River2Sea Whopper Plopper - Tackle Warehouse 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 other situations, lures with some hot colors chartreuse, orange, and hot pink produce better on clear lakes than shad colors. In-Fisherman's Rob Neumann profiles the Malone MegaSport kayak trailer and discusses why it's such a great trailer for the dedicated kayak angler. Steve spends his time filming and writing about bass fishing. Fishing The Walmart Whopper Plopper For River Smallies! 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. We recommend fishing the 110 as a last resort. 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. HIGH QUALITY HOOK: 2 super-sharp hooks, excellent puncture ability, especially important for scholing striper and . Bass actively hunt Steve Rogers has worked over two decades in every facet of the outdoors industry. 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. Not only does it get a ton of bites, but it will also help you catch some giant smallmouth bass. Nothing will get your blood pumping quite like seeing a big smallmouth come up and crush your topwater bait. 2 thoughts on "Best Color Whopper Plopper for Every Condition" andrew. And if you are only using a spinning rod then this is a great size bait. I slowed the bait down to a methodical gurgle and the bite drastically improved. Whopper Plopper vs Smallmouth Bass - YouTube When you know you'll be targeting smallies, fishing any other color on this list will be a waste of your time. So which topwater lures are the best for smallmouth bass? Here are 10 tips that will help you catch more bass on topwater lures: So when is the best time to use topwater lures? So, what's the best size Whopper Plopper then? Best Smallmouth Bass Lures (2021 Review) - Tactical Huntr It can be great when the bass are chasing juvenile shad, but it's not great for much else. "The original size Whopper Plopper was intended for muskie, but we had so many smallies blow up on it that we added a downsized model for bass. Whopper Plopper Smallie Action! Whopper Plopper Lures 2022 [#1 Whopper Plopper Guide] - Rogue Rods The smaller version does have its time and place and Watson says that is due to weather conditions and where he is fishing it. 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;}. I usually get the color they have in stock of which I'm currently using Monkey Butt. 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. Whopper Plopper 101: All There Is To Know About The Whopper Plopper Balog and Duckworth consider walking baits superb producers when brown bass chase preyfish on flats. For example, many anglers have been led to believe surface baits are rarely effective outside early morning and late evening. With three treble hooks, fish are readily hooked. Its battle tested and flat out catches both monster large and smallmouth bass. The Rover is an absolute fun topwater lure to fish. Everything You Need to Know About the Fishing the Whopper Plopper 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. Two of my favorite topwaters are ones I make Duck's Pup prop bait and Duck's Dawg walking bait. Its body also rotates to the side so one eye dips below the surface on each pull." ", ABT King Dawg "The ABT King Dawg is unlike any other lure on the market," says its designer Allen Borden. In-Fisherman TV producer Doug Stange examines classic smallmouth bass tactics that worked back in the day and still work wonders today anywhere that big smallies swim. 880469305041. 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. In this situation, don't pause the lure keep it moving; speeding the retrieve challenges fish to run it down. If you can afford the Whopper Plopper Bone, Monkey Butt, and Loon, you'll be ready for any fishing situation. Another all-time great topwater lure for smallmouth bass is the Jitterbug by Arbogast. So what are the best topwater lures for smallmouth bass? 01 River2Sea WPL90/12 Whopper Plopper. 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. It's one of the best red-colored bass baits because of its floating topwater design. River2Sea Whopper Plopper Highly regarded as one of the deadliest lures on the water today, the River2Sea Whopper Plopper is a total game changer. Experienced anglers know that in order to draw in smallmouth bass and get them to take your lure on the surface, you need to make sure you have the best topwater lure tied on based on the fishing conditions. This surface lure does a great job of pulling bass from cover. Since that time Ive had success with it on the Amazon for peacock bass and wolffish, but where Ive really dialed in the lure is on my home bass waters. Its an all-around solid popper that will help you catch a ton of fish. If there is much debris on the water, a buzzbait will do a better job. A fun day of topwater action kayak fishing for angry river smallmouth bass with Walmart's budget version of a Whopper Plopper, the Ozark Trail topwater prop . Having the right topwater lures tied on can give you a huge advantage, but there are also some important things you should keep when target smallmouth bass on the surface. Top 10 Best Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth Bass In [2021] As a general rule, the more wind, the larger your topwater needs to get the bass's attention. In the early morning or low light conditions, this lure is unstoppable. I retrieve quickly over gravel bars, shallow rock-weed transitions, main-lake points, and offshore humps. BassTackleLures.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Later in the season, lots of splashing typically attracts them.". Many anglers think that you need a ton of colors to be a great bass fisherman, but this is not true. Doug Stange and Bret Alexander demonstrate how to put your eyesight to work. If I was going to have just 1 it would be Loon, that black works in all water clarities. Cast it out, reel it back, repeat. 