Topwater Lures
Topwater lures for surface fishing at dawn, dusk and on calm days, used to draw explosive strikes from bass, pike, perch, trout and chub. Choose poppers that splash and spit, walk-the-dog and zigzag pencils that glide side to side, cicada, bee, grasshopper and dragonfly insect baits for stream and pond fish, and floating minnows with rattles. Glow, UV and transparent finishes are also available. Lengths run from 4cm to 12cm and weights from 3g to 42g, sold singly or in 5-packs, from $5.99.
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4 options availableCicada Insect Lure Moving Wing 5cm 6g
From$7.99 -
2 options availableTopwater Dog Pencil Bait Lure 9cm 10g
From$11.99 -
5 options availableFrom$8.99 -
2 options availablePopper Lure Hard Bait 12cm 42g
From$16.99 -
4 options available -
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3 options available -
6 options available -
6 options availableFrom$7.99 -
4 options availableFrom$8.99 -
5 options available -
6 options availableTopwater Walking Bait Pencil 94mm 18g
From$8.99 -
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5 options availableTopwater Bass Popper Big Mouth 9cm 12g
From$7.99 -
10 options available -
5 options available -
4 options available -
6 options available -
4 options availableFrom$7.99 -
5 options available -
5 options availablePopper Shad UV Floating 8cm 13g
From$8.99 -
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2 options availableBass Popper Floating 70mm 13.5g
From$9.99 -
5 options availableBig Mouth Topwater Popper Lure 6cm 7.7g
From$7.99 -
4 options availableSmall Popper Lure Mini Stream 4cm 3g
From$7.99 -
5 options availableFrom$8.99 -
2 options available -
2 options availableBee Fishing Lure Insect Bait 4.5cm 6g
From$9.99
What Are Topwater Lures?
A topwater lure floats and is worked on the surface, where you can see every strike. It imitates prey that has fallen in or is struggling on top, such as a small fish, an insect or a frog.
Because the action happens in plain sight, surface fishing is one of the most exciting ways to fish. It works best when fish are looking up to feed, often in low light and warm water.
Types of Topwater Lures
Each style makes a different kind of disturbance. Carry a few different topwater lures so you can match the mood of the fish.
- Poppers: a cupped mouth that pops and spits water when you twitch the rod.
- Pencils and walking baits: a slim body that zigzags side to side with a rhythmic twitch, known as walking the dog.
- Insect baits: small cicada, bee and grasshopper shapes for trout, chub and panfish.
- Floating minnows: a gentle wake on a slow retrieve, with a dive and wobble when pulled faster.
How and When to Fish Topwater
Early morning and evening are the classic times, along with overcast days and warm summer months. Calm water lets a subtle bait stand out, while a louder popper works better on a light ripple.
Cast past the spot you want to fish and work the lure back with short twitches and pauses. When a fish strikes, wait until you feel its weight before you set the hook. Striking at the splash often pulls the lure away.
Topwater Lures FAQ
What is the easiest topwater lure for beginners?
A popper is a good first choice. A simple twitch of the rod makes it pop, and the pause between pops gives fish time to strike. Walking pencils need a little more practice to get the rhythm right.
When is the best time to fish topwater lures?
Low light is usually best, so fish early morning, late evening and overcast days. Warm months are the peak season, but fish will still rise to the surface on calm days in spring and autumn.
What line should I use for topwater fishing?
Use monofilament or braid, because both float or sit high in the water. Avoid fluorocarbon as your main line, because it sinks and can pull the nose of the lure down.
What colour topwater lure works best?
Fish see a topwater bait from below, against the sky, so shape matters more than colour. Natural and clear colours suit clear water and bright days. Dark or bright colours show up better in low light and murky water.