If you’re on the hunt for the best topwater lures for target bass in the southeast, you’re in for a treat! Topwater fishing is a heart-pounding experience, and knowing which lures work best can make all the difference between a strike and a miss. But with so many types of topwater baits, it can be tricky to know which ones will consistently pull in bass and which might leave you empty-handed.
In this guide on the best topwater lures for bass in the southeast, I’ll show you everything you need to know to make the most out of each cast. I’ll dive into the unique action, strengths, and ideal conditions for each type of bait, so you’ll know exactly what to reach for whether you’re fishing in thick lily pads, open water, or near docks. Stick around till the end to find out which lures will help you bring home your best catches yet!
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Our Top Picks: Best Topwater Lures for Southeast Bass Fishing
Want to skip the read? Here are our top picks for the best topwater lures for bass in the southeast. Keep reading for more details on how to successfully fish these lures.
- Rebel Pop-R – Best Popper Bait
- Heddon Super Spook Jr. – Best Walking Bait
- Strike King Buzz King – Best Buzzbait
- Booyah Pad Crasher – Best Frog Bait
- River2Sea Whopper Plopper – Best Prop Bait
- Cotton Cordell Red Fin – Best Wake Bait
- Arbogast Jitterbug – Best Crawler Bait
In This Post
Why Are Topwater Lures So Effective?
Topwater lures hold a special place in every bass angler’s tackle box—and for good reason. The visual thrill of seeing a largemouth bass explode on the surface after a perfectly placed lure is something every fisherman lives for.
But beyond the sheer excitement, topwater lures are effective because they tap into a bass’s natural instincts to ambush prey near the surface. This type of lure mimics struggling baitfish, frogs, or even small animals skimming across the water, making it an irresistible target for bass.
In warm southeastern waters, where bass are typically more aggressive and active at dawn and dusk, the surface presentation can be especially effective.
For anglers in the Southeast, topwater lures excel because of the region’s unique water conditions and bass behavior. Southeastern waters often have heavy vegetation, shallow banks, and warmer temperatures, which are prime conditions for topwater action.
Bass here are known to seek shelter under lily pads, around submerged logs, or in thick grass, and topwater lures allow you to fish these areas effectively without getting snagged. They also give you the ability to cover a lot of water quickly, drawing bass out of hiding.
Categories Of Topwater Lures For Bass Fishing
When it comes to topwater bass fishing, there are several popular types of baits, each with unique qualities to attract bass. Here are the main categories of topwater lures for bass fishing.
1. Poppers
Poppers are a staple in topwater fishing, known for their distinctive “pop” sound as they’re retrieved. This popping noise, combined with a splash of water, creates an irresistible disturbance that attracts bass from a distance.
These lures have a concave face that grabs water with each pull, giving off a sound that mimics a small fish or bug struggling on the surface. They’re best used in calm water where their noise and movement stand out, making them ideal for fishing early in the morning or late in the evening.
Pro tip: For the best results, work a popper slowly, giving it time to sit between pops. The pauses create anticipation for lurking bass, who often strike right as the lure starts to move again.
2. Walking Baits (e.g., Heddon Zara Spooks)
Walking baits, also known as “walk-the-dog” lures, are highly versatile and effective. These lures are designed to zig-zag across the surface in a side-to-side pattern, imitating the movement of a wounded or panicked baitfish.
This action drives bass wild, especially in open water. Walking baits require a bit of skill to master, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to target bass with precision.
Ideal use: Walking baits are perfect for fishing along points, edges of vegetation, or over submerged structure where bass are likely to chase after a meal. These lures are great in calm to moderate water conditions.
3. Buzzbaits
Buzzbaits offer a high level of attraction due to their loud, churning action. They have a spinning blade that creates a consistent “buzz” as they’re reeled in, causing major surface disturbance. This commotion makes them ideal for murky or stained waters where visibility is low. Bass can sense the vibration and sound, even if they can’t see it clearly.
Best use: Buzzbaits excel when fishing over shallow flats, around lily pads, and in weedy areas. They’re perfect for covering water quickly and locating active fish. Buzzbaits tend to be most effective during overcast days or just after sunrise and before sunset.
4. Frogs
Frogs are a must-have for bass anglers in the Southeast, where dense vegetation and lily pads are common.
These lures mimic the appearance and movement of a frog or small amphibian—a prime meal for a hungry bass. Frogs are usually weedless, meaning they can be pulled through thick cover without getting snagged, making them the go-to choice for targeting bass hiding in dense weeds, reeds, and other cover.
Where and how to use: Frogs are ideal for fishing over lily pads, in heavy grass, or near shorelines with dense cover. Let the frog sit after landing, then twitch it back slowly. Bass in cover often ambush frogs, so patience is key—often, bass will strike when the lure is barely moving or after a short pause.
