Fishing in the ocean can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially for beginners. One of the most thrilling ways to catch fish is by using topwater fishing lures, which attract fish to strike at the water’s surface. These lures mimic the movement of distressed prey, creating a visual and auditory disturbance that draws predators in. For beginners, especially those just starting with ocean fishing, using handmade topwater lures is a fantastic way to enhance your fishing experience. Handmade lures offer the benefits of customization, better materials, and the opportunity to tailor them for specific fishing conditions.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about handmade topwater fishing lures, how to set them up for ocean fishing, and why they are an excellent choice for beginners. We’ll also discuss various types of handmade topwater lures and how to choose the best ones based on your needs and local ocean conditions.
What Are Topwater Fishing Lures?
Before diving into the specifics of handmade topwater lures, it’s important to understand what topwater fishing lures are and why they are effective in ocean fishing.
A topwater lure is a type of fishing lure that sits on or near the surface of the water and mimics the movements of injured or struggling prey. These lures are designed to create a surface disturbance, whether through splashing, popping, or walking, that attracts fish to strike. Common types of topwater lures include:
Poppers: Lures with a concave face that creates a popping sound when retrieved.
Walk-the-dog Lures: These lures dart from side to side as they are retrieved.
Propeller Lures: Lures with rotating blades that create a surface disturbance.
Buzzbaits: Similar to propeller lures, but with a higher-speed, more aggressive surface action.
For beginners, topwater lures are particularly exciting because of the visual appeal—watching a fish strike a surface lure can be a thrilling experience. Handmade versions of these lures allow you to choose specific features and fine-tune them for particular ocean conditions.
Why Choose Handmade Topwater Lures for Ocean Fishing?
There are several reasons why handmade topwater fishing lures are an excellent choice, especially for beginners fishing in the ocean:
Customization: Handmade lures allow anglers to choose specific blade designs, colors, and sizes tailored to local conditions. This level of customization can make a significant difference in catching fish.
High Quality and Durability: Handmade lures are often crafted with higher-quality materials, which makes them more durable and effective. Ocean fishing can be tough on lures, and handmade versions are built to withstand harsh saltwater conditions.
Unique Action: Handmade lures often feature one-of-a-kind actions and designs. These lures are typically more finely tuned than mass-produced lures, giving you a better chance of attracting fish with a realistic and erratic action.
Increased Creativity and Fun: Crafting and using your own handmade lures can be a fun and creative experience. You get to experiment with different materials, colors, and designs to create a lure that works perfectly for your fishing setup.
Perfect for Beginners: For newcomers to fishing, handmade lures can be a great way to learn about different fishing techniques, materials, and actions. Plus, being able to customize lures can make the fishing process more engaging and educational.
Top Handmade Topwater Fishing Lures for Ocean Setup: A Comparison
To help you choose the best handmade topwater lures for ocean fishing, we’ve compiled a list of the top options, comparing their features, performance, and suitability for beginners.
1. LureBolt Handmade Popping Lure
Overview:
LureBolt’s Handmade Popping Lure is an excellent choice for ocean fishing. This handmade topwater lure is designed to mimic the movement of distressed fish, creating a popping sound that attracts predators like bass, mackerel, and tuna.
Material: Crafted from premium wood for durability, with a smooth, polished finish that ensures a long lifespan in saltwater conditions.
Design: Features a concave face that produces a distinctive popping noise when retrieved.
Color Options: Available in bright colors like chartreuse, white, and blue, ideal for attracting fish in various water conditions.
Hook: Strong, sharp stainless steel hooks for reliable hook-ups.
Performance:
The popping action of this lure works well in shallow waters, especially near coastal regions where fish are feeding on the surface. It’s highly effective in murky water or low light conditions, as the popping sound draws fish from a distance.
Pros:
Customizable colors and sizes
Durable wooden construction
Effective in a variety of ocean conditions
Cons:
Requires a slightly faster retrieval for optimal performance
May be less effective in very deep water
Price: $10 – $15 per lure.
