When fish have better visibility, they're often better at discerning between real and fake presentations. - YouTube Whopper Plopper Smallie Action! As topwater fishing has gained popularity, the River2Sea Whopper Plopper has become a household name. 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. If you see lots of anglers throwing a Whopper Plopper on a nice summer evening, then a buzzbait will likely be the lure of choice since it is not quite as popular at the moment. It can be a great choice for bigger bass since large fish are more likely to strike larger presentations. There are many varieties and styles, but there are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing the right bait. It would be best if you also tried to closely match your lure size to the baitfish the bass are feeding on. I really like the Phantom Shad in gin clear water when there is sun, Powder for the same gin clear water with it being overcast or low light, and Loon if there is any stain at all to the water. But the bass were barely getting hooked or following the Whopper Plopper and then turning away. . These days anglers have a ton of different topwater lures to choose from. When attempting to match minnows I will stick with the grays, silvers, and whites. Into this mix came legendary globe-trotting multispecies expert Larry Dahlberg. Choosing the best whopper plopper for smallmouth bass can be a daunting task. 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. 9 Best Smallmouth Bass Lures For This Season. We have a selection of our favorites at the bottom of the page, or have a look at this one (our favorite). Bass actively hunt Steve Rogers has worked over two decades in every facet of the outdoors industry. In clean water the color choice has a more noticeable impact on the quality and amount of bites an angler gets. They include: Even River2Sea got into the act, creating a Double Plopper Buzzbait with mini propellers where the metal blades would normally go. It is also important to take into consideration what other anglers are throwing since bass will develop a memory from negative stimulus. The MOST Overlooked Walleye Presentation!! On Buggs Island, Ive guided it through flooded buck brush where others might throw a spinnerbait. Favorites include Rapala's Skitter Walk, Skitter Pop, and Skitter Prop, and a modified buzzbait plus an old Luhr Jensen Johnny Rattler. Another situation where the Whopper Plopper 190 outperforms is when it gets super windy. It can even catch fish in big lakes if it's fished along the grass line close to shore. But that's not the case, says Balog. One of the best value and performance buzz baits out on the market is the Booyah Buzz Blade. 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. The other groups of fishermen who use the Whopper Plopper 90 are kayakers, floaters, and stream waders. 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. In a stronger wind, the two largest versions get top billing. 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. When River2Sea released their Whopper Plopper topwater lures it was obvious that they would become super popular. They also had buzzbaits upon which a blade rotated on a wire. 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. Florida strain bass have been known to prefer larger topwaters. I hope it will help you to take final decision for Best Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth Bass. arlures.com, Duck's Dawg "My surface walker is made from solid wood with no internal weight or rattles," says designer Jim Duckworth. The size of the bass is also crucial. While not as versatile, the Powder White Color Whopper Plopper is a necessity for smallmouth bass anglers. But based on time of year or mood of the fish, sometimes it's a popper, prop bait, or buzzer. As a general rule, the more wind, the larger your topwater needs to get the bass's attention. Selecting the right Whopper Plopper for the conditions is key to getting the most from the lure. We may earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. I was catching 2 to 4 pound bass, and even some very aggressive rock bass. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. But based on time of year or mood of the fish, sometimes it's a popper, prop bait, or buzzer. When the bass are hitting the lure aggressively and engulfing it you can be rest-assured the color and retrieve speed are dialed in. Package weight : 0.023 kilograms. Nothing will get your blood pumping quite like seeing a big smallmouth come up and crush your topwater bait. That's when the fun begins. In truth, opportunities to catch smallmouths on top arise throughout the day, from late spring into the late fall. Doug Stange and Bret Alexander demonstrate how to put your eyesight to work. The bait's twirling tail does all the work for you making it super beginner-friendly. The Whopper Plopper comes in both an original and silent version to help you to adapt to the mood of the fish. All In-Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. In recent years, few lures have garnered as much attention as the River2Sea Whopper Plopper and for good reason. You can mix up the action and colors by adding different trailers and the versatility is unbelievable. I also was . Use this bait when you're fishing big lakes such as Lake Fork or Sam Rayburn. "Topwater fishing for smallmouths has always been a blend of folklore and fact," explains Tennessee smallmouth guide Jim Duckworth. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below. ", Balog: "When the water explodes, anglers often are too quick with a hook-set. Steve spends his time filming and writing about bass fishing. This is critical. It has the perfect imitation of an animal struggling and trying to stay afloat. link to How Often Should You Change Fishing Line? Storm's Chug Bug has long been a favorite, and Rapala's new X-Rap Pop has my attention. This decision is also based on the forage, but water clarity is a factor as well. 