So what are the best topwater lures for smallmouth bass? Probe deeper pools, runs, undercut … The popper is a great option when fishing for bass around tight cover or out in the open on clear water flats.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'tiltfishing_com-leader-1','ezslot_4',112,'0','0'])); Perhaps the most popular and affordable popper is the Rebel Pop-R. Conditions can change throughout the fishing day. The blades on this bait creates a loud clatter that will annoy any nearby bass so much that they’ll have to smack it. We recommend 5/8 Oz. Every bass fishing angler that throws topwater lures needs to have the Zara Spook in their arsenal. One of my all-time favorite topwater lures to target smallmouth bass with is a popper. If the water is murky, a bright lure works better. So how do you best take advantage of the opportunity? Only use high quality hooks.Go with natural colored baits in clear water. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'tiltfishing_com-box-4','ezslot_5',109,'0','0'])); The right size, action, style, sound and color can all play a major role in your fishing success. More specifically, hard suspending jerkbaits like a Rapala X-Rap and soft jerkbaits like a Zoom Superfluke. Arguably the ultimate “go to” cold water bass lures are jerkbaits. But you can almost always rely on these lures to produce in the cooling water temperatures of the fall. Make sure to add this bait and technique to your bass fishing arsenal. Making it a great option to give the bass a different look. The Whopper Plopper comes in both an original and silent version to help you to adapt to the mood of the fish. Here are 10 tips that will help you catch more bass on topwater lures: So when is the best time to use topwater lures? A short afternoon rain shower triggered good topwater action here. Latest. You're scraping ice off the windshield, as the truck sputters and grumpily tries to warm its interior. However, this lure is best presented by mastering the pitching and flipping tactics with your baitcaster. Learn how your comment data is processed. Your email address will not be published. These are great in deep clear water. It comes in a variety of different color options and bait sizes. However, walking the aisles of your local sporting goods or fishing store can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you are new to bass fishing. There is nothing like seeing a big bass blow up on your top water lure. The River2Sea Whopper Plopper has taken the bass fishing industry by storm recently and for good reason. Clean out your tackle box and stock these 15 winners instead. It’s 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. By David A. Recommended Top water Lures: Whopper Plopper, Zara Spook, Popper One of my favorite ways to catch bass in the spring, summer and fall is with top water lures. We had one lure that single-handily caught multiple mutant size smallmouth bass in Lake Erie when I a kid. Best Baits: 15 Greatest Lures for Smallmouth Bass. The combination of action and sound is second to none. Best Smallmouth Bass Lures Reviewed 1. Here are five can't-miss tactics for catching clear water smallmouth: VanDam: Coax them with jerkbaits. Some of the best topwater bait styles for smallmouth are walk the dog lures. The Surge in Gun and Ammo Sales Has Created a Boom in Wildlife Conservation Funding . The great thing about jerkbaits is that when they are in the water they create the same convulsive movements of small fish eaten by smallmouth bass and can call fish from a long distance. 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. Tubes are typically hopped along the bottom mimicking crayfish or baitfish. It’s an all-around solid popper that will help you catch a ton of fish. Like other smallmouth bass lures, spinnerbaits come in a wide variety of colors. This action often triggers a massive feeding instinct because it resembles a school of baitfish. Water Clarity determine how fish function. Everything Smallmouth - Smallmouth Fishing Tips, Articles and Videos Everyday. Poppers, buzzbaits, ploppers, walking baits, wakebaits have all been proven tactics that can catch a lot of fish.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'tiltfishing_com-box-3','ezslot_9',106,'0','0'])); However, over the years I’ve learned the hard way that there are certain topwater lures that outperform others when fishing for smallmouth’s. At Tilt Fishing we do that by creating articles, videos, and helpful content that is dedicated to helping you improve as an angler and in turn enhance your fishing experience in the great outdoors. It has a great action and just the amount of spit and chug to draw any nearby bass in. Zoom Ultravibe Craw (Best Overall Smallmouth Lure) 2. In soft plastic baits, that means natural greens and browns and shad colors; for hardbaits, starting with a shad, bluegill, frog, or crawfish-patterned lure is a … The food for these bass will generally be found in these areas and it also provides them a place to hide from the sun. That is exactly what we are going to discuss in this article.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'tiltfishing_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',107,'0','0'])); If you have ever fished a topwater lure for bass, then you know that it’s the most exciting and addicting way to catch fish.