Fishing is an enjoyable and rewarding outdoor activity that many beginners are eager to try, especially when it comes to catching fish in rivers. One of the most exciting types of fishing is topwater fishing, which involves lures that float on the surface of the water and create surface disturbances to attract fish. Topwater fishing lures are not only fun to use, but they also offer an engaging experience for beginners, providing instant feedback when fish strike the lure.
If you’re new to fishing and want to start with topwater lures in rivers, it’s important to know which types of lures will work best for beginners. This guide will explore the best topwater fishing lures for beginners in rivers, providing you with the essential information to choose the right lure, use it effectively, and enjoy a successful fishing experience.
Why Topwater Fishing Lures are Ideal for Beginners
Topwater fishing lures are particularly suited for beginners for several reasons:
1. Visual and Exciting Action
The most exciting part of topwater fishing is the visual aspect. Watching a fish strike the lure on the surface of the water is an incredible experience for any angler, especially for beginners. Topwater lures create surface disturbances—such as popping, splashing, or walking—that visually attract fish. This instant feedback makes it easier for beginners to understand what’s happening in the water and how fish respond to the lure.
2. Easy to Use
Topwater lures are relatively simple to use compared to other types of fishing lures. The basic technique involves casting the lure, retrieving it slowly or with pauses, and watching for surface strikes. This simplicity makes them ideal for those just starting out in fishing.
3. Works in Shallow Waters
Rivers often feature shallow water areas where fish are actively hunting for prey near the surface. Topwater lures are perfect for these conditions, as they create surface noise that mimics the movement of small fish, insects, or other prey that river fish often feed on.
4. Suitable for a Variety of Fish Species
Topwater lures can be used to catch a wide variety of river fish, including bass, trout, bluegill, pike, and others. This versatility makes topwater lures a great option for beginners who want to target different species and learn how to fish in various river environments.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Topwater Lures for Beginners
When selecting topwater fishing lures for beginners, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure the lure is effective and easy to use. Let’s break down the key aspects of choosing the right topwater lure.
1. Lure Size
The size of the topwater lure determines which species of fish it will attract and how easily it can be handled by a beginner. Smaller lures (1.5 to 3 inches) are often easier for beginners to cast and retrieve, and they work well for smaller fish like bluegill, crappie, or smaller bass. Larger lures (3 to 4 inches) are ideal for targeting bigger fish like largemouth bass or pike.
- For younger beginners: Smaller lures (1.5-2 inches) are easier to handle and better suited for smaller fish in shallow river sections.
- For older beginners: Medium-sized lures (2.5-3 inches) can be used to target larger species or deeper areas.
2. Type of Topwater Action
There are different types of topwater lures, each designed to create different types of action in the water. The three main types are poppers, walkers, and buzzbaits. Choosing the right type depends on your fishing environment and the type of fish you’re targeting.
- Poppers: These lures create a “popping” sound by splashing water as they’re retrieved. They are highly effective in attracting fish in both calm and choppy water. Poppers are often a great choice for beginners, as they provide both visual and audible feedback when fish strike.
- Walkers: These lures have a side-to-side action, mimicking the movement of a struggling baitfish. Walking lures are effective for fish that hunt near the surface, and they’re ideal for more active beginners who want to experiment with varied retrieval techniques.
- Buzzbaits: These lures feature a rotating blade that creates a high-speed splash and noise on the surface. They’re ideal for beginners fishing in weedy areas, as their design helps them move through vegetation without snagging.
3. Color and Visibility
The color of your fishing lure plays a significant role in attracting fish. Bright, high-contrast colors like chartreuse, yellow, or orange are highly visible and can attract fish in murky water or low-light conditions. Natural colors such as white, silver, or green work well in clear water, as they mimic real prey like baitfish or insects.
- Bright colors: Ideal for murky or cloudy water where visibility is reduced.
- Natural colors: Better for clear water, where fish can easily spot the lure.