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;}. 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. Your previous content has been restored. In-Fisherman's Thomas Allen fishes with pro walleye angler Ross Grothe as they target aggressive walleyes in shallow, weedy water. The rotating tail of the Whopper Plopper acts like a propeller and creates lots of noise and attention. Depending on how the bass bite, anglers can speed up or slow down the bait. When it comes down to it, the ideal Whopper Plopper size depends on your situation and location. Two of my favorite topwaters are ones I make Duck's Pup prop bait and Duck's Dawg walking bait. 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. 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. Favorites include Rapala's Skitter Walk, Skitter Pop, and Skitter Prop, and a modified buzzbait plus an old Luhr Jensen Johnny Rattler." Photo Gallery See all Photos If imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery, then tackle companies are the most sincere industry on earth. There seems to be something especially attractive to brown bass about the zig-zag motion of a walker. For calm water, the size 90 . The next downward rod snap slides the bait in the opposition direction. They are all smallmouth topwater winners and will help you catch a ton of fish. Retrieve so the blade barely sputters across the surface. Published Oct 21, 2021 9:31 AM EDT, We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. A unique model on this list is the River2Sea Whopper Plopper 75. Its a killer topwater lure and is one every bass fishing angler should have in their arsenal.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'tiltfishing_com-banner-1','ezslot_9',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'tiltfishing_com-banner-1','ezslot_10',110,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-banner-1-0_1'); .banner-1-multi-110{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. If 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. 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. link to Stop Fishing Line Twist - For Good! We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Every bass fishing angler that throws topwater lures needs to have the Zara Spook in their arsenal. In this situation, don't pause the lure keep it moving; speeding the retrieve challenges fish to run it down. HIGH QUALITY HOOK: 2 super-sharp hooks, excellent puncture ability, especially important for scholing striper and . Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth Bass Reviews. 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. on a windy day, opt for a 110 size or larger. Most anglers work a walker with rod tip close to the water's surface. 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. This bait has a blueish body, a clear bottom and very subtle Chartreuse accents. redemptionoutdoors.com, River2Sea Whopper Plopper "I didn't set out to make a smallmouth bait," says designer Larry Dahlberg. The lure has created a different sound signature and surface disturbance that bass have found irresistible. 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. Smallies may be aggressively guarding pods of fry, but too much commotion spooks these shallow fish. "It's a great alternative to a spinnerbait for fishing shallow in clear lakes." It features a tungsten ball bearing rattle that produces a unique and enticing sound. Display as a link instead, A 9ft 5wt may work well on the smaller rivers across Virginia but you will want a heavier rod on our larger rivers. 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. Best Smallmouth Bass Lures Reviewed 1. In an explosion of white spray and bronze flash, the lure disappears before your eyes and a wild aerial show is likely to follow. Topwater lures are most effective in the hours that mark the transition period of dawn and dusk. The River2Sea Whopper Plopper takes advantage of largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass at both extremes of the behavioral spectrum. (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;}. 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. 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. 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. 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. Baitfish size is also important. 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 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! if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thebassfishinglife_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',151,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thebassfishinglife_com-medrectangle-4-0');The waters I fish, with plenty of minnows and sunfish, see lots of action from the size 75, 90, and the 110 on windy days. Every angler should have a red topwater bait in their tackle box. I've been using it in a shallow clear river. Nor may it be copied, published, rewritten, or redistributed. While other sizes may be better for different situations, this is the true bass fishing Whopper Plopper. 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. River2Sea has now made an entire line of these baits with great Whopper Plopper colors. Favorite Bass: Largemouth & Smallmouth Favorite Lake or River Grindstone Lake in Hayward Wisconsin Posted September 6, 2017 Size 90 in Perch pattern for Smallmouth and the 110 for Largies in Bone. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. 10 Best Size Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth Reviews 01 River2Sea Whopper Plopper 75 Blue Blood WPL75/08 Topwater Surface Bait Lure. 