Imagine a warm, sunny day. You cast your line, and suddenly, the water explodes! A big bass leaps out of the water, chasing your lure. That thrilling moment is what topwater fishing is all about. It’s one of the most exciting ways to catch bass, and the visual of a fish attacking your lure right on the surface is hard to beat.
But let’s be honest, picking the perfect topwater lure can feel overwhelming. There are so many shapes, sizes, and actions out there! Do you need a popper, a walker, or a frog? Which one works best when the bass are finicky? It’s easy to feel lost in the sea of choices, and that can lead to frustrating days on the water with no bites.
This post is here to help you cut through the confusion. We’ll dive into the different types of topwater lures and explain what makes each one so effective. By the end, you’ll know exactly which lures to reach for in different situations, helping you have more explosive bites and successful fishing trips. Get ready to master the art of topwater fishing!
Our Top 5 Topwater Lures For Bass Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Topwater Lures For Bass Detailed Reviews
1. 5Pcs Topwater Frog Lures Sets with Bait Box
Rating: 8.7/10
Ready to upgrade your fishing game? This 5-piece topwater frog lure set brings the action to the surface! It includes three larger 13G frog lures and two smaller 8G ones, plus a handy bait box. These lures are designed to mimic real frogs, making them irresistible to bass, snakehead, trout, and pike. They’re perfect for tackling different fishing spots and situations.
What We Like:
- Realistic Design: The frogs look and move like the real thing in the water. Their colorful legs create ripples that attract fish.
- Effective for Many Fish: Bass, snakehead, trout, and pike love these lures.
- High-Quality Build: They have a super soft body and sharp stainless steel hooks that hold onto big catches.
- Weedless Action: The weedless design lets them move easily through thick cover, provoking aggressive strikes.
- Great Gift Idea: This set makes a fantastic present for any angler on special occasions.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t mention if the bait box is also weedless or if it can be used in saltwater.
This frog lure set is a fantastic addition to any angler’s tackle box, offering realistic action and a high chance of landing your next big catch.
2. TRUSCEND Top Water Fishing Lures with BKK Hooks
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to reel in some serious catches with the TRUSCEND Top Water Fishing Lures! These lures are designed to get the attention of big fish like bass, catfish, and pike. They create a lot of splashing and noise on the water’s surface, making it impossible for hungry fish to ignore them.
What We Like:
- The unique double-blade tail spins and sputters, creating irresistible noise and commotion.
- When a fish bites, the tail closes, helping to keep them hooked and prevent them from spitting out the lure.
- They are easy to cast far thanks to the extra weight on the belly.
- The lures look incredibly realistic with 3D holographic eyes and hand-coated bodies with fish scales.
- They are made from strong ABS material and have sharp, rust-proof treble hooks that are great for catching tough fish.
- TRUSCEND offers a 12-month warranty and great customer service, so you can buy with confidence.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the description highlights effectiveness, some anglers might prefer a wider variety of specific fish species targeting options in the color patterns.
These lures are a fantastic choice for any angler looking to attract aggressive topwater strikes. They combine realistic looks with effective action, giving you a real edge when fishing.
3. LENPABY 5pcs Frog Lure Ray Frog Topwater Fishing Crankbait Lures/Artificial Soft Bait 5.5CM 8G Soft Tube Bait
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to reel in some serious catches with the LENPABY 5pcs Frog Lure set! These topwater fishing lures are designed to look and act just like real frogs. They’re perfect for catching bass and snakehead in freshwater. The soft bait design makes them super realistic, and they’re built tough for all your fishing adventures.
What We Like:
- These lures perfectly copy real frogs, giving them lifelike swimming moves in the water.
- The 3D eyes make them super attractive to fish, helping you catch more.
- They come in bright colors that grab the attention of big fish.
- The lures have a smooth and fast diving action, making them exciting to use.
- The weedless design means you can fish in areas with lots of weeds without getting snagged.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 5.5cm size might be a bit small for some of the really large predatory fish.
- While great for bass and snakehead, their effectiveness on other freshwater species might vary.
These LENPABY frog lures are a fantastic addition to any angler’s tackle box. You’ll love how they bring your fishing trips to life!
4. Rebel Lures Pop-R Topwater Popper Fishing Lure
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready for some serious topwater action with the Rebel Lures Pop-R Topwater Popper Fishing Lure, Triple Threat 3 Pack! This pack gives you three of the most effective Pop-Rs, loaded with the best colors to catch big bass. If you love the thrill of topwater fishing, this lure is made for you.
What We Like:
- Includes three of the most productive Pop-R lures, ensuring you have the right bait for bass.
- Comes in three top bass-catching color patterns: Foxy Momma, Foxy Shad, and Foxy Lady.
- The Rebel Pop-R has been a top choice for anglers for over 30 years, proving its reliability.
- This legendary lure has helped anglers win a lot of money in bass tournaments.
- It’s designed for exciting topwater fun and offers a great outdoor lifestyle experience.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1/4 oz size might be a bit light for casting in very windy conditions or across long distances.
- While the colors are great, a wider variety of color options in future triple threat packs would be a bonus for different water conditions.
The Rebel Pop-R Triple Threat pack is a fantastic way to experience proven topwater success. Grab this pack and get ready to bring in those bass!
