Fishing in the ocean is an exhilarating experience, but for beginners, it can feel like a daunting challenge. One of the most effective and exciting ways to fish is by using topwater fishing lures, which are specifically designed to target fish that feed on prey near the water’s surface. These lures can create splashing and popping sounds that draw predatory fish to the surface, making them perfect for both novice and experienced anglers alike.
This tutorial is dedicated to helping beginners understand how to use durable topwater fishing lures in the ocean. From choosing the right lure to perfecting your fishing technique, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make your fishing trip a success.
What Are Topwater Fishing Lures?
Topwater fishing lures are a type of fishing lure that floats on or just beneath the surface of the water. They are designed to simulate the behavior of prey—such as small fish or insects—that fish feed on near the surface. When retrieved, topwater lures create splashes, wakes, or “pops,” which attract predatory fish, triggering their instinct to strike.
These lures are a popular choice for anglers targeting species such as bass, tarpon, bluefish, and even sharks. Topwater fishing lures come in various styles, including poppers, walkers, chuggers, and pencils, each offering a different type of action and presentation.
Why Topwater Lures Are Ideal for Beginners in the Ocean
For beginner anglers, topwater lures are a great choice for several reasons:
- Exciting Visual Action: One of the most thrilling aspects of using topwater lures is watching the fish strike the lure right at the surface. This “topwater action” is incredibly engaging, providing an immediate visual payoff that’s rewarding for both beginners and seasoned anglers.
- Easy to Use: Topwater lures are typically straightforward to use, making them perfect for beginners. The key is in the retrieve. By simply casting the lure and retrieving it with varied speeds, you can simulate the movement of prey and effectively attract fish.
- Great for Shallow Waters: Many fish species in the ocean feed close to the surface, especially in shallow waters. Topwater lures are designed to target these fish, making them ideal for beginners who may be fishing from a boat, pier, or shore in shallow areas.
- Durability: When fishing in the ocean, the lures must be durable enough to handle the harsh conditions of saltwater, waves, and aggressive fish. Durable topwater fishing lures are designed with corrosion-resistant materials, ensuring they last longer and maintain their performance even in saltwater environments.
- Versatility: Topwater lures are effective for a wide variety of fish species, including aggressive predators that strike at the surface. From small fish like sea bass to larger game fish like tarpon, topwater lures are versatile enough for various oceanic conditions.
Types of Topwater Fishing Lures for Beginners
There are several types of topwater lures, and understanding their specific actions and uses is important for beginners. Here are the main types:
1. Poppers
Popper lures are among the most popular topwater lures for beginners. They are characterized by a concave face that creates a popping sound when retrieved. This sound mimics a struggling fish or an injured baitfish, which is irresistible to predatory fish.
- How It Works: When you retrieve a popper, it creates a distinctive “pop” sound, which causes a commotion on the water’s surface. This mimics the sound of an injured fish, attracting predators to strike.
- Best For: Bass, bluefish, and striped bass.
2. Walking Baits (Walkers)
Walking lures, also known as “walk-the-dog” lures, are designed to move in a side-to-side motion when retrieved. This motion mimics a fleeing baitfish, making it very effective for drawing the attention of predators.
- How It Works: To use a walking bait, you need to impart a rhythmic, side-to-side motion by jerking the rod tip while reeling in the line. This creates a zigzag pattern on the water’s surface.
- Best For: Large predator species such as tarpon, tuna, and even larger bass.
3. Chuggers
Chuggers are similar to poppers, but they have a more pronounced action. They are designed to create a “chugging” sound as they are retrieved, producing more water disturbance and drawing fish in from a greater distance.
- How It Works: When you retrieve a chugger, it produces both a popping sound and larger water splashes. This makes it great for fishing in rougher water or when targeting more aggressive species.
- Best For: Tarpon, snook, and jack crevalle.
4. Pencil Lures
Pencil lures are long, slender lures that mimic the appearance and action of an injured fish darting across the surface. They are known for their ability to cover a lot of water quickly and are perfect for fish that are actively hunting.
- How It Works: Pencil lures are typically used with a fast, steady retrieve. They dart from side to side, mimicking an injured fish trying to escape.
- Best For: Tuna, tarpon, and other large ocean predators.
How to Use Topwater Fishing Lures in the Ocean
Now that you understand the different types of topwater lures, it’s time to learn how to use them effectively in the ocean. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Choose the Right Lure
Select the appropriate topwater lure based on the target species and the fishing conditions. For beginners, a popper is often the best choice due to its ease of use and effectiveness in attracting fish.
2. Set Up Your Gear
For ocean fishing, it’s important to use a rod and reel combination that can handle the demands of saltwater fishing:
- Rod: A medium to heavy spinning rod with a length of 7 to 9 feet is ideal for topwater fishing in the ocean. A longer rod allows for longer casts and better control when fighting fish.
- Reel: Pair the rod with a saltwater-resistant spinning reel or baitcasting reel. These reels are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of ocean fishing.
- Line: Use braided line or a strong monofilament line in the range of 20 to 30 pounds, depending on the species you are targeting.
3. Casting and Retrieving the Lure
- Casting: Cast the lure towards areas where fish are likely to be feeding, such as near reefs, drop-offs, or along the shoreline. Pay attention to any signs of fish activity, like jumping or surface splashing, which indicate that predators are feeding nearby.
- Retrieve: The retrieve is the key to success with topwater lures. For poppers, use a slow, steady retrieve with occasional pauses to let the lure “pop” on the surface. For walking lures, jerk the rod to create a side-to-side motion. For chuggers, use a more aggressive, steady retrieve to create water splashes. Pencil lures work best with a fast, steady retrieve to mimic an injured fish.
4. Observe and Adjust
It’s essential to observe the water and adjust your retrieve technique based on the behavior of the fish. If you’re not getting bites, try changing the color of the lure or altering the retrieve speed. Sometimes a quicker or slower action can trigger strikes.
5. Hooking and Fighting Fish
When you feel a bite, wait for a slight pause before setting the hook. This ensures the fish has fully taken the lure. Once hooked, keep steady pressure on the line and avoid jerking or reeling too fast, as this can cause the hook to dislodge. Let the fish tire itself out, and then reel it in slowly.
Tips for Success with Topwater Fishing Lures
- Fish Early or Late: Predatory fish are most active at dawn and dusk. These are the best times to fish with topwater lures in the ocean.
- Use Fluorescent Colors: Bright or fluorescent colors can be more visible to fish, especially in murky or darker waters.
- Be Patient: Topwater fishing can sometimes take time, so don’t get discouraged. Keep casting and retrieving, and the fish will come.
- Stay Aware of Tides: Fishing during the right tidal movements can increase your chances of success. Fish tend to be more active during incoming or outgoing tides.
Conclusion
Durable topwater fishing lures are an excellent choice for beginners fishing in the ocean. They are easy to use, provide exciting action, and are effective for catching a wide range of fish species. By selecting the right lure, setting up your gear correctly, and using the proper retrieve techniques, you can enhance your chances of success and have a rewarding fishing experience.
For top-quality fishing lures, including durable topwater lures, visit us at Lurebolt.com. We offer a variety of lures suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers, ensuring that your next ocean fishing trip is a success.