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. On the hottest summer days, I also fish a buzzbait. The Delta Craw Whopper Plopper is a great option for anglers who don't yet have this type of lure. It reduces casting distance, creates huge snarls, and leads to re-spooling which costs more money. I have never fished one, only seen pictures. When a slight chop forms on the water, the 90 or 110 will get the job done. It's one of the best red-colored bass baits because of its floating topwater design. Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. If so, stop and say "hi.". I slowed the bait down to a methodical gurgle and the bite drastically improved. Fluorocarbon, which sinks, is not a good choice. The total distance of downward rod tip movement is typically 6 to 12 inches. Just as the River2Sea version of the Whopper Plopper was derivative of pre-existing lures, once it hit the bass world it spawned a host of copycats and successors. This lure has been around for decades and straight up catches fish. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Poppers, buzzbaits, ploppers, walking baits, wakebaits have all been proven tactics that can catch a lot of fish.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'tiltfishing_com-box-3','ezslot_7',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-box-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'tiltfishing_com-box-3','ezslot_8',106,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tiltfishing_com-box-3-0_1'); .box-3-multi-106{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Its key to match your chosen River2Sea Whopper Plopper not only to the size of the baitfish and the appetite of the resident bass, but also to the sound profile that they demand. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Cabelas was out, but Fisherman's Central in Akron had them so I picked up the Loon color. 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. Some anglers take those props off of the wire and peg them in front of buzz toads and other soft plastics for a weedless noisemaker. . 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. 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. They both generate substantial noise on even a slow, steady retrieve, but one with small glass beads inside makes even more of a commotion. 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. Later in the season, lots of splashing typically attracts them.". Product Type: FISHING_EQUIPMENT. Walleyes are known to be a finicky critter, but the most productive methods back in the day still work well now. 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;}. 2 thoughts on "Best Color Whopper Plopper for Every Condition" andrew. 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. This Whopper Plopper Bone Color is the third-best pattern of this popular topwater lure. It can be a great choice for bigger bass since large fish are more likely to strike larger presentations. The clearer the water the more natural the colors. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Privacy Statement. . All Rights Reserved. The attention to detail in the paintwork gives it a near-identical appearance to many baitfish. We'll dive right in and discuss the best Whopper Plopper colors that River2Sea offers. Another all-time great topwater lure for smallmouth bass is the Jitterbug by Arbogast. You cannot paste images directly. The bait's twirling tail does all the work for you making it super beginner-friendly. 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. 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. ", Evers: "I favor braided line. With three treble hooks, fish are readily hooked. Smallmouth Bass are known to prefer smaller profile baits, especially in the fall when they feed on juvenile baitfish such as shad. Wait until you feel the weight of the fish on the line before setting. The River2Sea Whopper Plopper 90 is a secret weapon that experienced anglers use. Ive learned over the years that selecting the right topwater lure when targeting smallmouth bass is absolutely critical. There is nothing quite like it. This realization came when anglers started to catch more bass than the species they were targeting with these lures. ", "For smallmouths, I rely solely on walking-style baits," says Balog. ", "During summer, I fish walking baits and prop baits aggressively," Lefebre notes. Most of all, dont forget to check your hooks and split rings throughout the course of the day. Those excel when youre dialed into a particular form of prey, but remember that the bass are only looking at the belly of the bait. In the early morning or low light conditions, this lure is unstoppable. I rely on them summer and fall. Manage Settings In-Fisherman takes a quick trip through time to look back at some great fishing memories, fun tips and a lot of learning experiences. The River2Sea Whopper Plopper 130 size is great for bass fishing. Smallmouth Bass are known to prefer smaller profile baits, especially in the fall when they feed on juvenile baitfish such as shad. 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's adorned with detailed X-Style Finish and Flash Feather Teaser Tail. . BassTackleLures.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. On flat-calm days, when bass feed on small baitfish, I use transparent baits. For example, many anglers have been led to believe surface baits are rarely effective outside early morning and late evening. If you frequently switch between bass fishing and muskie or pike fishing, the 190 is the most versatile size. 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. A properly constructed walker slides either left or right when given slack. 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. If you can afford multiple bait styles, the Whopper Plopper Monkey Butt Color is a phenomenal bait. Thanks to the smallmouth's preference for forage and crayfish, crankbaits are a great option for smallies in moving water and rocky situations. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. 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. 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