best size whopper plopper for smallmouth

When attempting to match minnows I will stick with the grays, silvers, and whites. In the early morning or low light conditions, this lure is unstoppable. 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. 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. When casting, target grass edges as bigger Largemouth Bass are likely waiting to ambush floating prey. Whopper Plopper Smallie Action! If I'm allowed 2 colors for any topwater, they'd be black and white. Aaron Warner is an avid angler with over 15 years of experience. Best approach for float fishing smallmouths is to use a fishing kayak. An average-size smallmouth bass kayak anglers can expect to catch on the Illinois River in Oklahoma. 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. Except for a few novelty items that ultimately proved unsuccessful or unpopular or both, however, the two never met in a single product. link to Ambush Predator is the Wrong Term for Bass - Here's Why. Hard to get a patent on something that's been around that long Quote KDW96 Members 1k 5 Location ILLINOIS My PB: Between 8-9 lbs Top 10 Best Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth Bass In [2021] 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 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. If you are fishing topwater for smallmouth bass than the Whopper Plopper is a must have. I had heard about it from various professional anglers, but was still a little dubious that even comparatively uneducated bass would strike such a goofy-looking lure. 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. The occasional cast with the Plopper keeps the bass honest and can help you round out a monster limit. the vicious strikes I was getting from smallmouth and largemouth bass. Soon thereafter the product was released and as tournament wins and television exploits piled up, suddenly the Whopper Plopper was the most in-demand and most talked-about lure on the planet, that years version of the Senko or the Chatterbait. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 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. 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. tested and flat out catches both monster large and smallmouth bass. The right size, action, style, sound and color can all play a major role in your fishing success. 01 River2Sea WPL90/12 Whopper Plopper. choosing the right topwater for the situation. In a stronger wind, the two largest versions get top billing. October 4, 2022 at 12:33 pm. Smallmouth Bass are known to prefer smaller profile baits, especially in the fall when they feed on juvenile baitfish such as shad. "On these lakes, topwaters can be effective over flats and humps any time of day," he says. (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;}. Just be sure not to change the overall balance of the lure. It features a double-cupped lip that creates a loud rhythmic sound that any nearby bass will have a hard time resisting. Another all-time great topwater lure for smallmouth bass is the Jitterbug by Arbogast. Wes Littlefield. While the bait was originally designed to catch muskie and pike, many people quickly realized its potential as a bass fishing lure. 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. It's not a versatile bait for all situations, but it can be extremely effective in some cases. Youll want a rod at least 7-feet longtypically a baitcaster except possibly for the smallest sizes of Ploppers, and a high speed reel to keep up with the retrieve. 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;}. 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. Also, smallmouths sometimes slap at or jump over a lure. It is also important to take into consideration what other anglers are throwing since bass will develop a memory from negative stimulus. No doubt this is a great color to add to your whopper plopper arsenal. I found there are 3 in the 90 size that are killer for smallmouth. Your previous content has been restored. In recent years, few lures have garnered as much attention as the River2Sea Whopper Plopper and for good reason. Manage Settings The River2Sea Whopper Plopper 130 size is great for bass fishing. Baitfish size is also important. WPL75/08. Depending on the size and color choice, the bait is fished in different water depths. The retrieve is a slight pull just enough to make the prop sputter followed by a pause. It features a tungsten ball bearing rattle that produces a unique and enticing sound. . 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. So, what's the best size Whopper Plopper then? But based on time of year or mood of the fish, sometimes it's a popper, prop bait, or buzzer. ", Duckworth: "Super-sharp hooks are a must. Learn More . Many lures do their best work in calm conditions, but this bait is different. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Check Price at Amazon. 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. Line twist is a total nightmare for anglers. 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. The pair of props counter-rotate, keeping the bait on a straight track. If the water is calm, start with the size 75 or 90. