Bass fishing: Is there any topwater more effective/fun to use than the whopper plopper? I have tried buzz baits, which to me seem like a cheap, dated version of the whopper plopper but...

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I have tried buzz baits, which to me seem like a cheap, dated version of the whopper plopper but idk. It makes a cool sound, but unlike the plopper it sinks and so if you don’t start reeling before it hits the water you get hung up, as you are hitting the bank pretty much exclusively with top (at least I am.)

I have a spook puppy that I still haven’t even broken out yet because they can’t leave the whopper plopper alone. The loon 90 gets smacked ridiculously hard, all day everyday. I’ve heard walking the dog is difficult from a kayak too. What do you use?

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by Bill_Ps_G

DCGravity Loc: Fairfax, VA (by way of Cleveland OH)

For me and topwaters, nothing beats a hollow body frog. The blowups come out of nowhere and when they dive back down, horsing them back out is fun.

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Jitterbugs get a lot of attention, too! Lots of fun with those tied on.

Wetruby Loc: Clermont, Florida

Hello, Wetruby here. Question: What is a good spot for snappers angler fishing in Florida?

DCGravity Loc: Fairfax, VA (by way of Cleveland OH)

OJdidit wrote:

Jitterbugs get a lot of attention, too! Lots of fun with those tied on.

I've never thrown a jitterbug but would be willing to try. The appearance always struck me as too fake to fool a bass into thinking it was even edible. Any specific recommendations? Arbogast seems to have the market cornered.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

DCGravity wrote:

I've never thrown a jitterbug but would be willing to try. The appearance always struck me as too fake to fool a bass into thinking it was even edible. Any specific recommendations? Arbogast seems to have the market cornered.

Frog patterns usually work well in the morning DC. Black is the go to at night. I think the "Gurgle "brings them up more than the looks. Give them a try, still working after what, 75yrs, maybe more.

J in Cleveland Loc: Cleveland, Ohio

Wetruby wrote:

Hello, Wetruby here. Question: What is a good spot for snappers angler fishing in Florida?

I have no idea but if you start a thread with that as your question someone may know your answer.

DCGravity Loc: Fairfax, VA (by way of Cleveland OH)

Fredfish wrote:

Frog patterns usually work well in the morning DC. Black is the go to at night. I think the "Gurgle "brings them up more than the looks. Give them a try, still working after what, 75yrs, maybe more.

Same strategy for throwing frogs; that makes sense. Thanks!

rapala54 Loc: Nappanee,IN.

I use 11s Rapala mostly black and silver make it pop water and set then reel pop wait

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

DCGravity wrote:

Same strategy for throwing frogs; that makes sense. Thanks!

Sorry, I am slow to respond, but Fred is spot on (as usual). Bass are bass, they attack whatever they seem to think they can fit in their mouths. The noise calls them to the surface just like a Whopper Plopper, Choppo, Hula Popper, etc. The explosions are entertaining to say the least.

DCGravity Loc: Fairfax, VA (by way of Cleveland OH)

OJdidit wrote:

Sorry, I am slow to respond, but Fred is spot on (as usual). Bass are bass, they attack whatever they seem to think they can fit in their mouths. The noise calls them to the surface just like a Whopper Plopper, Choppo, Hula Popper, etc. The explosions are entertaining to say the least.

I figured with those forward fins it was basically a popper on steroids. I use topwater noisemakers (WP, props, poppers) primarily as spybait since from my experience, they're not as productive, at least in my usual waters, as other presentations, which I then follow it up with. Do you retrieve the jitterbug like a popper?

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

DCGravity wrote:

I figured with those forward fins it was basically a popper on steroids. I use topwater noisemakers (WP, props, poppers) primarily as spybait since from my experience, they're not as productive, at least in my usual waters, as other presentations, which I then follow it up with. Do you retrieve the jitterbug like a popper?

It depends on what type of cover you're fishing around. On the edge of a weed line, I cast it as close as possible, let it sit until the rings subside, and start a slow steady retrieve. I idea is to move it just fast enough to get it wiggling back and forth, producing the famous gurgling sound.
If you're fishing around wood, do the same cast and pause, then the same retrieve but only a few cranks, and pause until the rings subside and repeat. You don't ever really jerk it hard like a popper.

DCGravity Loc: Fairfax, VA (by way of Cleveland OH)

Fredfish wrote:

It depends on what type of cover you're fishing ar... (show quote)

Thanks, Fred. Appreciate the tips! So it naturally wiggles on a straight retrieve, you don't have to walk the dog?

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

My go to for pure fun is a deer hair popper on a fly rod. 2 to 3 inch including tail feathers. Expect an occasional monster bluegill and a lot of nips by smaller bluegill.

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

DCGravity wrote:

I've never thrown a jitterbug but would be willing to try. The appearance always struck me as too fake to fool a bass into thinking it was even edible. Any specific recommendations? Arbogast seems to have the market cornered.

The black ones at night can't be beat whether you use the jointed or even the musky one for bass fishing you can't go wrong When a fish hits a Jitterbug it's out to eat it Awsome strikes definatly give it a try you won't be sorry the lures been around for ever for a good reason it CATCHES FISH AND BIGGINS ALSO GOOD FOR SMALLIES IN THE SMALLER SIZES