4. Durability and Construction
For beginners, durability is important because the lure will be exposed to rough handling, repeated use, and potentially snagging on underwater structures. High-quality topwater fishing lures are made from durable materials such as ABS plastic, polycarbonate, or silicone, ensuring they can withstand repeated use without breaking or losing their effectiveness.
- ABS plastic or polycarbonate lures offer both strength and lightweight properties.
- Silicone skirts (on some lures) add extra action and durability.
Best Topwater Fishing Lures for Beginners in Rivers
Now that we understand the factors to consider, let’s take a closer look at some of the best topwater fishing lures for beginners fishing in rivers. These lures are easy to use, durable, and effective for a variety of river fish.
1. LureBolt Popper Lures
LureBolt Popper Lures are an excellent choice for beginners. These lures feature a concave cup design that creates a popping action on the surface of the water. The LureBolt Popper is available in several sizes and bright colors, making it ideal for both murky and clear water conditions. The durable construction ensures that the lure can withstand multiple casts without losing effectiveness.
- Why it’s great for beginners: The popping action is simple to use and provides visible feedback when fish strike. The bright colors make it easy for kids or new anglers to track the lure’s movement.
- Best for: Largemouth bass, bluegill, and other small to medium-sized river fish.
2. Rapala Skitter Pop
The Rapala Skitter Pop is a popular and trusted popper that provides great topwater action. Its unique design helps create a loud pop, attracting fish from a distance. It’s available in a variety of colors and is easy to retrieve, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
- Why it’s great for beginners: The Skitter Pop is very user-friendly, providing steady action with minimal effort. It’s available in small sizes, making it perfect for targeting smaller fish in shallow rivers.
- Best for: Bass, pike, and trout in rivers and other freshwater bodies.
3. Heddon Zara Puppy Popper
The Heddon Zara Puppy Popper is smaller than many other poppers, making it a fantastic option for kids or younger anglers. This lightweight and compact design makes it easier for beginners to handle. The popper creates a sharp splash that mimics an injured fish, perfect for attracting river fish.
- Why it’s great for beginners: Its small size and ease of use make it ideal for kids or first-time anglers. The splash and sound created by this popper make it easier to attract fish.
- Best for: Small bass, panfish, and other shallow river species.
4. Booyah Pond Magic Popper
The Booyah Pond Magic Popper is perfect for fishing in smaller rivers, ponds, or shallow waters. Its lightweight design makes it easy to cast, and the popping action is great for attracting fish in calm or lightly rippling water.
- Why it’s great for beginners: The Pond Magic Popper is easy to use and perfect for shallow river sections. Its compact size and durable construction ensure longevity, even with rough handling.
- Best for: Bluegill, bass, and other river species found in shallow waters.
How to Set Up and Use Topwater Lures for Beginners
1. Proper Casting Technique
Show beginners how to properly cast the fishing lure so they can reach the ideal fishing spots. Keep the cast light and simple, aiming for areas near structures like fallen trees, rocks, and vegetation.
2. Retrieve and Action
Instruct them to retrieve the popper slowly and steadily, with occasional pauses to let the lure rest on the surface. Encourage them to experiment with different retrieve speeds to see what works best for attracting fish.
3. Patience and Observation
Teach beginners to be patient and to watch carefully for surface strikes. Sometimes fish may take a few moments to strike, so they should be ready to reel in once they see or feel a bite.
4. Safety Measures
Always ensure that beginners are practicing safe fishing practices. Wearing a life jacket when fishing from a boat or dock and handling hooks carefully will ensure a safe and enjoyable fishing experience.
Conclusion
Topwater fishing lures are an exciting and effective way for beginners to fish in rivers, offering a thrilling experience and great results. Whether you choose LureBolt Popper Lures, Rapala Skitter Pop, or any of the other topwater lures mentioned, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy successful fishing trips. The simplicity of these lures, combined with their exciting action, makes them perfect for beginners learning the ropes of river fishing.
At LureBolt, we offer a wide range of high-quality fishing lures, including topwater poppers designed to make your fishing experience both fun and rewarding. Visit us at lurebolt.com to explore our full range of fishing lures and gear for your next river fishing adventure.