5. RTGSE 10Pcs Whopper Fishing Lure for Bass Popper Top Water Fishing Lures with Floating Rotating Tail Barb Treble Hooks in Saltwater Freshwater Plopping Lures Kit
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready to reel in some serious fish with the RTGSE Whopper Fishing Lure Kit! This 10-piece set is designed for topwater action that bass and other predatory fish can’t resist. Each lure is crafted to create a commotion on the water’s surface, mimicking wounded baitfish and drawing strikes.
What We Like:
- Unique Design: The two-section body with a spinning, cupped tail creates awesome turbulence and splashing, like a buzzbait, but with the advantage of stopping and staying put.
- Versatile Retrieve: You can speed it up for a “swamp buggy” action or use a slower, jerking retrieve. This lure works at many different speeds.
- Targeted Attraction: The multi-layered reflective finishes, natural colors, and 3D lifelike eyes are designed to grab fish’s attention.
- Strategic Action: You can rip it near cover to create spray without moving the lure too far, perfect for enticing hesitant fish.
- Wide Range of Fish: These lures are effective for musky, pike, bass, aspius, yellow perch, and more in both saltwater and freshwater.
- Great Value: You get 10 lures, each 9 cm long and weighing 13g, in a variety of colors to match different fishing conditions.
What Could Be Improved:
- The spinning tail might be susceptible to damage if the lure is repeatedly snagged.
- While versatile, mastering the optimal speed for different conditions might take a little practice.
This RTGSE Whopper Fishing Lure Kit offers a fantastic way to add excitement and effectiveness to your fishing trips. Its innovative design and broad appeal make it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box.
Topwater Lures for Bass: Make a Splash!
Catching bass on a topwater lure is exciting! It’s when the fish explodes on the surface to grab your lure. This guide helps you pick the best topwater lures for your next fishing trip.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you buy a topwater lure, think about these important things:
- Action: How the lure moves in the water. Some wiggle, some pop, and some walk the dog.
- Sound: Some lures make noise. Rattles or buzzing blades can attract fish.
- Size and Weight: Match the lure size to the baitfish in the water. Heavier lures cast farther.
- Color: Bright colors work well on sunny days. Darker colors are good for cloudy days or murky water.
- Hook Quality: Sharp hooks help you catch and keep the fish.
2. Important Materials
Topwater lures are made from different things:
- Plastic: Most topwater lures are plastic. This makes them float.
- Wood: Some older or premium lures are made of wood. They often have a natural feel.
- Metal: Propellers or blades on lures are usually metal. They add flash and sound.
- Feathers or Skirts: These add movement and can look like a real fish’s tail.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Here’s what makes a topwater lure great or not so great:
- Good Quality:
- Strong, sharp hooks.
- Durable paint that doesn’t chip easily.
- Lures that float well and have a consistent action.
- Secure attachments for hooks and propellers.
- Lower Quality:
- Dull or weak hooks.
- Paint that flakes off after a few uses.
- Lures that sink or have a wobbly, unpredictable action.
- Parts that fall off easily.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use a topwater lure matters. Bass often hit these lures when they are actively feeding.
- When to Use: Topwater lures are best in warmer months when bass are shallow. Early morning and late evening are prime times.
- Where to Use: Fish them around cover like lily pads, docks, and fallen trees. Shallow flats and creek channels are also good spots.
- How to Use:
- Poppers: Jerk the rod tip to make the lure spit water.
- Walk-the-Dog Lures: Reel with a steady cadence and twitch the rod tip back and forth.
- Prop Baits: Reel them in steadily to make the propeller spin and attract fish.
- What to Expect: You’ll get exciting surface strikes! Be ready to set the hook when a fish hits.
Choosing the right topwater lure can make your fishing trips more successful and thrilling. Happy fishing!
Topwater Lures for Bass: Your Questions Answered
Q: What is a topwater lure?
A: A topwater lure is a fishing lure that stays on the surface of the water. Bass hit it from below, making a splashy attack.
Q: Why are topwater lures exciting to use?
A: They create an exciting visual strike. You see the bass attack the lure right on the surface.
Q: What are the most popular types of topwater lures?
A: Popular types include poppers, stickbaits (walk-the-dog lures), prop baits, and frogs.
Q: What makes a topwater lure “walk the dog”?
A: A “walk-the-dog” action means the lure moves side to side in a zigzag pattern when you twitch the rod.
Q: When is the best time of year to use topwater lures for bass?
A: Spring, summer, and early fall are usually the best times. The water needs to be warm enough for bass to be shallow and aggressive.
Q: What kind of weather is best for topwater fishing?
A: Overcast days and calm mornings or evenings are often great. However, bass can hit topwater lures in many conditions.
Q: Should I use a topwater lure if the water is very clear?
A: Yes, but choose natural colors like white, silver, or shad patterns. Sometimes a more subtle action works better in clear water.
Q: What if the bass are not hitting the topwater lure?
A: Try changing the retrieve speed or action. You can also try a different color or a different type of topwater lure.
Q: What kind of fishing rod and reel should I use for topwater lures?
A: A medium-heavy action casting rod is common. A baitcasting reel with a good drag system is also recommended.
Q: How do I set the hook when a bass strikes a topwater lure?
A: Wait for the fish to actually take the lure into its mouth before you set the hook. Then, reel down slightly and sweep the rod upward to set the hook.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.