If you’re chasing that heart-pounding moment when a bass smashes your lure on the surface, you need the right gear. Topwater lures are the ticket for explosive strikes and some serious bragging rights. These five picks will have you hooking big bass in no time, whether you’re fishing a calm lake or a choppy river. Let’s dive in and check out the best topwater lures to up your game.
This classic lure is a must for any tackle box. The Pop-R’s cupped mouth makes a loud “pop” when you jerk it, mimicking a struggling baitfish. It’s killer in early morning or late evening when bass are cruising shallow waters. I’ve had some epic days on a local pond with this bad boy - once had a 5-pounder hit so hard it nearly yanked the rod outta my hand! Works great in clear or stained water, just give it a few pops and pauses to drive those bass nuts.
The Zara Spook is all about that walk-the-dog action. Twitch your rod tip, and this lure zigzags across the water like a wounded minnow. It’s perfect for covering open water or working around docks. You gotta practice the rhythm, but once you nail it, bass can’t resist. I remember fishing a Spook at dusk on Lake Fork, and man, the strikes were so wild I thought I was in a movie. Stick with natural colors like shad or bone for best results.
Nothing beats the buzzbait for fast action on windy days or in weedy spots. That spinning blade churns up the water, calling bass from deep cover. It’s like ringing the dinner bell! Fish it steady or throw in some pauses to mix it up. I’ve seen buzzbaits pull fish from heavy grass where other lures just get hung up. Black or white works awesome, especially when the water’s a bit murky.
For fishing over lily pads or thick mats, a hollow-body frog is your go-to. It glides over junk without snagging and triggers monster blowups. Work it slow with short twitches to make it look like a real frog. I’ll never forget the time I tossed one into a slimy mat on a backwater creek - bam, a hog of a bass exploded on it! Green pumpkin or black are solid color choices for most lakes.
This lure’s a beast for big bass. Its tail spins like a prop, making a plopping sound that drives fish crazy. It’s great for long casts and covering water fast. You can fish it slow or burn it back to the boat. I’ve had some killer days with the Whopper Plopper on choppy reservoirs - last summer, I landed three bass over 4 pounds in one morning. Try the loon or bone color for some serious action.