Topwater Bass Baits: Small Ponds vs. Big Lakes 

In the sport of fishing, topwater explosions grab everyone’s attention. It’s the most visually appealing type of fishing there is. Whether it’s big striped bass, bluefin tuna, smallmouth bass or brown trout, any time you experience a surface bite is exciting. For some anglers, adrenaline peaks during the eruption, while others enjoy the chase and watching it all unfold. Without question, topwater fishing has stolen the hearts of anglers across the globe. 

When it comes to using topwater baits for bass fishing, there are so many different styles on the market to choose from. More importantly, how does one decide what to use in different-sized bodies of water? There are some key elements to look for in choosing the right topwater bait for the job. Whether you’re a bank beater trying to catch a good one before work, or a diehard tournament angler fishing some of the biggest bass lakes in the country, finding the right topwater bait can be the difference between a skunk and a banner outing. Here’s how I break down my topwater selection, whether it’s a small pond or a massive lake. 

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Match The Hatch…Sort Of

As with any style of fishing, “matching the hatch” to what the fish are feeding on is perhaps the biggest key to success. But, when it comes to topwater baits, there’s a different twist. Next time you dive into a pool or lake, swim to the bottom and look up. What do you see? You see the dark silhouette of whatever is on the surface, and bass see the same thing. This basically means that fish don’t care about color nearly as much when chasing a bait from below. Lure color, when topwater fishing, is intended to catch the eye of the fisherman more than the fish. What is most important is the size and shape (or profile) of the lure’s silhouette. The forage it imitates is what’s going to draw the most strikes. 

Determining what shape and style of bait to use makes the biggest difference in getting bites. In small ponds, get a good look and see what’s swimming around the bank. If you see lots of small invertebrates, like dragonflies, make sure you imitate the invertebrates. If you hear a lot of bullfrogs, a topwater frog lure of some sort will probably work. In bigger lakes, where many varieties of food are present for bass throughout the year, throw baits shaped to what they are feeding on during that season. In the fall, it could be schooling baitfish, like alewives. In the summer, it could be a bait shaped like a bluegill that gets a bit more attention. Deciphering what forage is abundantly present in your water body will help determine the best topwater bait to throw. 

Go Big or Go Home

In the big swimbaiting world, as well as in the saltwater arena, using extra-large baits is a huge part of fish-catching success. Some of these baits may look extremely out of the ordinary and nothing like what a fish would eat, but often times, they catch fish—and big ones, too. The key here is that big baits stand out from the crowd and have great drawing power. Bass are very curious creatures and opportunistic feeders, so when they see an easy meal that’s big and odd looking, they go right for it. 

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Many anglers never even think to throw big baits in small bodies of water, but large topwaters in smaller ponds can pay off big time. When I lived on Long Island, I used to fish a lot of our small ponds at night and throw the biggest, most obnoxious baits possible. In return, I was only awarded two or three fish for my efforts, but the fish that I caught were giants. 

In larger lakes and reservoirs, anglers are usually hesitant to throw big baits, especially for smallmouth. But don’t be fooled—even the smallies are curious and drawn to large, oversized lures. I used to be a big night fisherman on Candlewood Lake in Connecticut; I’d fish with a bunch of old timers and the front decks of their boats were loaded with obnoxiously-large topwaters. Giant Whopper Ploppers, Crawlers, and the most impressive, the musky-sized Jitterbugs, were always in rotation. The size of smallmouth that attacked these giant plugs was remarkable, and when I say that, I mean from opposite ends of the spectrum; there were some giant fish, and fish that were as big as the bait. Like I said before, bass are opportunistic feeders and will take any chance they can get at a meal. 

The Author’s Top Topwaters

When it comes to fishing topwater baits for bass, I’m the pickiest person there is. In my opinion, there are only a few versatile baits that stand out and work properly. Here are my picks for both small ponds and big lakes. 

Small Ponds

Rebel Pop-R

Every great topwater lineup needs a popper of some sort. For years, I’ve messed around with different brands of poppers, and the biggest one to stand out was the Rebel Pop-R. It’s stood the test of time and it’s accountable for millions of fish across the nation. You can even sand down the cupped mouth to generate a more pronounced spitting action. 

River2Sea Whopper Plopper

Originally designed by master lure designer, Larry Dahlberg, for big muskies in Minnesota, the Whopper Plopper has won the hearts of bass anglers and beyond across the nation. The reason I like it for smaller water bodies is that it comes in a range of sizes, and it can imitate a variety of forage on the surface. Don’t underestimate the big 130 size for small waters—you’ll see the massive strikes it draws. 

Big Lakes

Heddon Zara Spook

Arguably the most popular walking bait in existence, the Zara Spook and all of its variations have accounted for thousands, if not millions of fish caught. It is one of the best wounded minnow imitators when bass are feeding on baitfish on the surface. Its signature walking action draws in largemouth and smallmouth bass looking for an easy meal. This is one of those baits that I always have rigged up in the summer. Whether I’m casting to busting smallmouth on the surface, or working a weedline or dock edge for largemouth, a walking bait like the Zara Spook will always be a staple that you can count on for a bite. 

Jackall Pompadour

It wouldn’t be a topwater article without some sort of oversized, nondescript bait making the list. Most large, musky-size baits are custom made and hard to get a hold of, but this is one of the closest store-bought options that puts big bass in the boat. Its slow side-to-side wobbling action is tantalizing and appears as an easy meal. It’s just an obnoxiously large lure that curious bass can’t get enough of. The best part is that it’s a “do-nothing” bait. Just cast it out and reel it in. It’s as simple as that. 

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Topwater bass fishing can be as simple or as complicated as you make it. But remember, big fish eat little fish wherever you go. The biggest takeaway is that matching your topwaters to the size, profile, and action of what the bass are eating is your key to success. Don’t overthink it. Pay attention to your surroundings on the water and look for clues as to what’s happening on or beneath the surface. 

Topwater is an exciting way to catch bass. Consider the above options and try one the next time you’re on the water—odds are, you’ll be glad you did! 

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