Fishing in the ocean offers an exciting and rewarding experience, and one of the most thrilling types of fishing is using topwater lures. For beginners, handmade topwater fishing lures are an excellent choice because they offer unique benefits in terms of performance and customization. These lures are specifically designed to create action on the surface of the water, mimicking the behavior of wounded prey or baitfish, which in turn attracts predatory fish like bass, tuna, and more.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore handmade topwater fishing lures, why they’re a great option for beginners, how to set up for ocean fishing, and tips on how to use these lures effectively. Whether you are fishing from the shore or a boat, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to succeed in ocean setups.
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1. What Are Handmade Topwater Fishing Lures?
Topwater fishing lures are designed to float on the surface of the water, and their primary goal is to imitate the actions of prey that is struggling, dying, or otherwise in distress. These lures are often used to catch predatory fish that hunt near the surface, such as tuna, striped bass, bluefish, and tarpon.
Handmade topwater lures are crafted with attention to detail, allowing anglers to choose specific colors, shapes, and sizes to match the local baitfish and fishing conditions. Unlike mass-produced lures, handmade lures often feature unique design elements, more intricate craftsmanship, and higher-quality materials.
Key types of topwater fishing lures include:
- Poppers: These lures have concave mouths that create a splashing sound when retrieved, mimicking a distressed baitfish.
- Walk-the-Dog Lures: These lures are designed to create an erratic, side-to-side motion that resembles a struggling fish.
- Propeller Lures: Featuring rotating blades at the front, these lures create a splash and sound that attract predatory fish.
Handmade topwater lures often provide superior durability, personalized action, and an aesthetic appeal that is hard to beat.
2. Why Handmade Topwater Lures Are Perfect for Beginners
Handmade lures offer several advantages over their mass-produced counterparts, especially for beginners:
- Customization: Handmade lures can be tailored to fit specific fishing conditions, such as water clarity, the type of fish being targeted, or the color patterns of local baitfish. This makes it easier for beginners to have success.
- Quality Craftsmanship: Handmade lures are often crafted with higher quality materials, which translates to better performance and longevity. Beginners are likely to appreciate lures that can withstand repeated use in the tough ocean conditions.
- Effective Action: Handmade lures are often designed with more attention to detail, allowing for more realistic action in the water. This can help beginners achieve better results, as these lures are crafted to mimic natural prey more effectively than mass-produced versions.
- Unique Designs: Handmade lures often come in designs that are difficult to find in stores, giving beginners the opportunity to experiment with something different and potentially more effective.
3. Key Features of Handmade Topwater Lures for Ocean Fishing
When shopping for handmade topwater lures for ocean setups, there are several important features to consider. These features will impact the effectiveness of the lure in attracting fish in the ocean, particularly in different water conditions and environments.
3.1. Blade Design (For Poppers and Propellers)
For popper lures, the blade design is critical in creating the “pop” sound that attracts fish. The concave mouth shape of the popper creates a splash and sound as it moves through the water. Handmade poppers are often more precisely crafted, allowing for better action and a more consistent sound.
Propeller lures, on the other hand, create a churning effect on the water’s surface with their rotating blades. The shape, size, and placement of the propellers play a huge role in how effectively they mimic the action of struggling prey.
3.2. Body Shape and Size
The body shape and size of the topwater lure should resemble local baitfish in the area. Many handmade lures are customizable in terms of shape and size, which makes them ideal for beginners who want to match the baitfish in their local fishing spot.
A common shape for walk-the-dog lures is slender and elongated, mimicking small fish that predators chase on the surface. Handmade lures may come with detailed finishes, like 3D eyes and realistic color patterns, to make them more lifelike.
3.3. Durability and Material
Durability is especially important in ocean fishing, where saltwater, rocks, and other elements can quickly degrade low-quality lures. Handmade lures are often crafted from high-quality materials like wood, resin, or hard plastic, ensuring that the lure will hold up to tough ocean conditions.
A durable hook is also crucial, and many handmade lures feature high-carbon steel hooks that provide both strength and sharpness to increase hook-up rates with aggressive fish.
