Top 10 Topwater Lures Every Bass Angler Should Own
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If you’ve spent even a handful of mornings chasing bass, you know there’s nothing quite like a topwater strike. The sudden splash, the frantic fight—there’s no feeling in fishing like it. Over the years, I’ve fished countless lakes and rivers, and I’ve learned that having the right topwater lures isn’t just a convenience—it’s the difference between a day full of misses and a day full of stories.
Here’s my roundup of the top 10 topwater lures every bass angler should have in their tackle box. I’ll cover what makes each one tick, the situations where they shine, and a few honest thoughts from someone who’s thrown them thousands of times.
1. Propeller Rotary Tractor Bait
Pros: Insane surface commotion, draws strikes from shy bass, easy to walk on calm water
Cons: Can snag weeds, sometimes too aggressive in clear water
Ideal Conditions: Early morning or late evening in shallow flats with light cover
I’ve caught bass that would otherwise be invisible with this bait. The propellers create enough vibration to wake up fish that aren’t even actively feeding. Just don’t let it get stuck in lily pads—it’s fragile enough to lose a prop here and there.
2. Floating Fishing Lures Pencil Bait Popper
Pros: Classic popper sound, versatile, hooks well
Cons: Needs some skill to walk the dog convincingly
Ideal Conditions: Calm waters, sunny mid-day when bass are lounging
Nothing beats a pencil popper for a “surface explosion.” I’ve had more than one fish rocket out of the weeds just to slam this thing. It’s a simple design, but the action is everything.
3. Floating Pencil Bait Topwater Fishing Lure
Pros: Lightweight, subtle wake, great for pressured waters
Cons: Smaller size may limit hookups with big bass
Ideal Conditions: Clear water, heavily fished ponds
This lure is a quiet killer. If you’ve ever fished a lake where the bass have seen it all, this is your go-to. It doesn’t scream “look at me” but the bass still respond.
4. Mini Popper Lure – Trout Fishing Topwater Bait
Pros: Perfect for finesse fishing, hooks small and mid-size bass, compact
Cons: Not for big aggressive strikes
Ideal Conditions: Small ponds, creek mouths, or finicky bass
I like to keep a few of these for tight spots. They don’t make a huge splash, which can actually work in your favor when you’re trying to target spooky fish.
5. Kingdom 2 Section Minnow Lure
Pros: Realistic swimming action, jointed body, strong hook set
Cons: Slightly more expensive, needs slower retrieves to shine
Ideal Conditions: Open water flats or near docks
If you’re chasing aggressive bass, this two-section minnow is money. The segmented body gives it a life-like wiggle that triggers strikes even from cautious fish.
6. Premium Topwater Minnow Popper Fishing Lures
Pros: High-quality finish, pops and splashes, durable
Cons: Can spook fish in ultra-clear water
Ideal Conditions: Morning or evening topwater blitzes
I’ll be honest—sometimes I overthink lures, but this one just works. Durable, reliable, and bass love it. You can’t go wrong having a couple in your box.
7. Popaluya Topwater Fishing Bait
Pros: Explosive topwater strikes, versatile colors, great for aggressive fish
Cons: Needs careful casting around structure to avoid hang-ups
Ideal Conditions: Midday, weed beds, or dock edges
This bait brings out the fighter in every bass. I’ve lost a few lures to trees, but the payoffs are worth it. Just be prepared for heart-stopping strikes.
8. PVC Soft Tail Sub Bait – Tilapia Freshwater Fishing
Pros: Subtle yet enticing, great for shallow cover
Cons: Not flashy enough for aggressive bites
Ideal Conditions: Lightly pressured waters, early morning
Soft tails are a different animal—they don’t splash, but bass can’t resist. I throw this when I want a quiet approach, and more often than not, it works.
9. 10cm Luya Bait Multi-Section Fish Plastic Hard Bait
Pros: Incredible lifelike action, multiple colors, hooks solid
Cons: Heavier lure, slower retrieves
Ideal Conditions: Open water or around submerged structures
I like this one when I need finesse with a touch of realism. The segmented body looks like a real fish darting across the surface, and bass respond every time.
10. VIB Crankbait Lifelike Fishing Lure
Pros: Versatile, can be worked on surface or subsurface, great for mixed conditions
Cons: Slight learning curve to master retrieve
Ideal Conditions: Shallow flats, near submerged logs, or rocky points
This is my “do-it-all” topwater. Sometimes I’ll throw this when I don’t want to think too hard—it covers a lot of water and attracts a wide variety of bites.
Wrapping It Up
Topwater fishing is an art, and having the right lures in your arsenal changes everything. The bass don’t lie—they’ll tell you which baits are winners with explosive strikes. If you want to dive deeper into techniques, check out Topwater Fishing Mastery or the Ultimate Guide to Topwater Fishing Lures for Beginners.
Of course, you can find all these lures and more over at our collections or specifically in our Topwater Fishing Lures section.
Trust me—invest in a few of these, practice your casts, and you’ll see why topwater fishing is the most addictive part of this sport. Splash, smash, repeat.