balanced with a larger tail, giving it the extra action it needs. If there is much debris on the water, a buzzbait will do a better job. On occasion, I hook bass on both the feather treble and the lure. 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. It will allow you to cover a lot of water and catch a lot of fish. You never know how you may change their life forever. Compact size; Cons: So where do we start?if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thebassfishinglife_com-leader-1','ezslot_11',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thebassfishinglife_com-leader-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thebassfishinglife_com-leader-1','ezslot_12',144,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thebassfishinglife_com-leader-1-0_1'); .leader-1-multi-144{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}.
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