Whopper Plopper Guide
Whopper Ploppers are deadly topwater lures that create a unique wake. Learn the best techniques for bass.
Size Guide
| Size | Length | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75mm | 2.8" | 3/16 oz | Smallmouth, panfish, pressured fish |
| 90mm | 3.5" | 5/16 oz | General use, all-around |
| 110mm | 4.3" | 1/2 oz | Largemouth bass |
| 130mm | 5.1" | 3/4 oz | Trophy bass, pike |
Frequently Asked Questions
A Whopper Plopper is a topwater lure with a propeller-style tail that creates a unique wake and sound on the retrieve. Made by River2Sea, it's designed to mimic a fleeing baitfish on the surface. The spinning tail creates a 'plopping' sound that triggers reaction strikes from bass. Whopper Ploppers come in sizes from 75mm to 190mm and are effective in any water clarity.
Cast out and retrieve at a steady pace — don't stop or twitch. The tail does all the work. Vary speed: faster for active fish, slower for inactive fish. The key is maintaining a steady retrieve so the tail spins consistently. Cast to cover (grass edges, docks, laydowns) and reel past. Whopper Ploppers are weedless — they slide over most cover.
Whopper Ploppers work best in warm water (65°F+) when bass are active. Early morning and late evening are prime times. In summer, they're effective all day around shade and cover. They work in any water clarity because the sound and vibration help fish locate the lure. Avoid in cold water — bass won't chase surface lures when water is under 55°F.
Use a 7' medium-heavy casting rod with fast action. Line: 30-40 lb braid — braid floats and provides maximum sensitivity. Avoid fluorocarbon — it sinks. A medium-speed reel (6.3:1) works well — not too fast, not too slow. The Whopper Plopper is a reaction bait, so you don't need a high-speed retrieve.
75mm (2.8") for smallmouth and pressured fish. 90mm (3.5") for general use. 110mm (4.3") for largemouth. 130mm (5.1") for trophy bass. Match the bait size to the local baitfish. Smaller sizes catch more fish; larger sizes catch bigger fish.