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10 Best Topwater Lures 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

TRUSCEND Topwater Fishing Lures with BKK Hooks, Pencil Plopper Fishing Lures for Bass Catfish Pike Perch, Top Water Bass Bait Lure with Propeller Tail, Pencil Floating Lure

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,496
Color
Action
Material

Most important from
8113 reviews

Color
Fantastic topwater action with great movement and good quality; the color remains intact even after usage.
Action
Fantastic topwater action with great movement and good quality; the color remains intact even after usage.
Material
The quality of these lures exceeded initial expectations, with free-spinning paddles and surprisingly good paint durability.

The TRUSCEND Topwater Fishing Lures are a solid choice for those targeting bass, catfish, pike, and perch in both freshwater and saltwater environments. These lures stand out with their special recessed gill shape, which creates a deeper gurgling sound and more aggressive popping action, closely mimicking a struggling baitfish. This can lead to more bites, making your fishing trips more successful.

The rear-weighted design enhances casting distance and stability, even in windy conditions, and makes the 'walking the dog' technique easier to execute. The lifelike design, complete with 3D eyes and laser effect scales, reflects light to attract fish from all directions, while the one-knock cadence rattle adds an auditory element to lure in predator fish effectively.

With a small size of 3.5 inches and a weight of 0.4oz, these lures are easy to handle and suitable for a variety of fishing techniques. Made from durable plastic, they come equipped with BKK hooks, known for their sharpness and strength. However, the small size might not be ideal for very large fish species, and the plastic material, while durable, might not be as long-lasting as some metal alternatives. These lures are also well-ranked in their category, making them a popular choice among anglers.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,496
Color
Action
Material

Most important from
8113 reviews

Color
Fantastic topwater action with great movement and good quality; the color remains intact even after usage.
Action
Fantastic topwater action with great movement and good quality; the color remains intact even after usage.
Material
The quality of these lures exceeded initial expectations, with free-spinning paddles and surprisingly good paint durability.
#2

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

Rating
8.5
Size
Action

Most important from
324 reviews

Size
Perfect size for reds and trout.
Action
The action just seems better than a lot of other top waters.

The Heddon Saltwater Super Spook Jr 3-pack is designed for topwater lure fishing, specifically for 'walk-the-dog' presentations. This lure type is great for attracting fish to the surface, making it suitable for anglers targeting species found in shallow waters. The pack includes three lures in different colors: Red Head Holographic, Bone, and Black Shiner. This variety allows you to choose the most effective color based on the fishing conditions and target species.

Each lure is built with tough construction and realistic finishes, which enhances its durability and visual appeal to fish. The rugged line ties and strong, sharp hooks ensure that the lures can handle the stress of reeling in a catch without breaking or bending. The package dimensions and light weight make these lures easy to carry and manage during a fishing trip.

The single size option might not cater to all fishing scenarios, especially if different sizes are needed to target various fish species. Despite this, the Heddon Saltwater Super Spook Jr remains a solid choice for topwater fishing, especially for those who appreciate quality construction and variety in lure color.

Rating
8.5
Size
Action

Most important from
324 reviews

Size
Perfect size for reds and trout.
Action
The action just seems better than a lot of other top waters.
#3

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

Rating
8.2
Lure Type
Size
Action

Most important from
1569 reviews

Lure Type
This lure consistently attracts fish when they are feeding near the surface, making it a dependable choice for topwater fishing.
Size
Its size and weight offer a balanced action that appeals to a wide range of bass and similar species.
Action
Its signature side-to-side action reliably provokes exciting strikes, enhancing the fishing experience.
Material
Durable construction ensures it holds up well through repeated use without losing effectiveness.

The Heddon Zara Spook is a classic topwater fishing lure designed to create an enticing 'walk-the-dog' action that mimics struggling prey on the water’s surface. At 3 inches long and weighing 1/4 oz, it’s a medium-sized lure that works well for bass and similar species. Its bone color is a versatile choice that can attract fish in various water conditions. The lure’s double hooks increase the chance of a secure catch when a fish strikes.

Anglers appreciate the distinctive side-to-side movement that draws attention from a distance, making this lure effective when fish are feeding near the surface or suspended in the water. Although some might find it a bit light for larger, more aggressive fish, it generally offers a good balance of size and action for most freshwater fishing scenarios. The durable plastic material holds up well through repeated use, making it a reliable, easy-to-use topwater option that can provoke exciting surface strikes.

Rating
8.2
Lure Type
Size
Action

Most important from
1569 reviews

Lure Type
This lure consistently attracts fish when they are feeding near the surface, making it a dependable choice for topwater fishing.
Size
Its size and weight offer a balanced action that appeals to a wide range of bass and similar species.
Action
Its signature side-to-side action reliably provokes exciting strikes, enhancing the fishing experience.
Material
Durable construction ensures it holds up well through repeated use without losing effectiveness.

Buying Guide for the Best Topwater Lures

Choosing the right topwater lure can significantly enhance your fishing experience. Topwater lures are designed to float on the surface of the water and mimic the movements of prey, attracting fish to strike. The key to selecting the best topwater lure for you lies in understanding the different specifications and how they align with your fishing needs and conditions. Here are the key specs to consider when picking a topwater lure.
Lure TypeTopwater lures come in various types, including poppers, walkers, prop baits, and frogs. Each type has a unique action and is suited for different fishing scenarios. Poppers create a splash and noise that can attract fish from a distance, making them ideal for open water. Walkers, also known as 'walk-the-dog' lures, have a side-to-side action that mimics a fleeing baitfish, perfect for calm waters. Prop baits have propellers that create commotion, useful in both calm and slightly choppy waters. Frogs are designed to mimic amphibians and are great for fishing in heavy cover like lily pads. Choose the type based on the water conditions and the behavior of the fish you are targeting.
SizeThe size of the topwater lure is crucial as it should match the size of the prey that the fish are feeding on. Smaller lures (2-3 inches) are suitable for targeting smaller fish or when fish are feeding on small bait. Medium-sized lures (3-4 inches) are versatile and can attract a variety of fish species. Larger lures (4 inches and above) are ideal for targeting bigger fish or when fish are feeding on larger prey. Consider the size of the fish you are targeting and the typical prey in the fishing area to select the appropriate lure size.
ColorColor plays a significant role in the effectiveness of a topwater lure. Bright colors like chartreuse and white are highly visible and work well in murky or stained water. Natural colors like silver, black, and green are more effective in clear water as they closely resemble real prey. Some lures also have reflective finishes that can attract fish by mimicking the flash of a baitfish. Choose the color based on the water clarity and the natural prey in the area.
ActionThe action of a topwater lure refers to the movement it makes on the water's surface. Some lures have a subtle action, while others create a lot of noise and commotion. Subtle actions are better for calm waters and when fish are easily spooked. Noisy actions are effective in rough waters or when fish are aggressive. Consider the water conditions and the behavior of the fish to determine the best action for your lure.
MaterialTopwater lures are made from various materials, including plastic, wood, and foam. Plastic lures are durable and come in a wide range of colors and designs. Wooden lures have a natural buoyancy and unique action that can be very effective. Foam lures are lightweight and can create a different action on the water. Choose the material based on your preference for durability, action, and buoyancy.

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