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. Feathers wrapped and glued on the tail hook another must. | 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. By For river smallies, the Powder White 90 is the best size Whopper Plopper. The propeller on the back is molded in the perfect size, shape and attitude to work correctly right out of the package. The Remarkably Simple Guide On Where and When To Fish Each Size Whopper You can post now and register later. The Whopper Plopper - Best Bass Fishing Lures Best Smallmouth Bass Lures Reviewed 1. Almost always throw 130s i have multiples in loon and bone color. Length: 3 inches (75mm) Weight: 9/16 ounce Hooks: #4 Rattle: No Whopper Plopper 90 Our team is composed of passionate anglers who specialize in researching and recommending the best bass fishing tackle and equipment on the market. Experiment and vary the cadence, color, and size until the bite is solid. Use the 75 or 90 version if the baitfish are smaller and a larger Whopper Plopper for bigger baitfish, like gizzard shad. The River2Sea Whopper Plopper 130 size is great for bass fishing. 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. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Whopper Plopper Smallie Action! - YouTube Lefebre: "During fall, with water temps between 65F and 55F, I find success with a 1/8-ounce buzzbait retrieved slowly. When to Choose a Whopper Plopper Over a Buzzbait. The Whopper Plopper comes in a variety of 8 colors, and even if the from smaller forage minnow and shad sizes to giant 8-inch versions intended for musky and pike, if the large version seems too like it would be too much, think again, as they have caught some absolutely monstrous bass as well. Immediately returning the rod tip to its original position throws slack line to the bait. ", Lefebre: "Unless floating weeds interfere, I fish a hand-tied white feather treble ahead of the plug. Whopper Plopper Review | Outdoor Life The largest size you should consider when bass fishing is the Whopper Plopper 190. For fly fishing, 9 to 10 foot rods in the 6 to 8 wt range are best. 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;}. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Choosing a Whopper Plopper Based on the Forage. Once you cipher the proper rhythm, you can increase or decrease the cadence. All Rights Reserved. That's when the fun begins. "Topwater fishing for smallmouths has always been a blend of folklore and fact," explains Tennessee smallmouth guide Jim Duckworth. I have the larger sizes, but those are reserved for trips when I am fishing waters with lots of gizzard shad. He has participated and won fishing tournaments all over the country and enjoys fishing for bass, trout, walleye and other species. If you find yourself in conditions with a light wind and the bass are chasing small baitfish, this bait is amazing. From the late prespawn into the fall, it may not always be the single best tool for putting numbers of bass into the boat. The occasional cast with the Plopper keeps the bass honest and can help you round out a monster limit. When I hear the prop making the most noise I know I am using a great starting retrieve. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. I don't think it really matters except for the loon since it's black. We'll dive right in and discuss the best Whopper Plopper colors that River2Sea offers. For smallmouths, though, I cover water as I would with a spinnerbait. 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. ", Balog: "When the water explodes, anglers often are too quick with a hook-set. As topwater fishing has gained popularity, the River2Sea Whopper Plopper has become a household name. The subtle profile looks just like a baitfish trying to escape a bass on the surface. Be safe and make sure to encourage someone today. Speeding the cadence makes the bait turn back and forth abruptly, throwing lots of water. Joe Balog, Great Lakes smallmouth guide and tournament angler, is quick to point out differences in topwater presentations between largemouths and smallmouths. A River2Sea Whopper Plopper, Berkley Choppo or similar style bait is my favorite topwater for river bronze . 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 the other hand, post-frontal or highly-pressured bass that are reluctant to bite even the most finesse-oriented presentations will sometimes attempt to make mincemeat of this gaudy, obnoxious lure. The other groups of fishermen who use the Whopper Plopper 90 are kayakers, floaters, and stream waders. The bait's twirling tail does all the work for you making it super beginner-friendly. 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. 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. On Buggs Island, Ive guided it through flooded buck brush where others might throw a spinnerbait. 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. The red and black combination is a deadly bass fishing pattern. ", Duckworth: "Super-sharp hooks are a must. 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;}. WPL75/08. If its in low light conditions, youll want to create a distinctive silhouette. Any self-respecting musky angler had a variety of gaudy, hard-gurgling plopping-style baits in their boattypically with a fixed, cigar-shaped front section, and a rotating tail by the back treble. Learn and experiment with all types of topwater lures. 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 The size and type of the 190 Whopper Plopper will depend on the conditions and the type of water you are fishing in. He also owns Bass Fishing Life Coffee Co. and a video production business focusing on the outdoors industry. If there were trout in the places I fish then the size 130 would get a good workout. That color's a great trigger for smallies. I don't limit myself to traditional walkers like a Zara Spook, but also fish chugger-style walking baits. One of the best value and performance buzz baits out on the market is the Booyah Buzz Blade. Because of its aerodynamic shapeand comparatively heavy weight-to-size ratioit can be cast a long way on appropriate tackle, even in a headwind or crosswind, situations in which the distinctive noise excels. BassTackleLures.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. But there are more factors to consider when targeting smallmouths. Bass apparently find it harder to judge size when the lure's clear. . (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;}. 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. Our team went through about 58665 reviews available online for Size Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth.We chose the finest ones, and prepared this list for you. The lure has created a different sound signature and surface disturbance that bass have found irresistible. While there are many conditions where either topwater will work, there are a few critical situations where I will pull out one over the other. 