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'tiltfishing_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',108,'0','0'])); 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. These transition periods are going to be the best time to throw topwater lures.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'tiltfishing_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_17',118,'0','0'])); However, you can effectively throw topwater lures all day, especially when its cloudy or you find areas with shade. There are certain lures that are especially great for fall bass fishing. One of the best value and performance buzz baits out on the market is the Booyah Buzz Blade. However, just throwing your bait into the water will not be sufficient. I’ve learned over the years that selecting the right topwater lure when targeting smallmouth bass is absolutely critical. Instead, try a green or brown jig that resembles a crayfish. You can find both large and smallmouth bass in the same river or lake but where you find them exactly will differ significantly. More Gone Fishin. Smallmouth bass are attracted to lures which resemble small fish or crawdads so you will need to use the lures which have color and create quick movements similar to their usual meals. – Photo by Tim Holschalg. While throwing this lure over the years, I’ve been super impressed with its drawing power. Cold Water Bass Fishing: Jerkbait The jerkbait is a staple of cold water fishing for smallmouth and largemouth anglers alike. In clear water, the smallmouth bass can see your lures clearly so these freshwater game fish who feed on crayfish, insects and baitfish must be tricked into hitting your offering. As far as colors go, you can’t go wrong with Bone, Monkey Butt & Bluegill but it’s always best to match your color based on the bass forage and fishing conditions.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'tiltfishing_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',111,'0','0'])); If you are fishing topwater for smallmouth bass than the Whopper Plopper is a must have. So which topwater lures are the best for smallmouth bass? The sun will create a better reflection off the blade or bright colored smallmouth bass lure, and you’ll have an improved presentation as a result. You can also try small versions of the same lures you use for largemouth, as well as the mini-crankbaits made by Rebel and Yo-Zuri. My most productive non-ice fishing lures for winter time bass fishing. SWIMBAITS. Perhaps the most exciting way to catch smallmouth bass is with topwater lures. As a rule, in clear water greens, browns, and translucents will be more effective than blacks, blues, and chartreuses – for all lure categories. It’s a must have bait.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'tiltfishing_com-leader-2','ezslot_13',114,'0','0'])); 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. The Rover is an absolute fun topwater lure to fish. Make sure to check out My Recommended Bass Fishing Gear and Tackle Guide to ensure you have the right gear for your next fishing adventure. The right lure has the ability to pull in and draw strikes from big smallmouth and are a blast to fish. Baitfish will suspend in the water column during cold weather which makes a jerkbait a perfect choice for mimicking the forage bass are keying in on. 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. in natural colors like Brown and Black, trailed with a Curl Tail Grub. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It’s a killer topwater lure and is one every bass fishing angler should have in their arsenal.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'tiltfishing_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',110,'0','0'])); The Whopper Plopper comes in both an original and silent version to help you to adapt to the mood of the fish. Various approaches can produce fish during the fall, but some of the very best offerings come from your bag of soft-plastic lures. Using ten pound test flourocarbon will allow the jerkbait to create better action and reducing the chances of the line scaring off wary smallies. It might seem difficult because the water is clear but actually, there is an unexpected benefit because that means the bass can see your bait from a long distance and can come from 30 feet deep or 20 yards away to see what you have to offer. Learn and experiment with all types of topwater lures. A slamming strike is likely. "There's not another lure more efficient for covering ultraclear water quickly," he … 1. [VIdeo] River and Stream Hopping For Smallmouth Bass, [Video] Searching For Smallies: The River Eddy, [VIDEO] Wacky Jigging With Mike Iaconelli: Catch More Bass When The Bite Is Tough. Guns. James and Al Lindner give a primer of clear water bass fishing. 