5. Prop Baits
Prop baits have small propellers on one or both ends that churn the water as they move, creating noise and splash that attract bass. These lures are highly effective for fishing over clear, shallow water or targeting bass that are holding close to the surface.
The props create a unique disturbance that catches the attention of bass from afar.
When to use: Prop baits work well on calm days when you need extra action to draw bass in. They’re great for targeting specific areas like docks, overhanging trees, and shallow flats, and can be paused between retrieves to entice curious fish.
6. Wake Baits
Wake baits create a subtle ripple or “wake” on the water as they’re retrieved, giving off the appearance of a small fish or critter cruising near the surface. Unlike the more aggressive topwater lures, wake baits have a subtle action that can trigger strikes when bass are being cautious or skittish. They’re especially useful in clear water conditions where a natural, less intrusive presentation is needed.
Usage tips: Wake baits excel in calm water, especially along weed lines or over submerged structure. Reel them in slowly to create a steady wake, and keep your rod tip high to maintain that surface-level action. They’re perfect for spooky bass that might be wary of louder lures.
7. Crawlers
Crawlers are topwater lures with wings or arms that flap and create a unique crawling action on the surface. They’re excellent for creating a large, noticeable commotion, mimicking the appearance of a struggling animal or bird.
Crawlers can be a great choice for bass in warmer, shallower water, particularly during summer months when fish are aggressive.
When to use: Use crawlers over thick vegetation or open shallow water. The slow, steady retrieve lets the wings flap rhythmically, making them hard for bass to ignore. The bulky, disruptive motion can coax bass out from their cover for an explosive strike.
Each of these topwater lure types offers something unique in terms of action, sound, and visibility, making them effective for different situations on the water. Knowing how and when to use each can make a huge difference, especially in the challenging and varied environments of the Southeast.
Bass Fishing in the Southeast: What Makes It Unique?
The Southeast is a bass angler’s paradise, with its warm climate, diverse water bodies, and abundance of largemouth bass. States like Florida, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas are home to some of the best bass fishing lakes and rivers in the country, making this region ideal for topwater fishing.
Unlike colder regions, where bass may become sluggish during certain parts of the year, the Southeast’s mild winters allow for active bass populations almost year-round, giving anglers more opportunities to get out on the water.
One of the main reasons topwater lures are so effective in the Southeast is because of the region’s plentiful vegetation and cover. Lakes and rivers here often have dense aquatic vegetation, lily pads, fallen timber, and other natural structures where bass love to hide and ambush their prey.
This environment creates perfect conditions for lures like frogs, buzzbaits, and poppers that can mimic the natural prey of bass found around heavy cover.
Additionally, the Southeast is known for its hot summers, which drive bass to seek shade and cooler areas in the shallows or around cover, making topwater fishing especially productive.
Early mornings and late evenings are prime times for topwater action, as bass are more likely to strike near the surface when temperatures are lower. For anglers in this region, having a selection of topwater lures tailored for these conditions is essential to capitalize on the aggressive feeding habits of bass in warmer water.
Whether you’re fishing the weedy shallows of Florida’s lakes, the river systems of Alabama, or the reservoirs in Georgia and the Carolinas, the Southeast offers an incredible variety of bass fishing experiences. Understanding the unique characteristics of these waters can help you select the right topwater lure and technique to maximize your success.
What Are The Best Topwater Lures For Southeast Bass Fishing?
Here my favorite topwater lures for southeast bass fishing, outlined from the categories listed above!
Rebel Pop-R – Best Popper Bait
The Rebel Pop-R is a classic popper known for its loud, water-popping action, which mimics the sound of a struggling baitfish. Its unique cupped mouth creates an enticing noise and splash that draws bass out of cover.
- How to Use / When to Use: Perfect for calm mornings or evenings in clear, open water near cover. Try using short, sharp pops followed by brief pauses, imitating a panicked baitfish—ideal for catching the attention of nearby bass.
Heddon Super Spook Jr. – Best Walking Bait
The Super Spook Jr. is an iconic walking bait with a side-to-side “walk-the-dog” action that bass can’t resist. This lure excels in mimicking an injured baitfish on the surface, which makes it a great choice for clear water.
- How to Use / When to Use: Works best at dawn or dusk, especially around shallow flats or near docks. Use steady rod twitches to create the zig-zag movement; this lure shines when fish are actively feeding and patrolling for an easy meal.
Strike King Buzz King – Best Buzzbait
The Strike King Buzz King features a lightweight frame with a unique blade design that produces plenty of noise and water churn. This buzzbait is highly effective for triggering reaction strikes, particularly from aggressive bass.
- How to Use / When to Use: Ideal for early mornings or overcast days, especially in weedy or shallow areas. Cast and retrieve at a steady pace, just fast enough to keep it on the surface, creating a consistent buzzing noise that bass find irresistible.