9 Best Smallmouth Bass Lures For This Season. Tight lines. Baitfish size is also important. . River2Sea Whopper Plopper | Karl's Bait & Tackle 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. The Whopper Plopper is a formidable topwater that offers anglers a variety of situations where it can shine.Choose the size based on wind conditions and the forage base. Thanks to the smallmouth's preference for forage and crayfish, crankbaits are a great option for smallies in moving water and rocky situations. The In-Fisherman podcast E:1 gets the inside story of the Berkley CullShad and how the lure made a near accidental appearance before the planned release at the 2023 Redcrest. Wait until you feel the weight of the fish on the line before setting. "On these lakes, topwaters can be effective over flats and humps any time of day," he says. Surface action isn't limited to traditional cigar-shaped lures like the Zara Spook, however. In the spring, bluegill have the same colors as this bait. 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 red and orange highlights on the underside of the lure are fantastic in stained or milky waters. I rely on them summer and fall. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. The Booyah Buzz Blade is an all-around great buzz bait and is ideal for targeting smallmouth bass in grass and around heavey cover. This may occur in October on the Great Lakes and a month or two later in Tennessee. Needless to say, the Whopper Plopper is the most popular topwater lure the world has ever seen. These days, there are a ton of different topwater lures out on the market, but not all are equally effective for smallmouth bass. ", According to Duckworth, "Poppers generally produce smaller bronzebacks. Just $1 per month , The ultimate guide to fishing the River2Sea Whopper Plopper, By This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies., link to Fishing Leader Length [Complete Guide]. The clearer the water the more natural the colors. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. . If you can afford multiple bait styles, the Whopper Plopper Monkey Butt Color is a phenomenal bait. It features a double-cupped lip that creates a loud rhythmic sound that any nearby bass will have a hard time resisting. This is the first item taken into consideration when deciding on what Whopper Plopper to pull out of the box. On occasion, I hook bass on both the feather treble and the lure. When observing bass in their natural environment it is clear that they pursue their food sources. It takes some of the best attributes of a cigar-shaped topwater and a buzzbait and combines them into an easy-to-fish combination. On flat-calm days, when bass feed on small baitfish, I use transparent baits. Repeated casts with buzzbaits and spinnerbaits wouldnt elicit a strike but the first throw of the Plopper produced results. And while it does OK in the prespawn and fall migration, this is not a lure youll rely on in the winter, except maybe in Florida, Mexico, or similar climates. This realization came when anglers started to catch more bass than the species they were targeting with these lures. A downward snap pulls the bait, creating forward momentum. Whether bass are feeding on bluegill, bugs, baitfish, or birds, this bait gets bit. That includes water temperatures down into the lower 50s, although the lure is at its best in the 60s or 70s. When there are small baitfish running around the bank, and when there's no wind at all, the 90 can be a blast to use. For the 130, a 7 foot heavy rod or medium swimbait setup will work fine, spooled with 50 pound braid or 20 pound mono. 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. It has a simplistic presentation that works well in dirtier waters. I fish a Rapala Skitter Pop with a slow pop-pop-pause motion, far slower than a summertime cadence. . I caught one on a yellow head ond three on a perchtoday at Hedges Pond, Plymouth, MA. 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. In a stronger wind try a model 110 or larger. Don't know if the original one floated or not. If you have been working the visible cover and then come to a long tapering point, be sure to work the lure the full length of the point. "For largemouths, I generally target isolated cover. ", Duckworth agrees, "The postspawn brings the first reliable topwater bite of the year. And on various local clear water lakes, I use it to parallel long docks, or traverse the tips of boat ramps, to generate strikes. If you frequently switch between bass fishing and muskie or pike fishing, the 190 is the most versatile size. This bait has a blueish body, a clear bottom and very subtle Chartreuse accents. What Is the Best Size Whopper Plopper Size? Bone and Loon are my choice as well. 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;}. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Can't go wrong with Bone and maybe a green like Chubby. Pete Robbins - YouTube Whopper Plopper Smallie Action! Use the 75 or 90 version if the baitfish are smaller and a larger Whopper Plopper for bigger baitfish, like gizzard shad. It's best to fish the Loon Whopper Plopper around heavy vegetation when targeting larger bass. Every angler should have a red topwater bait in their tackle box. The 130 Whopper Plopper has the classic sound that we all know and love. on a windy day, opt for a 110 size or larger. It can even catch fish in big lakes if it's fished along the grass line close to shore. When attempting to match minnows I will stick with the grays, silvers, and whites. 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 hottest summer days, I also fish a buzzbait. It features a tungsten ball bearing rattle that produces a unique and enticing sound. It can become one of those lures that catch fish every cast in the right circumstances. Top 10 Best Size Whopper Plopper For Smallmouth [2022] Favorites include Rapala's Skitter Walk, Skitter Pop, and Skitter Prop, and a modified buzzbait plus an old Luhr Jensen Johnny Rattler. . The attention to detail in the paintwork gives it a near-identical appearance to many baitfish. I'd go with a Whopper Plopper 110 for topwater fishing whether I'm chasing smallies or largemouth.