1. Guns . There is nothing quite like it. One of my favorite ways to target bass in grass and around cover is with a swim jig. Line selection can improve your chances of success. Cast to prime smallmouth hangouts such as eddies, logs near shore, lone rocks, or limestone ledges. Breathing in exhaust fumes as cold chills pulse down your spine as you hook the trailer to the hitch. One of my favorite things about the buzz bait is its versatility. If these techniques don’t work for you, there is nothing wrong with changing things up completely and throwing a wacky rigged Senko and allow it to sink and twitch while sitting on the bottom of the lake. Throwing topwater lures for smallmouth best is one of my all-time favorite way to fish. Make sure to use the right lines and equipment. Fishing for smallies in clear water doesn’t have to be frustrating. Best Topwater Smallmouth Bass Lures and Tactics. Wisconsin Rushes Through Late-Season Wolf Hunt. Having success as angler in a kayak is a... Our passion for fishing is what drives us to do everything possible to empower other anglers. If the day is overcast, use a solid color or a lure that is made of solid colors, white or a color that is in between green and blue and chartreuse is often productive. Twitch it again and wait. The great thing about jerkbaits is that when they are in the water they create the same convulsive movements of small fish eaten by smallmouth bass and can call fish from a long distance. Manipulate these lures as subtle topwater offerings first. Our general rule of thumb for the best lure color is that on dark days, use a dark color and when the conditions are bright, use a light colored lure. Smallmouth bass prefer cool, clear water and rocky habitat—characteristics that are hard to come by in Southern California’s warm, weedy bass lakes. You will need to manipulate your rod with short, quick thrusts followed by short pauses to make it resemble the action of prey. Conditions can change throughout the fishing day. Use topwater lure all-day, not just in the morning & night hours. Another great option in clear water is a white or white/chartreuse spinnerbait with willow leaf blades that is burned with a 6 or 7 to 1 gear ratio baitcaster just below the surface. June 14, 2013 By Tim Holschlag. This site is owned and operated by Aaron Warner. My favorite top water lures to use in clear water are the Zara Spook, Poppers and the Whopper Plopper. If you don’t mind spending a bit more for a premium bait than I’d highly recommend you pick up one of these poppers and give it a try, it will be well worth it.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'tiltfishing_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_11',115,'0','0'])); Another fantastic topwater lure designed and created by River2Sea is the Rover. Fish topwater lures in low-light conditions and at night. He has participated and won fishing tournaments all over the country and enjoys fishing for bass, trout, walleye and other species. It also comes in a variety of colors and sizes to help you best match the hatch. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'tiltfishing_com-leader-4','ezslot_15',116,'0','0'])); This bait is especially known for being a great night-time topwater lure, but also works great during the day as well. After all, when the water is clear, isn’t it hard to fool the bass into eating artificial baits? A smallmouth faces upstream in the current. Current Lake Texoma smallmouth bass fishing record: Weight: 7.06 Length: 22.75 Date Caught: Jan 29, 2006 Angler: Jay Fuller Lure… This is my favorite choice for lakes that have clear water. Cast to prime targets and twitch the lure gently, then let it rest. Not only does it get a ton of bites, but it will also help you catch some giant smallmouth bass. In clear water though, that same jig looks unnatural and your results will suffer. When smallmouth bass are milling about the flats in shallow water and feeding on shiners and minnows, but won’t come up to take a topwater lure or jerkbait, a jig tipped with a three- to five-inch twister tail is unbeatable. Bass are focused on shad during the winter, and I prefer a suspending jerkbait for fishing around vertical structure, like main lake bluffs and bridges, this time of year. This lure has been around for decades and straight up catches fish. You have to know which lure is best for the situation. Hunting. Pitch this lure under hanging branches, boat lifts, or any other hard to reach cover. Best Bass Lures For Fall. You need to make sure that your lures have the correct … Another all-time great topwater lure for smallmouth bass is the Jitterbug by Arbogast. The second lure one can use is the tube jig or a drop shot with any variety of soft plastic minnow, worms or tubes. Whether you are brand new to fishing out of a kayak or you already an experience pro, every angler wants to catch more fish and become a better angler. Stock a few that specifically imitate crayfish—a prime smallmouth food. Of course lure selection should be based more on actual water temperature than the date on the calendar. Depending on the depth, 1/8 to 3/16th oz is often sufficient weight for your jig head. Jerkbaits have tremendous drawing power, which is why they're one of VanDam's favorites for clear water. 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. In clear water the best colors to use are natural patterns that are slightly transparent. Beginners should practice the first 4 lures before moving onto the Bass Jig. Let’s take a look. May 20, 2013. However, just throwing your bait into the water will not be sufficient. It’s a killer topwater lure and is one every bass fishing angler should have in their arsenal. Best Topwater Lures for Smallmouth Bass River2Sea Whopper Plopper . You need to make sure that your lures have the correct colors for the day and the fishing line is the correct weight.