topwater fishing lures. These lures, when used correctly, can attract trout by mimicking the movement of prey on the ocean’s surface, triggering strikes from even the most cautious fish.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the best topwater fishing lures for trout in the ocean and guide you on how to use them effectively. We’ll also provide insights into where to purchase these lures, ensuring you have the right gear for your next fishing adventure.
Why Topwater Fishing Lures are Ideal for Ocean Trout
When fishing for trout in the ocean, especially in shallow or inshore waters, topwater lures can be an excellent choice. They float on the surface and mimic the movements of prey, such as small fish, crustaceans, or insects, that trout typically feed on. Here are a few reasons why topwater lures are effective for ocean trout:
Surface Action: Ocean trout are often more attracted to prey on the surface, where they can ambush their meals. Topwater lures mimic this behavior by staying near the surface, making them a natural target for hungry trout.
Exciting Strikes: Watching a trout strike at a topwater lure is one of the most thrilling aspects of fishing. The explosive surface strike is not only exciting for anglers, but also more likely to land a fish compared to lures that sink below the surface.
Easy to Use: Topwater lures are typically easier to use compared to other types of lures. With basic retrieval techniques like steady or jerky movements, you can keep the lure close to the surface and attract the attention of nearby fish.
Versatile: Topwater lures can be effective in a variety of conditions, from clear water to slightly murky water. Whether you are fishing at dawn, dusk, or on a cloudy day, topwater lures can often perform well, especially in the early morning and late evening hours when trout are most active.
Best Types of Topwater Fishing Lures for Ocean Trout
Several types of topwater fishing lures can be used effectively when targeting ocean trout. Below are the most popular options:
1. Poppers
Poppers are one of the most popular and effective topwater lures for trout. They create a loud, splashy sound when retrieved, imitating the action of struggling prey on the water’s surface. The popping noise attracts trout and triggers them to strike.
Key Features:
Shape: Typically cup-shaped or concave at the front
Action: Produces a popping or splashing sound when retrieved
Best For: Shallow waters, early morning or late evening fishing
Colors: Silver, white, and natural baitfish colors
Why It’s Effective: Poppers create a noisy disturbance that trout can’t resist. The splashing sound mimics the struggle of prey, making them highly effective for ocean trout.
2. Walk-the-Dog Lures (Pencil Poppers)
Walk-the-dog lures, also known as pencil poppers, have a slender shape and are designed to glide across the surface in a side-to-side motion. This “walk-the-dog” action resembles a fish or other prey moving erratically on the water’s surface, making it an irresistible target for ocean trout.
Key Features:
Shape: Long, slender, and cylindrical
Action: Zig-zags across the surface with a side-to-side motion
Best For: Fishing in calm to slightly choppy waters
Colors: Natural baitfish colors (blue, silver, green)
Why It’s Effective: The erratic motion of the pencil popper closely imitates injured prey, which is often what trout go after in the wild.
3. Floating Minnows
Floating minnows are another great option when fishing for ocean trout. These lures are designed to resemble small baitfish, and their realistic movement makes them attractive to trout. Floating minnows often have a subtle, lifelike action and are great for fishing in calm waters or slightly choppy conditions.
Key Features:
Shape: Similar to a small fish, with a slightly elongated body
Action: Slow, realistic movements when retrieved
Best For: Clear to slightly murky waters
Colors: Natural baitfish patterns, such as silver, gold, or green
Why It’s Effective: Floating minnows closely mimic the look and movement of small baitfish, which are a primary food source for ocean trout.
4. Frog Lures
While not as common for ocean trout as the previous lures, frog lures can still be incredibly effective in certain conditions, particularly in coastal estuaries or ponds. These lures mimic the appearance of frogs, which are sometimes found near the water’s surface. Trout, especially in shallow coastal waters, will eagerly strike at these lures when presented correctly.
Key Features:
Shape: Resembling a frog with lifelike legs and a soft body
Action: Creates a splashing motion as it moves across the water
Best For: Shallow estuaries, tidal waters
Colors: Green, brown, and other natural frog-like colors
Why It’s Effective: The splashing sound and erratic movement mimic the natural movements of frogs, which can provoke a strike from trout in estuarine waters.
How to Use Topwater Fishing Lures for Ocean Trout
Using topwater fishing lures effectively requires a combination of techniques and patience. Here are some tips to help you maximize your chances of success when fishing for ocean trout:
1. Steady Retrieve
For most topwater lures, a steady retrieve works best. This means keeping the lure moving at a constant speed on the surface. You can vary the speed depending on the conditions, but a slow to moderate retrieve usually produces the best results. This technique works especially well with floating minnows and poppers.
2. Walk-the-Dog Action
If you’re using a pencil popper or walk-the-dog style lure, you’ll want to use a side-to-side retrieval technique. This involves twitching the rod tip slightly to create the “walk-the-dog” action. Make sure your rod movements are subtle to avoid jerky movements that could throw off the action.
3. Popping Action for Poppers
With poppers, the goal is to create a “pop” on the surface of the water. To do this, give the rod short, sharp twitches to make the lure splash and create noise. This action attracts trout from a distance and entices them to strike. Try to let the lure rest momentarily between pops to make it appear more lifelike.
4. Keep the Lure in the Strike Zone
One of the most important factors in topwater fishing is keeping your lure in the strike zone. Trout are most likely to strike when the lure is in the area where they are actively hunting for food. This is usually near the surface, where prey like baitfish, insects, and crustaceans are abundant.
5. Time of Day
Topwater lures are most effective during dawn and dusk, when trout are more likely to be near the surface. During these times, trout are actively feeding, and the lower light conditions make them less cautious. It’s also a good idea to fish on overcast days when the water is slightly darker, as trout tend to be more active during these conditions.
Where to Buy the Best Topwater Fishing Lures for Ocean Trout
Now that you know which lures to use and how to use them, you might be wondering where to purchase high-quality topwater fishing lures.
At , we offer a wide range of topwater fishing lures that are perfect for ocean trout. Whether you’re looking for poppers, walk-the-dog lures, or floating minnows, we have a variety of styles to suit every angler’s needs.
Why Choose LureBolt?
High-Quality Lures: We source durable, realistic lures that are built to withstand the demands of saltwater fishing.
Affordable Prices: Enjoy competitive prices without sacrificing quality.
Fast Shipping: Get your lures delivered quickly so you can hit the water and start fishing.
Explore our full range of topwater lures and gear up for your next ocean trout fishing adventure today.
Conclusion
Fishing for ocean trout with topwater lures