Fishing is a thrilling outdoor activity, especially for beginners in Canada, where diverse freshwater and saltwater environments provide ample opportunities for anglers. One of the most exciting ways to fish is with topwater fishing lures. These lures are designed to float on the surface of the water, creating an enticing disturbance that attracts fish to strike. Topwater fishing lures are highly effective for targeting a range of species like bass, pike, trout, and walleye, making them an essential tool for any beginner looking to dive into the world of fishing.
This guide will provide a detailed overview of easy-to-use topwater fishing lures for beginners in Canada. We’ll cover the benefits of topwater lures, the best types for beginners, how to use them effectively, and where to buy them. Whether you’re fishing in calm lakes, fast-moving rivers, or the coastal waters of Canada, this article will help you get started with topwater fishing and increase your chances of landing that big catch.
Table of Contents
- What Are Topwater Fishing Lures?
- Why Topwater Lures Are Ideal for Beginners in Canada
- Key Features to Look for in Topwater Fishing Lures
- Best Topwater Fishing Lures for Beginners in Canada
- How to Use Topwater Fishing Lures Effectively
- Techniques for Catching Fish with Topwater Lures
- Common Mistakes to Avoid with Topwater Lures
- Where to Buy Topwater Fishing Lures in Canada
- Conclusion
1. What Are Topwater Fishing Lures?
Topwater fishing lures are designed to float on the surface of the water, unlike sub-surface lures that dive below the surface. These lures create a unique surface disturbance—whether through splashes, bubbles, or ripples—that mimics the behavior of struggling prey, such as small fish or insects. Topwater lures are typically used in shallow waters, where fish like bass and pike are often found feeding near the surface.
Types of Topwater Fishing Lures:
- Poppers: These lures have a concave mouth that creates a popping sound when retrieved, making them ideal for drawing fish’s attention.
- Walkers: These lures are designed to “walk the dog” across the water, creating a side-to-side motion that resembles struggling prey.
- Buzzbaits: Equipped with spinning blades, buzzbaits create a buzzing noise and splash that attract fish.
- Prop baits: These lures have rotating blades or props that create noise and bubbles as they move through the water.
Topwater lures are perfect for beginners because they are easy to use and offer an exciting visual fishing experience.
2. Why Topwater Lures Are Ideal for Beginners in Canada
Fishing with topwater lures is an engaging and relatively simple technique, making them a great choice for beginners. The immediate visual feedback you get from seeing fish strike your lure is one of the most exciting aspects of topwater fishing. This technique is also effective in a variety of water conditions and is suitable for many of the popular fish species in Canada.
Reasons Topwater Lures Are Great for Beginners:
- Instant Feedback: With topwater fishing, you can see the fish’s response to the lure, which makes it easier to learn and understand fishing patterns.
- Attractive to Aggressive Fish: Topwater lures are especially effective in attracting predatory fish like bass and pike, which are common in Canada’s freshwater lakes and rivers.
- Easy to Use: Topwater lures are typically straightforward to use. They require a simple cast-and-retrieve technique, making them ideal for beginners learning the basics of fishing.
- Versatile for Different Environments: Whether you’re fishing in lakes, rivers, or coastal areas, topwater lures can be used effectively in various environments found across Canada.
3. Key Features to Look for in Topwater Fishing Lures
When choosing the best topwater fishing lures, especially for beginners, it’s important to keep certain features in mind to ensure the lure is effective and easy to use.
Key Features:
- Size and Weight: Choose a topwater lure that matches the size of the fish species you’re targeting. Larger lures are ideal for bigger fish like pike, while smaller lures work well for species like trout.
- Floating Ability: The key feature of a topwater lure is its ability to stay on the surface. Look for lures that have a good floating capacity and will maintain their position even in calm or choppy waters.
- Durability: Especially for beginners, durability is crucial. Lures made from strong materials, such as plastic, metal, or wood, can withstand multiple uses and harsh conditions.
- Color and Finish: Bright or natural-colored lures can be highly effective depending on the water clarity. For example, use bright colors in murky water and natural colors in clear water.
- Sound and Action: Different lures create different actions, such as a popping sound (poppers) or side-to-side movements (walkers). Consider the action that will best mimic the prey fish in the area.
4. Best Topwater Fishing Lures for Beginners in Canada
When starting with topwater fishing, there are several lures that work exceptionally well for beginners in Canada. These lures are easy to use and can be highly effective in attracting fish.
