Best Fishing Topwater Lures of 2025

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Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Fishing topwater lures are a popular choice among anglers who enjoy the excitement of surface strikes. These lures mimic the movements of baitfish and insects that swim on the surface, attracting predatory fish like bass, pike, and musky. Topwater lures come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, each designed to mimic a specific type of prey. Some popular styles include poppers, prop baits, and walking baits. Anglers can experiment with different types of topwater lures to find the perfect match for the fish they are targeting and the conditions they are fishing in.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

TRUSCEND Fishing Lures for Bass Trout Cover #TOP 1
TRUSCEND Fishing Lures for Bass Trout
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Heddon Saltwater Super Spook Jr - 3 Pack Cover #TOP 2
Heddon Saltwater Super Spook Jr - 3 Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Strike King Bitsy Dawg Lure Cover #TOP 3
Strike King Bitsy Dawg Lure
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Fishing Topwater Lures

#TOP 1

TRUSCEND Fishing Lures for Bass Trout

J8A01-03
A-5.4",0.9oz
5.4"
TRUSCEND Fishing Lures for Bass Trout Cover
TRUSCEND Fishing Lures for Bass Trout Multi Jointed Swimbaits Slow Sinking Bionic Swimming Lures Bass Freshwater Saltwater Bass Lifelike Fishing Lures Kit

TRUSCEND Fishing Lures for Bass Trout is an 8-segment lifelike lure designed to sink slowly and move flexibly in water. It has a realistic appearance that easily cheats target fishes and emits fish sound waves to provoke feeding urges. It is suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fishing and can catch bass, yellow perch, walleye, pike, muskie, roach, trout, snook, salmon, and more.

What We Like
Realistic appearance
Excellent action in water
Good price point
Durable after multiple catches
Sharp hooks
What We Don't Like
Color variations
Missing middle hook
#TOP 2

Heddon Saltwater Super Spook Jr - 3 Pack

PK3X9236-2
Bone
One Size
Heddon Saltwater Super Spook Jr - 3 Pack Cover
Heddon Saltwater Super Spook Jr - 3 Pack PK3X9236-2,Multi,One Size

The Heddon Saltwater Super Spook Jr - 3 Pack is a set of topwater lures that features 3 Super Spook Jr. lures with tough construction, dazzling colors, realistic finishes, and strong, sharp hooks. The lures are perfect for walk-the-dog presentations and offer rugged line tines.

What We Like
Effective for various fish species
Great movement and action
Affordable price point
Easy to use
Well-made and durable
What We Don't Like
Color efficiency varies by location
#TOP 3

Strike King Bitsy Dawg Lure

HCBSD-568
3/16 oz
Strike King Bitsy Dawg Lure Cover
Strike King Bitsy Dawg Topwater Fishing Lure, Walking Bait, 3/16-Ounce, Size 6 Treble Hooks

The Strike King Bitsy Dawg is designed for finesse topwater fishing, perfect for targeting pressured bass and smaller prey. Its lightweight of 3/16-ounce allows you to make long casts, reaching fish that are further away. You can easily maneuver the lure with a walking-the-dog technique, which causes just the right amount of water displacement to attract fish. With sharp number 6 treble hooks, you can expect a strong hook-up rate and increased chances of landing your catch. This lure is versatile and can be used with both spinning tackle and lightweight baitcasting gear, making it a great addition to your fishing arsenal.

What We Like
Effective for topwater bites
Good action and colors
Sharp hooks
Great value for price
Fun for smaller fish
What We Don't Like
Small size limits use
Not great for long casting
#TOP 4

Trump Topwater Fishing Lure

Trump Topwater Fishing Lure Cover
A LIST LURES Trump Topwater Fishing Lure

The Trump Topwater Fishing Lure is a fantastic, durable topwater lure that catches the biggest fish. Its strong, American design is unparalleled, making it the best lure on the market. It outperforms all other lures and is a must-have for any serious fisherman.

What We Like
Funny gag gift
Good quality
Works as intended
Great for collectors
Enjoyable fishing experience
What We Don't Like
Limited fishing success
Not used for actual fishing
#TOP 5

Heddon Zara Spook Topwater Fishing Lure

X9225BON
Bone
3-Inch
Heddon Zara Spook Topwater Fishing Lure Cover
Heddon Zara Spook Topwater Fishing Lure - Legendary Walk-The-Dog Lure, Bone, Zara Puppy (1/4 oz), 3-Inch

The Heddon Zara Spook Topwater Fishing Lure is a legendary lure designed for the walk-the-dog fishing technique. Its distinctive action and topwater bait design attract fish from great distances to prompt explosive strikes. The double hook design ensures a secure catch. With a length of 3 inches and a weight of 1/4 oz, it features #6 Hooks. It is a great choice for fishing topwater lures.

