Fishing for bass in rivers is a thrilling experience, especially when you use topwater lures to target these aggressive predators. Among the most effective topwater lures are handmade ones, crafted with exceptional care and precision to provide realistic movement and exceptional performance. Handmade topwater lures have an edge over mass-produced ones due to their superior craftsmanship, unique designs, and tailored actions. These lures are perfect for bass in rivers, where the right presentation can make all the difference between a successful catch and a frustrating day on the water.
In this guide, we will explore the advantages of using handmade topwater fishing lures for bass in rivers, discuss the different types of lures, provide step-by-step instructions on how to use them, and share expert tips to ensure your next bass fishing trip is a success.
1. Why Use Handmade Topwater Fishing Lures for Bass?
While store-bought lures are often mass-produced and available in a wide range of designs, handmade topwater fishing lures stand out due to the attention to detail and customization they offer. Here’s why handmade lures are highly effective for bass fishing in rivers:
a. Realistic Action
Handmade lures are crafted with fine attention to detail, which allows for more lifelike movement in the water. Whether it’s the way a popper splashes, a walker glides, or a frog skips across the surface, these lures move in ways that resemble real prey. The natural action of a handmade topwater lure can be key to enticing even the most cautious bass.
b. Customization
One of the biggest advantages of handmade lures is their ability to be customized to meet specific needs. Whether it’s selecting the right size, shape, or color that mimics local prey, handmade lures give anglers the flexibility to fine-tune their presentation for optimal results. Many handmade lures are also designed to work better under specific conditions, such as murky water or varying water currents.
c. Durability
Handmade lures are often made with higher-quality materials than mass-produced counterparts. This ensures they can withstand the wear and tear of consistent use, especially in river environments, where rocky bottoms and swift currents are common. The durability of handmade lures makes them a long-lasting investment for serious bass anglers.
d. Unique Designs
Unlike mass-produced lures, handmade lures often feature unique and innovative designs. This uniqueness can be an advantage in river fishing, where fish may have become conditioned to common lures. A unique design can help catch the attention of bass, especially in heavily fished areas.
2. Types of Handmade Topwater Fishing Lures for Bass in Rivers
There are several types of handmade topwater lures, each designed to create different types of action in the water. Let’s take a look at the most popular handmade lures for bass fishing in rivers:
a. Popper Lures
Popper lures are a classic choice for topwater bass fishing. They have a concave face that creates a popping sound when retrieved, simulating the distress of a prey species. This popping action is highly effective at attracting bass that are feeding near the surface.
Best For: Shallow to mid-depth waters where bass are actively feeding on the surface.
Action: A popping noise followed by a brief pause, then another pop. The lure should be retrieved in rhythmic intervals.
Handmade Advantage: A handmade popper can be designed for better splash and noise control, making it more effective in enticing bass.
b. Walker Lures
Walker lures, often called "walk-the-dog" lures, are long, slim lures that glide from side to side as they’re retrieved. The movement mimics the side-to-side motion of a struggling fish, which is highly attractive to bass.
Best For: Rivers with calmer sections or shallow waters where bass are actively hunting on the surface.
Action: Continuous side-to-side motion with a gentle twitch of the rod tip.
Handmade Advantage: Handmade walkers are often crafted with more precise joints, ensuring a smoother, more lifelike movement in the water.
c. Frog Lures
Frog lures are specifically designed to imitate the movement of frogs hopping across the water. They work particularly well in areas with dense vegetation or lily pads, where bass often hunt for frogs and other surface-dwelling prey.
Best For: Shallow river sections with thick vegetation or lily pads.
Action: Skipping or hopping across the surface, simulating an injured or fleeing frog.
Handmade Advantage: Handmade frog lures are crafted with more durable materials and precise design, enabling them to withstand the elements and create better splash patterns.
d. Buzzbaits
Buzzbaits are topwater lures that use a large spinning blade to create a surface disturbance and noise. These lures are great for targeting bass in areas with fast-moving water or in deeper sections of the river.
Best For: Faster-moving river sections or deeper water where bass are more likely to chase after moving prey.
Action: A steady retrieve creates a constant buzzing noise and surface wake.
Handmade Advantage: Handmade buzzbaits can be designed to produce more pronounced surface wake or vibration, which can attract bass from greater distances.
3. How to Use Handmade Topwater Fishing Lures for Bass in Rivers
Using handmade topwater lures requires understanding both the action of the lure and how to adapt it to the specific conditions in the river. Below are some tips on how to use these lures effectively:
a. Choosing the Right Lure for the Conditions
Selecting the right handmade topwater lure is critical for river fishing. In rivers, the water flow, current speed, and depth can vary, so the lure you choose should match the conditions:
Shallow Water with Calm Current: Use poppers or walkers, as they work well in calm, shallow waters where bass are feeding at or near the surface.
Fast-Moving Water: Opt for buzzbaits, as they create a strong surface disturbance that bass can easily detect in fast-moving waters.
Vegetated Areas: Frog lures are the best option for areas with lily pads, weeds, or other dense vegetation, where bass often hunt for surface-dwelling prey.
b. Retrieve Techniques
Different types of handmade lures require different retrieval techniques to achieve the desired action:
Poppers: Use a rhythmic "pop-and-pause" retrieve. After each pop, allow the lure to sit briefly on the surface before continuing the retrieve. This mimics a struggling fish trying to escape.
Walkers: To get the best action from a walker, twitch the rod tip gently while retrieving at a consistent speed. This will make the lure dart from side to side, mimicking an injured fish.
Frogs: Use a "skip-and-pause" retrieve. Skip the frog across the surface by twitching the rod tip, then pause briefly before continuing. This mimics the behavior of a frog jumping and resting on the water.
Buzzbaits: A steady retrieve works best for buzzbaits. Keep a constant speed, allowing the lure’s spinning blade to create a wake and disturbance on the surface.
c. Adapt to River Flow
In rivers, water flow can greatly influence how bass behave. In faster-moving water, bass are often positioned near eddies, drop-offs, or slack water where the current is slower. Adjust your lure’s retrieval speed and casting location to target these areas. For slower-moving water, use a slower retrieve to let the lure mimic the natural movement of prey.
d. Timing and Presentation
Bass in rivers can be more active during certain times of the day, especially during early mornings and late afternoons when fish are actively feeding. When fishing with topwater lures, focus on these key feeding times to maximize your chances. Additionally, be patient—topwater strikes can be explosive, but they also require precise presentations and often a bit of time to entice a bass to strike.
4. Tips for Success with Handmade Topwater Lures in Rivers
Here are some expert tips to help you succeed when using handmade topwater lures for bass in rivers:
Vary Your Retrieve: If you’re not getting bites, try varying the speed of your retrieve. Bass can be finicky, and sometimes a faster or slower retrieve is needed to trigger a strike.
Pay Attention to the Weather: Overcast days can create ideal conditions for topwater fishing, as bass are more likely to be active near the surface.
Target Structures: Focus your casts near rocks, submerged logs, or areas with changing currents where bass tend to hunt.
Use a Quality Rod and Reel: A medium to heavy action rod with a fast tip will provide better sensitivity when using topwater lures, allowing you to feel bites and set the hook quickly.
5. Conclusion
Handmade topwater fishing lures are an excellent choice for targeting bass in rivers. Their realistic action, customizable designs, and durability make them ideal for attracting bass, even in challenging conditions. By selecting the right lure, using the appropriate retrieve techniques, and adapting to river conditions, you can significantly increase your chances of landing a big catch.
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