3.4. Color and Finish
In the ocean, visibility is key for attracting fish. The color of the lure should match the local baitfish, whether they are silver, blue, green, or yellow. Handmade lures often come with a variety of color options, including metallic finishes or glow-in-the-dark designs for low-light conditions.
Custom color options allow beginners to experiment with different hues and discover what works best for different ocean conditions.
4. The Best Handmade Topwater Lures for Ocean Fishing
Let’s explore some of the best handmade topwater lures for ocean fishing setups, focusing on lures that are particularly effective for beginners. These lures have been chosen based on their ability to attract a variety of predatory fish and their suitability for different ocean conditions.
4.1. Lurebolt Custom Poppers
Lurebolt’s custom poppers are designed with a high-quality, concave mouth that creates an irresistible popping sound when retrieved. These poppers are handmade with attention to detail, ensuring they create a realistic surface disturbance.
- Blade Action: The concave design of the blade produces a loud, enticing pop, attracting predatory fish.
- Size: Available in a range of sizes, perfect for various types of fish, including bluefish, striped bass, and tuna.
- Durability: Constructed from high-grade plastic, ensuring long-lasting performance in saltwater conditions.
4.2. Handmade Walk-the-Dog Lures
Walk-the-dog lures are ideal for beginners because they are easy to retrieve and create a highly effective, side-to-side movement that mimics a struggling fish. Handmade versions of these lures are often more finely tuned for realistic action.
- Design: These lures are often slender, with 3D eyes and detailed scales to attract fish with both motion and visual appeal.
- Perfect for Shallow Waters: Walk-the-dog lures are great for fishing in shallow ocean waters, where the fish are actively hunting near the surface.
- Customization: Handmade lures offer customizable color schemes and finishes to mimic local baitfish.
4.3. Handcrafted Propeller Lures
Propeller lures are ideal for attracting fish in rougher water conditions or during low-light times. The spinning blades create a large commotion on the water’s surface, which draws fish from a distance.
- Blade Design: Handmade propeller lures often feature uniquely crafted blades that create a varied splash and vibration, enticing fish to strike.
- Best for Active Fish: These lures are perfect for fish like tarpon and jacks, which are aggressive and respond to surface disturbances.
5. Setting Up for Ocean Fishing with Handmade Topwater Lures
To effectively use handmade topwater fishing lures in an ocean setup, follow these simple guidelines:
5.1. Choose the Right Rod and Reel
For topwater fishing, a medium to heavy spinning rod is ideal for casting lures long distances. The rod should be between 7 to 8 feet in length, providing enough leverage for proper hook-setting and long casts. Pair the rod with a spinning reel with a smooth drag system and a line capacity of 200-300 yards, depending on the species you are targeting.
5.2. Select the Right Line
A braided fishing line (20-40 lb test) is recommended for topwater fishing, as it offers high sensitivity and better control over the lure. Braided lines also resist the abrasion caused by saltwater, ensuring long-term durability.
5.3. Retrieve Techniques
- Poppers: For poppers, retrieve the lure with a quick, sharp pull to create the popping sound, followed by short pauses. This simulates a struggling fish that is easy prey for predators.
- Walk-the-Dog: Use a steady, rhythmic retrieve to make the lure swim side-to-side. This technique is most effective when fish are actively hunting near the surface.
- Propeller Lures: Retrieve at a steady speed to keep the blades spinning and create a strong surface disturbance. Propeller lures work best when retrieved in a straight line or with slight directional adjustments.
6. Conclusion
Handmade topwater fishing lures are a fantastic choice for beginners looking to target predatory fish in the ocean. With their unique craftsmanship, effective designs, and ability to attract a wide range of fish species, these lures offer beginners a better chance of success. Whether you’re fishing in shallow coastal waters or deep ocean waters, there’s a handmade topwater lure that will suit your needs.
For high-quality, handmade topwater fishing lures and other products designed for ocean fishing, visit Lurebolt.com. Our expertly crafted lures are designed to help you make the most of your fishing experience, regardless of your skill level.