What We Like
Effective top water bait
Vicious strikes reported
Great for "walking the dog"
High catch rate for bass
Excellent action and weight
What We Don't Like
Line may snap easily
Can get lost easily
#TOP 6

Heddon Torpedo Prop-Bait Topwater Fishing Lure

PK3HD2
Heddon Torpedo Prop-Bait Topwater Fishing Lure Cover
Heddon Torpedo Prop-Bait Topwater Fishing Lure with Spinner Action, Triple Threat 3-Pack, Triple Threat 3-Pack

The Heddon Torpedo Prop-Bait Topwater Fishing Lure with Spinner Action is a top-quality fishing lure made in China. It is constructed with premium materials and is designed to deliver an exceptional fishing experience. This lure is perfect for those who enjoy fishing for topwater species and is a must-have addition to any angler's tackle box.

What We Like
Effective for bass fishing
High-quality construction
Realistic action in water
Great sound and commotion
Variety of effective models
What We Don't Like
Lightweight for bait casting
Configuration issues with casting
#TOP 7

Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper Topwater Fishing Lure

C6728
Pearl Red Head
7", 2 oz
Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper Topwater Fishing Lure Cover
Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper Topwater Fishing Lure, Freshwater Fishing Gear and Accessories, 7", 2 oz, Pearl Red Head

The Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper Lure is a versatile topwater fishing lure that is perfect for targeting big fish. With options available in 6 and 7 inches, this lure is ideal for attracting a variety of gamefish. The weighted tail of the lure not only produces powerful action but also allows for long casts, ensuring that you can cover a wide area. Built tough and durable, this lure can handle the toughest of fish, whether it's stripers, bass, musky, or redfish. The Pencil Popper Lure is also known for its Walk the Dog technique, which creates a lifelike action that attracts fish. With its size, durability, and lifelike action, this lure is a must-have for any angler looking to catch big fish.

What We Like
Effective for striped bass
Long casting distance
Great action in water
Variety of colors available
Durable and reliable
What We Don't Like
Weight misrepresentation reported
#TOP 8

HENGJIA Fishing Lures for Bass

PE018
B-5PCS
HENGJIA Fishing Lures for Bass Cover
HENGJIA Fishing Lures for Bass, Whopper Lure Plopper Lures Kit for Bass Trout, Bass Topwater Lures with Floating Rotating Tail for Freshwater Saltwater

HENGJIA Bass Lures are designed with an excellent body design featuring a rotating tail that creates a heavy sputter and noise, making it irresistible to fish. The high-quality ABS material and rust-proof sharp treble hooks ensure durability and puncture ability, making it perfect for catching monster bass. With two super sharp hooks on each lure, the hooking rate is increased, preventing fish from escaping. These topwater lures are suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fishing, and the built-in gravity balls give them a unique sound that attracts fish. With HENGJIA Bass Lures, you can enjoy a successful fishing experience every time.

What We Like
Affordable price
Effective for bass and northern
Good action in water
Attractive design
Comes with a storage box
What We Don't Like
Hook quality could improve
Durability concerns on some components
#TOP 9

Heddon Super Spook Boyo - Bone X923514

X923514
Bone
One Size
Heddon Super Spook Boyo - Bone X923514 Cover
Heddon Super Spook Boyo - Bone X923514

The Heddon Super Spook Boyo - Bone X923514 is a fishing topwater lure that features quality components and the same spook walk-the-dog action as the original Super Spook. It has a length of 3 inches and weight of 3/8oz, making it a great option for both fresh and saltwater patterns. With its bone color, this lure is sure to attract fish and help you catch more.

What We Like
Proven track record of success
Great selection of colors
Effective in various water conditions
Irresistible to predatory fish
Quality construction and finish
What We Don't Like
Hooks may need upgrades
Learning curve for walking technique
#TOP 10

Heddon One Knocker Spook Fishing Lure

XK9253427
Bone/ Orange Mouth
4 1/2-Inch
Heddon One Knocker Spook Fishing Lure Cover
Heddon One Knocker Spook Topwater Fishing Lure for Saltwater and Freshwater, 4 1/2 Inch, 3/4 Ounce, Bone/Orange Mouth

The Heddon One Knocker Spook is a fishing lure suitable for both saltwater and freshwater environments. Its single tungsten rattle produces a loud thump with every twitch, drawing fish from a long distance. With an easy-to-walk-the-dog design and a super stout hardware system, this lure can handle the most voracious fish species.