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thebassfishinglife_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_9',138,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thebassfishinglife_com-medrectangle-3-0');These two models create the perfect amount of surface ripple in slick conditions. It's best to fish the Loon Whopper Plopper around heavy vegetation when targeting larger bass. smalljaw67 Super User 4.9k 16 Location PA My PB: Between 6-7 lbs Favorite Bass: Smallmouth Favorite Lake or River Susquehanna River Super User Posted September 9, 2017 I found there are 3 in the 90 size that are killer for smallmouth. When targeting smallmouth bass with the Whopper Plopper I find the 90 and 110 sizes to be the most productive. Specifically, the two most important factors are the wind levels and the baitfish size. While other sizes may be better for different situations, this is the true bass fishing Whopper Plopper. Bass that had never seen it before went absolutely ballistic, and while the novelty of the lure has dimmed slightly, its still a remarkably exciting way to get both tentative and aggressive fish to make a move. It provides the same type of baitfish imitation as the Loon color in these situations. What color Whopper Plopper for smallmouth? So which topwater lures are the best for smallmouth bass? This lure has been around for decades and straight up catches fish. arlures.com, Duck's Dawg "My surface walker is made from solid wood with no internal weight or rattles," says designer Jim Duckworth. 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 ", Anglers often wonder what difference color on the sides and back of a topwater makes, as they assume bass only see the lure's belly. Smallmouths are so competitive, they often hit the feather, apparently thinking they're taking a minnow away from another fish. If you frequently switch between bass fishing and muskie or pike fishing, the 190 is the most versatile size. Most anglers work a walker with rod tip close to the water's surface. rapala.com, Redemption Outdoors Smack-N-Shad The brainchild of Ferlin Wynacht, this bait is unique, best described as a topwater dart bait. 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. 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. If you havent had a chance to throw this lure yet, then I would highly recommend giving this bait a try the next time you are craving that topwater bite.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tiltfishing_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_23',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); When Im fishing areas that have grass or heavy cover, my favorite topwater option is the buzz bait. The Booyah Buzz Blade is an all-around great buzz bait and is ideal for targeting smallmouth bass in grass and around heavey cover. 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." 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. The Rover is an absolute fun topwater lure to fish. If you have a chartreuse magic marker, try adding a few streaks to the underside of the bait's tail. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. ", "In building my baits," Duckworth adds, "I put silver glitter on the belly of natural-color wood topwaters. This is hands down one of the best topwater stream fishing lures on the market. Display as a link instead, On Buggs Island, Ive guided it through flooded buck brush where others might throw a spinnerbait. Known as one of the finest gator gar fisheries on the planet, the In-Fisherman Staff heads to the Trinity River in East Texas seeking this large toothy critter. Many anglers think that you need a ton of colors to be a great bass fisherman, but this is not true. There is no additional cost to you. 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. 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). . 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 ", "During summer, I fish walking baits and prop baits aggressively," Lefebre notes. 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. At this point the River2Sea Whopper Plopper is no longer a secret, and bass on your local lake or river may have seen it, but that doesnt mean its not an effective tool. Nothing will get your blood pumping quite like seeing a big smallmouth come up and crush your topwater bait. 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. ", ABT King Dawg "The ABT King Dawg is unlike any other lure on the market," says its designer Allen Borden. 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. The other groups of fishermen who use the Whopper Plopper 90 are kayakers, floaters, and stream waders. 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. *Darl Black, Cochranton, Pennsylvania, is a veteran outdoor writer and photographer. The size of the bass is also crucial. Some are remarkably similar to the original, while others put a new shine on the concept. While it can catch fish year-round in every body of water across the country, there are some situations where it performs better. In spring, I go with a prop bait. | While originally designed for bigger fish species, muskie anglers found out they were exceptional for bass. Your link has been automatically embedded. It has a great action and just the amount of spit and chug to draw any nearby bass in. 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. There may be a big boulder or hump sitting in deep water. 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. 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. If you choose 1-3 baits on this list, you're sure to catch tons of fish the next time you're out on the water. Whether bass are feeding on bluegill, bugs, baitfish, or birds, this bait gets bit. As a general rule, the more wind, the larger your topwater needs to get the bass's attention. The 130 Whopper Plopper has the classic sound that we all know and love. Because he called Minnesota home, Dahlberg was well-versed in musky jargon and tackle and brought the lure to the River2Sea tackle company. Read This Before Posting! This material may not be posted on another website. A 9ft 5wt may work well on the smaller rivers across Virginia but you will want a heavier rod on our larger rivers. You are given the option to unsubscribe at any time. It draws fish in from long distances so that you don't have to cover as much water to find bass in new lakes and rivers. Viewed from below, it looks like scales on a baitfish. Sunfish are an often overlooked prey species for bass that also need to be factored in to the decision making process. What color Whopper Plopper for smallmouth? - Bass Fishing Forums In other situations, lures with some hot colors chartreuse, orange, and hot pink produce better on clear lakes than shad colors. 