1. Lurebolt Popper
At Lurebolt, we offer a top-quality Popper that is perfect for beginners. The concave mouth creates a distinctive popping sound, which is ideal for attracting species like bass and walleye. The durable construction ensures that the lure holds up in both freshwater and saltwater conditions.
- Ideal For: Bass, pike, walleye
- Features: Concave mouth, floating design, bright color options
2. Rapala Skitter Pop
The Rapala Skitter Pop is a popular popper-style lure that’s easy to use for beginners. Its unique popping action creates loud surface disturbance, drawing fish in from a distance. It’s perfect for fishing in Canadian lakes, especially for aggressive fish like smallmouth bass.
- Ideal For: Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, pike
- Features: Durable, strong hook, great popping action
3. Heddon Super Spook
The Heddon Super Spook is one of the best walking baits on the market. Known for its reliable side-to-side movement, this lure mimics a struggling fish in distress. It’s especially effective for catching largemouth bass and northern pike in Canadian waters.
- Ideal For: Largemouth bass, pike
- Features: Walking action, excellent for surface feeding fish
4. Booyah Buzz Buzzbait
The Booyah Buzz Buzzbait is an affordable and easy-to-use buzzbait that creates a surface buzz when retrieved. This noise attracts fish, especially in murky waters. It’s great for beginners who want to try something simple and effective.
- Ideal For: Bass, pike
- Features: Buzzing action, lightweight, easy retrieval
5. How to Use Topwater Fishing Lures Effectively
Topwater fishing can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to use the right techniques to make the most of your topwater lures. Here are some tips for beginners on how to use topwater lures effectively:
1. Casting and Retrieving
Cast your topwater lure near likely fish-holding areas such as weeds, submerged rocks, or the mouths of rivers. Retrieve the lure steadily while paying attention to the fish’s response. For poppers, give a slight pause between each pop. For walkers and buzzbaits, maintain a steady retrieve.
2. Popping Action
For popper lures, use short, sharp jerks of the rod to create the popping action. This mimics the sound of a fish in distress and is especially attractive to bass and pike.
3. Walking the Dog
For walker lures, use a side-to-side motion by twitching the rod tip while reeling in. This creates a zigzag pattern on the surface of the water, resembling a struggling fish.
4. Varying Speed
Vary the speed of your retrieve. If you aren’t getting strikes, try speeding up the retrieve or adding more pauses to the action.
6. Techniques for Catching Fish with Topwater Lures
Here are some effective techniques that will improve your chances of catching fish with topwater lures:
1. Fish During the Early Morning or Late Evening
Topwater fishing is often most effective during low-light conditions when fish are actively feeding near the surface. Fish early in the morning or late in the evening to take advantage of this.
2. Focus on Structures
Target areas with structures such as fallen trees, submerged rocks, or weed beds. These areas provide hiding spots for fish, and topwater lures work well in drawing fish from these locations.
3. Use Stealth
Be as quiet as possible when casting your lure to avoid startling the fish. This is particularly important in clear water where fish can be easily spooked.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid with Topwater Lures
Even beginners can make some common mistakes that reduce their chances of success. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:
- Retrieving Too Fast: If you retrieve your topwater lure too quickly, you might not give fish enough time to notice it. Slow down your retrieve and focus on creating the right action.
- Not Adjusting for Water Conditions: The effectiveness of topwater lures can depend on the water’s clarity and the fish’s feeding behavior. Always adjust the lure size and retrieve technique accordingly.
- Overworking the Lure: Too much action can make the lure look unnatural. Keep your movements subtle and consistent for the best results.
8. Where to Buy Topwater Fishing Lures in Canada
You can find high-quality topwater fishing lures at Lurebolt. We offer a range of topwater lures, including poppers, walkers, buzzbaits, and more, designed to meet the needs of beginners and experienced anglers alike. Visit our website at lurebolt.com to explore our collection of affordable, durable fishing lures.
9. Conclusion
Topwater fishing lures are an exciting and effective tool for anglers in Canada. Whether you’re targeting bass, pike, or trout, these lures provide an engaging and rewarding fishing experience. By choosing the right topwater lures, using the correct techniques, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll increase your chances of success.
At Lurebolt, we offer a wide range of topwater fishing lures to help you make the most of your fishing trips. Visit us today at lurebolt.com to find the perfect topwater lures for your next fishing adventure.
Happy fishing!