What We Like
Effective for topwater fishing
High-quality sharp hooks
Excellent noise attraction
Robust and durable design
Walks effortlessly on water
Buying Guide Image

Some Factors You Should Know About Fishing Topwater Lures

Understanding Topwater Lures

Before you can choose the best topwater lure for your fishing needs, it's important to understand what topwater lures are and how they work. Topwater lures are designed to be fished on the surface of the water and are typically used to target fish that feed near the surface, such as bass, pike, and panfish.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Topwater Lure

When choosing a topwater lure, there are a few key factors to consider. These include the type of fish you're targeting, the conditions of the water you're fishing in, and your personal fishing style.

Type of Fish

Different types of fish are attracted to different types of topwater lures. For example, bass are often attracted to topwater lures that mimic the movement of a wounded baitfish, while pike are more likely to be drawn to lures that mimic the movement of a frog or small mammal. It's important to choose a topwater lure that is designed to target the type of fish you're hoping to catch.

Water Conditions

The conditions of the water you're fishing in can also affect which topwater lure you choose. For example, in calm waters, a topwater lure with a slower, more subtle action may be more effective, while in choppy waters a lure with a faster, more erratic action may be more successful. It's important to choose a topwater lure that is well-suited to the conditions you're fishing in.

Personal Fishing Style

Your personal fishing style can also play a role in which topwater lure you choose. If you prefer a more active, fast-paced fishing experience, a topwater lure with a loud, attention-grabbing action may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle, relaxed fishing experience, a topwater lure with a slower, more natural action may be a better fit.

Tips for Using Topwater Lures

Once you've chosen the right topwater lure for your fishing needs, there are a few tips you can follow to improve your success rate. These include:

  • Vary your retrieve speed to see what the fish are responding to.
  • Experiment with different retrieves, such as a steady retrieve, a stop-and-go retrieve, or a jerk-and-pause retrieve.
  • Use a twitching or jerking motion to create a more natural, lifelike action in the water.
  • Pay attention to the surface of the water to see if there are any fish following your lure.
  • Be prepared to set the hook quickly when a fish strikes.

Conclusion

Choosing the right topwater lure for your fishing needs can be a bit of a challenge, but with a little knowledge and experimentation, you can find the perfect lure for the type of fish you're targeting and the conditions you're fishing in. By considering the type of fish, the conditions of the water, and your personal fishing style, you can select the ideal topwater lure to help you catch more fish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What lures to use for topwater?

Topwater lures for fishing come in various shapes, sounds, and actions. Some popular types include buzzbaits, chuggers/poppers, floating minnows, stickbaits, prop baits, frogs, crawlers, and spoons. Each of these lures has its own unique characteristics and can be effective in different fishing scenarios.

2. What time of year to fish topwater?

Topwater lures are effective for bass fishing during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. However, they are particularly successful during the bass spawn, which usually occurs in the spring. During this time, bass are more aggressive and protective, making them more likely to strike at topwater lures.

3. When should I start using Topwater?

Late fall, early spring, and late spring are ideal times to start using topwater lures for bass fishing. These are the periods when bass are often in their spawning areas and more likely to respond to topwater baits. It's during these times that topwater fishing can provide some exciting and memorable fishing experiences.

4. How do you know when to throw Topwater?

The best time to throw topwater lures is during early morning, late evening, or at night. During these low light conditions, the water temperature is cooler, and bass tend to stay closer to the surface. As the sun gets higher and brighter, bass may move deeper, making it less likely for them to strike topwater lures.

5. When should I stop throwing Topwater?

Topwater lures tend to be less effective when the sun is high and bright. The theory is that the bass may be blinded by the sun when they try to look up to the surface. During these conditions, it is recommended to switch to other lures like soft plastics that can be more enticing to bass.

Editor's Notes

During our fishing topwater lure research, we found 24 fishing topwater lure products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 72,410 customer reviews through our big data system to write the fishing topwater lures list. We found that most customers choose fishing topwater lures with an average price of $12.41.

The fishing topwater lures are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of fishing topwater lures, including TRUSCEND, Heddon, Strike King, A LIST LURES, Cotton Cordell. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 583 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.

Fishing Topwater Lures Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand TRUSCEND Heddon Strike King A LIST LURES Heddon Heddon Cotton Cordell HENGJIA Heddon Heddon
Item Weight 0.9 Ounces 0.01 Ounces 0.19 Ounces 1.5 Ounces 14 Grams 0.08 Pounds 0.03 Kilograms 0.46 Ounces 0.38 Ounces 0.02 Kilograms
Color A-5.4",0.9oz Red Head Holographic, Bone, Black Shiner 568 - Green Gizzard Shad - Bone Triple Threat 3-Pack Pearl Red Head B-5PCS Bone Bone/ Orange Mouth
Size 5.4" One Size 3/16 oz - 3-Inch Triple Threat 3-Pack 7", 2 oz - One Size 4 1/2-Inch
Material ABS Plastic - Plastic - - Plastic High Carbon Steel Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Lead Tungsten
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
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