Are you an angler looking to up your game and reel in trophy-size fish? The answer may lie in River2Sea’s Whopper Plopper. This innovative fishing lure combines the action of a topwater bait with the noise and vibration of a propeller, making it irresistible to big fish.
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With its unique design and impressive results, the Whopper Plopper has quickly become one of our favourites. Its realistic swimming action mimics the movements of injured prey, sending out irresistible signals to predatory fish. Whether you are targeting bass, pike, or muskie, this lure is a game-changer. The strikes that this topwater lure attracts are simply amazing! Dive into my River2Sea Whopper Plopper review and see why this fishing lure should be added to your tackle box.
How the River2Sea Whopper Plopper Works
The Whopper Plopper is a revolutionary hard topwater fishing lure that utilizes a combination of sound, vibration, and realistic swimming action to attract predatory fish. Its design features a soft propeller on the rear end, which spins and creates a loud, enticing noise as it moves through the water. This noise mimics the sound of distressed prey, triggering a predatory response in big game fish. The response is gratifying – nothing is more satisfying than the strike of a large fish!
The propeller also creates a significant amount of water disturbance, causing ripples and splashes that catch the attention of nearby fish. Combined with its realistic swimming action, River2Sea’s Whopper Plopper creates a lifelike presentation that is hard for fish to resist.
Note that the faster you reel, the louder the sploshes, which helps draw in fish from quite a ways out. We even speed tested the Whopper so you don’t have too!!! 😉
Benefits of Usage
We found that one of the benefits of using River2Sea’s Whopper Plopper is easy casting and retrieval. The fishing lures weight distribution and aerodynamic shape enable long casts, ensuring you can reach those hard-to-reach spots where trophy-size fish usually lurk.
Second, the Whopper is incredibly versatile. Larry Dahlberg designed the Whopper Plopper to target muskies. FYI, muskie loves fast and loud fishing lures. However, we found that it works exceptionally well on largemouth bass. They are also driven by the loud sploshing sound this fishing lure creates.
Furthermore, the Whopper Plopper’s durable construction allows it to withstand the wear and tear of heavy fishing. We fish almost daily, and this fishing lure has not broken or lost its effectiveness. Although it may have a few teeth marks, it is still as reliable as the day we bought it.
Further Reading:
Best Bass Fishing Lures, a guide on what to look for when selecting the correct lure for bass fishing
Techniques for Fishing with a Whopper Plopper
As with any fishing lure, to maximize your chances of success with the Whopper Plopper, employing the correct fishing techniques is paramount. First, pay attention to casting accuracy. Aim for areas with structure, such as submerged rocks, fallen trees, or weed beds, where big fish are likely to hide and ambush their prey.
Once you have the spot in sight, cast your Whopper Plopper. Make sure you give it a moment to settle on the water’s surface before starting your retrieve. Doing so allows the propeller to create initial splashes and attract the attention of nearby fish. Begin reeling in quickly, using a combination of short twitches and pauses. The faster you reel in the lure, the louder the sploshing becomes. As you pause in your reeling, the tail of the plopper will sink to imitate the movements of injured prey.
As with any fishing lure, experiment with different retrieval speeds and techniques to find what works best for the fish species you are targeting. On some days, a slow and steady retrieve may be more effective, while on other days, a fast and erratic retrieve may trigger more strikes. Make sure that you pay attention to the fish’s response and adjust your technique accordingly.
Best Time and Location
Knowing when and where to use the River2Sea’s Whopper Plopper can significantly increase your chances of landing trophy-size fish. As a topwater bait, it is most effective during the warmer months when fish are more active near the surface. Early morning and late evening are prime feeding times for many species, so consider planning your fishing trips during these periods for optimal results. The water should be like smooth like glass or with a bit of a chop. With it being the fall fishing season, we will test out the lure and see how well it attracts the musky during the cooler months. I will update the post with our findings.
The Whopper Plopper for us was most effective in areas with ample cover and structure. We suggest you look for areas with vegetation, submerged rocks, or places where currents converge, as these are favourite hiding spots for big game fish. Additionally, pay attention to any signs of baitfish activity, as predatory fish are likely nearby.
On the first day of using the Whopper Plopper 110 in BlueGill, we caught a 3 lb largemouth bass at the mouth of a bay beside a weedy, shallow rock ledge. The plopper also attracted some of the smaller bass, along with a baby perch.
Further Reading:
Fall Fishing, where we cover tips on how to master this fishing season
Tips for Selecting the Right Plopper for Your Fishing Needs
The Whopper Plopper comes in six sizes and a variety of colours. When selecting a size, consider the target species and the prevailing conditions. Larger sizes, such as the Whopper Plopper 190, 110, and 130, are typically more effective for large muskie and bass. While smaller sizes, like the 60, 75, and 90, work well for their smaller counterparts. The sound that each size produces is quite different. We opted for the River2Sea Whopper Plopper 110, a nice in-between size.
Colour selection is also crucial, as it can influence a fish’s willingness to strike. Thankfully, the River2Sea Whopper Plopper comes in an array of colours closely resembling baitfish and waterfowl. Before selecting a colour, consider the waters that you are fishing. In clear water, natural and subtle colours tend to be more effective, for example, the 12 Loon, while in murky water or low-light conditions, brighter and more vibrant colours like the 21 Powder can attract attention. Another tip is to match the fishing lure to the colour of the local baitfish. In our case, it was the 28 BlueGill. As with any fishing lure, having a selection of colours to test out is always a good idea.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Whopper Plopper
While the Whopper Plopper is a highly effective fishing lure, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid. One mistake is using the wrong retrieval speed. Most beginner anglers will opt for a straight retrieve. Unfortunately, this alone will not land you a fish. Nothing in the water swims in a straight line! Vary your speed, and incorporate some pauses and twitches. The River2Sea Whopper Plopper intends to produce a lot of noise – therefore, a very slow retrieve does not work well with this lure.
Another mistake is neglecting to maintain your fishing lure. The hooks come sharp, but over time, they rust and dull. Regularly check for any damage or wear and tear, as a damaged lure may not perform as effectively. Replace any worn-out hooks or split rings to ensure optimal performance.
Alternatives to the Whopper Plopper
While the Whopper Plopper has gained significant popularity, alternatives are available on the market. Some popular alternatives include the Buzzbait, the Chatterbait, and the Popper. Each of these lures has unique features and advantages. It is worth experimenting with different options to find what works best.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Whopper Plopper is a revolutionary fishing lure that has proven itself as a must-have tool for anglers seeking trophy-size fish. Combined with its unique design and topwater action, it makes it irresistible to big game fish. The River2Sea’s Whopper Plopper is a fun, loud and enticing fishing lure and now has a permanent home in our tackle box. So, equip yourself with this secret weapon, cast it out, reel it in, and get ready for the strike of a lifetime.
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