Booyah Pad Crasher – Best Frog Bait
The Booyah Pad Crasher is a soft, hollow-bodied frog with a weedless design, perfect for dragging through thick vegetation. Its realistic appearance and action make it highly effective for pulling bass out from heavy cover.
- How to Use / When to Use: Use during warmer months in thick vegetation like lily pads and grass mats. Allow it to sit momentarily, then give small twitches to mimic a frog’s movement—this method often triggers aggressive strikes from bass lurking below.
River2Sea Whopper Plopper – Best Prop Bait
The Whopper Plopper’s rotating tail creates a strong wake and loud sound, making it ideal for drawing strikes from bass in open water. Its unique design produces a buzzing noise that’s tough for bass to ignore.
- How to Use / When to Use: Best for warmer days when fish are active, especially in open water or over submerged grass beds. A steady retrieve will let the tail do its work, creating a disruptive action that’s perfect for pulling bass up from deeper areas.
Cotton Cordell Red Fin – Best Wake Bait
The Cotton Cordell Red Fin is a classic wake bait that creates a subtle surface disturbance with a rolling action. Its lifelike profile and smooth motion make it a great choice for pressured bass.
- How to Use / When to Use: Ideal for early morning or evening fishing in calm water conditions. Retrieve it slowly for a subtle wake that mirrors a small baitfish, which can be particularly effective in clear water where bass are more cautious.
Arbogast Jitterbug – Best Crawler Bait
The Arbogast Jitterbug’s distinctive lip produces a rhythmic, gurgling sound that drives bass wild, especially in low-light conditions. This lure has been a go-to for decades and remains one of the most reliable crawlers for bass fishing.
- How to Use / When to Use: Great for dusk or nighttime fishing, especially in quiet ponds or lakes. A slow, steady retrieve produces the iconic “plopping” sound that will attract big bass looking for an easy meal on the surface.
Final Thoughts
Topwater fishing in the Southeast is an exciting and rewarding way to target largemouth bass, combining skill with the thrill of surface strikes.
By selecting the right lure for each condition—whether it’s the lively action of a popper or the lifelike swim of a walking bait—you’re setting yourself up for success. These lures each offer unique advantages, and understanding when and how to use them will make all the difference on the water.
So, get out there, test these top picks, and experience the thrill of topwater fishing firsthand. And if you’re hungry for more tips and techniques, be sure to explore Matt’s Playbook for all things bass fishing!
FAQ
When to throw topwater for bass?
The best times to throw topwater lures for bass are early morning and late evening when bass are actively feeding near the surface. Overcast days can also extend the window for topwater fishing, as low light makes bass feel more secure coming up for a strike. In warmer months, bass are more likely to hit topwater throughout the day, especially around shallow cover.
Where to fish topwater for bass?
Topwater lures are effective around areas where bass are likely to ambush prey, such as shallow flats, weed edges, lily pads, and docks. Try targeting areas with submerged vegetation, stumps, or other structures where bass can hide below the surface. These spots provide both cover and food sources for bass, making them ideal for topwater fishing.
What color topwater lure to use for bass?
Choosing the right color depends on water clarity and lighting conditions. In clear water, natural colors like white, silver, or shad patterns work well as they mimic baitfish. In stained or muddy water, try darker colors like black or chartreuse, which create a strong silhouette and are easier for bass to spot. At night or in low-light situations, black or dark lures often perform best.
What is the #1 topwater bass lure?
While opinions vary, the Heddon Zara Spook, a classic walking bait, is frequently hailed as one of the best topwater lures for bass. Its distinctive side-to-side “walk-the-dog” action triggers aggressive strikes from bass, making it a go-to choice among anglers.
What type of rod is best for topwater fishing?
A medium-heavy rod with a fast action tip is ideal for topwater fishing. The medium-heavy power helps handle larger bass and ensures solid hooksets, while the fast action tip provides sensitivity and responsiveness for accurate casting and lure control. A rod between 6’6″ to 7’3″ is typically recommended for versatility and precision. Check out our full article on the best casting rods for topwater fishing.
What line should I use for topwater lures?
Braided line is often preferred for topwater fishing due to its no-stretch quality and strength, which provides solid hooksets and control over the lure. In clearer water, you can add a short monofilament leader to reduce visibility, as mono floats and keeps the bait on the surface, while fluorocarbon, which sinks, is typically avoided for topwater applications.
Why do bass hit topwater lures?
Bass are opportunistic feeders, and topwater lures mimic prey like frogs, insects, and injured baitfish that are easy for them to catch. The surface movement creates vibrations and splashes that attract bass, triggering their instinct to strike. The visual aspect also contributes to explosive, reaction-based strikes that make topwater fishing exciting.
