Whopper Plopper Review

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Quick take: The Whopper Plopper is a noisy topwater bait built around a rotating tail that throws water and creates a steady surface commotion. It is especially useful when bass are willing to chase on top and when you need a lure that can cover water quickly. This review covers what the bait does well, how to fish it, and where it fits in a bass-fishing lineup.

How to Fish a Whopper Plopper

Start with a steady retrieve that keeps the tail working on the surface. Speed it up when bass are actively chasing bait, and slow it down when fish are following without committing. Brief pauses can also trigger strikes, especially around cover or after a fish misses the bait.

When Does a Whopper Plopper Work Best?

It is most useful when bass are feeding near the surface, covering shallow flats, points, banks and open-water edges. Because the bait makes both noise and surface disturbance, it can help fish locate it in wind, low light or slightly stained water.

Whopper Plopper Size and Color

Rather than treating one size or color as universally best, match the bait to the forage and conditions. Smaller profiles can be easier around pressured fish, while larger profiles create more disturbance. Natural baitfish colors are a dependable starting point in clear water; higher-contrast choices can help in darker or dirtier conditions.

One of the hottest new baits in 2016 is the River2Sea Whopper Plopper. Originally designed to catch northern species like the pike and walleye the Whopper Plopper not only accomplished that mission but caught many small and largemouth bass along the way. Now clearly in the bass catching category frame of mind the team at River2Sea turned to perfecting rattle, color and size options for the plopper.

I am not a top water guy. I’m not there yet. I always seem to take a frog, torpedo or popper but I just can’t ever get down the right cadence of the retrieve. With little success I always find myself going back to confidence baits all too quickly. Not the case with the Whopper Plopper – it is a steady retrieve! Of course you can mix things up but the rod and wrist action that normal top water lures require is not necessary.

I picked up 3 versions on my trip to Cabela’s: 5″ Bone White with Rattle, 5″ Bluegill without Rattle and the 3″ shad color with rattle. After being out a few times with these here is what I have to say. My preference is for the 5 inch version – it is easier to cast and work and the “plopping” sound is much more effective. My perch color without a rattle saw more action than with of my other two but I also tended to throw it more. I tied the 5 inch versions directly to my braided line – 30 lb test. The 3 inch version and the one created more for bass anglers is good for a more targeted close range approach. However, the size and weight of this lure didn’t feel quite the same and I often found it would dive on my first and second reel before returning to the surface with the proper action ensuing. I like a heavy fluorocarbon line or leader when tossing this version. Overall, I do recommend this lure. The price was on the high side when I bought mine, so it is worth comparing current prices before purchasing. If you want the exciting blow up action of top water but haven’t gotten the hang of the other lures on the market then give the Whopper Plopper a try.

*UPDATE* The Whopper Plopper has been around for a while – since at least 2012 by way of the video below. It has only recently made it’s way into Texas stores.