2. Z-Man Handmade Walk-the-Dog Lure
Overview:
The Z-Man Handmade Walk-the-Dog Lure is another fantastic option for beginners. This lure mimics the motion of an injured fish darting from side to side, which is highly attractive to predatory fish like striped bass and bluefish.
Material: Made from high-quality plastic and equipped with a realistic finish that enhances its visibility in the water.
Design: The lure’s tapered body and small tail create a tight, erratic action that mimics a struggling baitfish.
Color Options: Available in natural colors such as shad, sardine, and silver for realistic presentations in various ocean conditions.
Performance:
Best used in calmer ocean waters, the Z-Man Walk-the-Dog Lure excels when retrieving at moderate speeds. Its unique side-to-side action works especially well in clear waters where fish can see the lure clearly.
Pros:
Realistic walking action
Effective for a variety of predatory fish
Durable plastic construction
Cons:
Not ideal for fast-moving waters
Requires practice to master the retrieve technique
Price: $12 – $18 per lure.
3. Booyah Handmade Propeller Lure
Overview:
The Booyah Handmade Propeller Lure is a propeller-based topwater lure known for its loud surface disturbance. The rotating blades create a unique noise that attracts fish from a distance, making it perfect for aggressive fish species like snapper and grouper.
Material: Built with heavy-duty wire and a durable plastic body that withstands ocean conditions.
Design: Features rotating propellers that generate noise and turbulence on the water’s surface.
Color Options: Bright, high-visibility colors like yellow, orange, and pink to ensure the lure stands out in the water.
Performance:
This propeller lure excels in turbulent ocean waters, especially where fish are hunting in rough conditions or near structures like reefs and drop-offs. The propellers create a large disturbance, making it easier for fish to locate the lure.
Pros:
Excellent for rough or choppy waters
Highly effective for larger predatory fish
Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
Less effective in calm or clear waters
Requires more effort to retrieve than other types
Price: $8 – $13 per lure.
How to Set Up Handmade Topwater Lures for Ocean Fishing
Setting up your handmade topwater fishing lures for ocean fishing requires the right gear and techniques. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best performance out of your lures:
1. Choose the Right Rod and Reel Combo
For ocean fishing, especially with topwater lures, a medium to medium-heavy rod with fast action is ideal. This setup allows for better control and sensitivity when working your lure.
Rod: Look for a rod around 7 feet in length with a fast or extra-fast action for precise casting and better hook-setting ability.
Reel: A spinning reel with a smooth drag system is recommended for beginners. Choose a reel with sufficient line capacity to handle ocean fish species.
2. Select the Right Line
Use braided line with a fluorocarbon leader for topwater lures. Braided line provides better sensitivity and casting distance, while fluorocarbon leaders are less visible to fish in the water.
- Line weight: 10-20 lb test braided line is ideal for most ocean species like bass, mackerel, and snapper.
3. Retrieve Techniques
Popping Lures: Use a jerk-and-pause retrieve to create the popping action. Let the lure sit for a second after each pop to mimic a struggling fish.
Walk-the-Dog Lures: Use a steady, side-to-side motion by twitching the rod tip and maintaining a consistent retrieve speed.
Propeller Lures: Retrieve quickly to create a strong surface disturbance. Vary the speed to find what works best for attracting fish.
Where to Buy Handmade Topwater Lures for Ocean Fishing
If you’re ready to try out handmade topwater fishing lures, LureBolt offers a wide variety of high-quality lures that are perfect for beginners. Our handmade lures are designed for durability, performance, and customization, ensuring you get the most out of your ocean fishing experience.
Visit LureBolt.com to check out our selection of topwater lures, and start your fishing adventure today!
Conclusion
Handmade topwater fishing lures are a fantastic tool for beginners fishing in the ocean. They offer customization, high performance, and a fun way to learn about different fishing techniques. Whether you choose a popping lure, a walk-the-dog lure, or a propeller lure, these handmade options will help you attract fish with realistic and exciting surface action.
For the best selection of handmade topwater fishing lures, visit LureBolt.com today and prepare for a thrilling fishing experience in the ocean.