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. 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. We may earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. And it's already in very high demand. Eliminate line twist by spooling baitcast and Ambush Predator is the Wrong Term for Bass - Here's Why. Whopper Plopper hooks for smallmouth - Bass Fishing Forums This a little more expensive compared to the other topwater lures on this list, but it will not disappoint and is well worth the price. Buzzbaits also offer anglers the opportunity to add plastic trailers that can entice wary bass to bite. The Remarkably Simple Guide On Where and When To Fish Each Size Whopper This site is owned and operated by Aaron Warner. He has contributed many features to Bass Guide. Overall, the dark profile it has on the surface of the water is super realistic. You cannot paste images directly. When using mono or copolymer, its feasible and advisable to go slightly stiffer on the rod choice than you would with braid. link to How Often Should You Change Fishing Line? In-Fisherman's Thomas Allen fishes with pro walleye angler Ross Grothe as they target aggressive walleyes in shallow, weedy water. Throwing topwater lures for smallmouth best is one of my all-time favorite way to fish. You can post now and register later. Upload or insert images from URL. The Whopper Plopper comes in a 90, 130 and 190 size and is available in both rattling and silent versions. And if you are only using a spinning rod then this is a great size bait. We may earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. Water depth doesn't much matter. The dark paint color casts a realistic shadow in the water, bring fish in from long distances. If you ever come across floating grass mats and hear a distinct popping sound, throwing this bait will surely catch a huge fish. "I'm not saying other styles don't catch fish, but that side-to-side action, fished with the right cadence, works for me. Depending on how the bass bite, anglers can speed up or slow down the bait. Mostly because I managed to lose the one we had in a tree Lol. "Topwater fishing for smallmouths has always been a blend of folklore and fact," explains Tennessee smallmouth guide Jim Duckworth. Every bass fishing angler that throws topwater lures needs to have the Zara Spook in their arsenal. Smallmouths can be picky about what they want often a walking bait. Walking a plug on the surface requires developing a rhythm between rod tip and lure action. Choosing a Whopper Plopper Based on the Wind. What is the Best Size Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth of 2022 I like to throw the lure out, retrieve it, and then listen. I like it for finessing smallmouths in tough situations," Duckworth says. ", Evers: "I favor braided line. It has the perfect imitation of an animal struggling and trying to stay afloat. It has a simplistic presentation that works well in dirtier waters. If theyre super-aggressive and want to chase a lure, theyll come a long way to destroy it. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. . ", Duckworth: "I spend summer days on Center Hill Reservoir, a clear highland reservoir in central Tennessee. Doug Stange talks about how versatile a swimbait hook is for multiple rigging options. The right lure has the ability to pull in and draw strikes from big smallmouth and are a blast to fish. 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. It's the most popular Whopper Plopper color because the design has a natural look that catches a ton of fish. He also owns Bass Fishing Life Coffee Co. and a video production business focusing on the outdoors industry. 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;}. I have never fished one, only seen pictures. 10 Best Size Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth Reviews 01 River2Sea Whopper Plopper 75 Blue Blood WPL75/08 Topwater Surface Bait Lure. Evers: "The effectiveness of topwaters during summer is related to water clarity. Length: 3 inches (75mm) Weight: 9/16 ounce Hooks: #4 Rattle: No Whopper Plopper 90 BassTackleLures.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. So what are the best topwater lures for smallmouth bass? If thats not your style, consider monofilament or copolymer lines, which have more stretch. Although I have seen other anglers have success with the bigger sizes as well. Some anglers get their Ploppers custom-painted, but River2Sea produces a wide enough array that such extraordinary efforts seem excessive. For smallmouths, though, I cover water as I would with a spinnerbait. Package weight : 0.023 kilograms. Storm's Chug Bug has long been a favorite, and Rapala's new X-Rap Pop has my attention. "You can't go wrong with black; in clear water, I like Flitter Shad; for off-color water, it's bone. The River2Sea Whopper Plopper takes advantage of largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass at both extremes of the behavioral spectrum. On occasion, I hook bass on both the feather treble and the lure. In dirty and heavily stained water, solid colors like black are going to be the first out of the box. Only use high quality hooks.Go with natural colored baits in clear water.
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