Handmade Topwater Fishing Lures for Freshwater in Canada – How to Use

Fishing in Canada’s freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams offers anglers an abundance of opportunities to catch a variety of species. One of the most exciting ways to fish is by using topwater lures, especially those handmade with attention to detail. These lures imitate the action of prey on the water’s surface, provoking strikes from predatory fish. Handmade topwater fishing lures, in particular, stand out due to their craftsmanship and ability to mimic the natural movement of prey in a highly realistic way.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into how to use handmade topwater fishing lures for freshwater fishing in Canada. We’ll explore the types of topwater lures, their benefits, how to use them effectively, and share a few expert tips to help you make the most out of your fishing experience.

1. What Are Handmade Topwater Fishing Lures?

Handmade topwater fishing lures are crafted with precision and care, often by skilled artisans who focus on creating lifelike replicas of prey species. These lures are designed to stay on the water’s surface, producing motion and sound that attract fish. Commonly, they are used for catching bass, pike, walleye, and other predatory fish species found in Canada’s vast freshwater ecosystems.

Unlike mass-produced lures, handmade lures often offer unique design features and high-quality materials. The craftsmanship involved ensures that each lure performs better in terms of attracting fish, especially under specific conditions.

2. Types of Handmade Topwater Fishing Lures for Freshwater

Handmade topwater fishing lures come in various designs, each designed for different fishing conditions and target species. Let’s explore the most common types:

a. Poppers

Poppers are one of the most popular types of topwater lures. They have a concave face that creates a popping sound when retrieved, mimicking the noise made by struggling prey on the water’s surface. This noise and the water disturbance attract fish, especially when they are actively feeding near the surface.

  • Best For: Bass, pike, and muskie.

  • Colors: Natural colors like shad, bluegill, or perch, and bright colors like chartreuse or yellow.

  • Action: Pop and pause, with a rhythmic “pop” sound as the lure is retrieved.

b. Walkers

Walking lures are long, slim, and designed to create a side-to-side action as they’re pulled across the water’s surface. This movement mimics baitfish struggling or fleeing, which is especially attractive to predatory fish.

  • Best For: Bass, pike, walleye, and muskie.

  • Colors: Natural or flashy colors that reflect light, such as silver, gold, and fluorescent.

  • Action: Side-to-side, mimicking the motion of a fish trying to escape.

c. Buzzbaits

Buzzbaits are designed to create a strong wake on the water’s surface. Their large spinning blades create noise and vibration that draws fish’s attention. These lures are typically used in areas with heavy cover, where fish are looking for a fast-moving meal.

  • Best For: Bass and pike in shallow waters.

  • Colors: Bright colors like white, chartreuse, and black.

  • Action: Steady retrieve with a continuous buzzing noise and wake on the surface.

d. Frogs

Frog lures are designed to imitate the movement of a frog hopping across the surface of the water. They are excellent for fishing in thick vegetation, where frogs are a primary food source for many fish species.

  • Best For: Bass, especially in lily pads or heavy vegetation.

  • Colors: Green, brown, or white, resembling natural frogs.

  • Action: Hopping or skipping across the water’s surface.

e. Jerkbaits (Topwater)

Jerkbaits that float on the surface are designed to mimic wounded baitfish. With quick, sharp jerks, these lures dart back and forth, making them highly effective for attracting bass and other predatory fish.

  • Best For: Bass, pike, and walleye.

  • Colors: Realistic baitfish colors like silver, gold, and shad.

  • Action: Sharp, darting movements with a twitching action.

3. Benefits of Using Handmade Topwater Lures

Handmade topwater lures offer several advantages that mass-produced lures may not:

a. Lifelike Movement and Design

Handmade lures are crafted with attention to detail, often producing more natural, realistic movements in the water. The materials used in handmade lures are typically of higher quality, resulting in better performance and longevity.

b. Customization

Many handmade lures are customizable, allowing anglers to choose specific colors, sizes, and features tailored to their fishing needs. Whether you’re fishing for big bass in a deep lake or chasing pike in shallow waters, a custom-designed lure can provide a significant advantage.

c. Durability

Handmade lures are often built with superior materials and construction, making them more durable than mass-produced alternatives. The craftsmanship ensures the lures last longer, even after repeated use and exposure to harsh fishing environments.

d. Uniqueness

Unlike mass-produced lures, handmade lures are unique and can feature distinctive design elements that set them apart from other lures. This uniqueness can sometimes be the key to attracting fish that have been conditioned to avoid more common, generic lures.

4. How to Use Handmade Topwater Fishing Lures for Freshwater

Now that we understand the different types of handmade topwater fishing lures and their benefits, let’s explore how to use them effectively when fishing in Canada’s freshwater lakes and rivers.

a. Choose the Right Lure for the Situation

The key to success when using topwater lures is selecting the right type of lure based on the conditions and target fish. For example, poppers are excellent for active bass during feeding times, while frog lures are ideal for fishing in weedy or shallow areas with heavy vegetation.

  • Clear Water: Use natural colors like shad or perch to blend in with the environment.

  • Murky Water: Bright colors like chartreuse or orange create better visibility and attract fish through vibration and sound.

b. Retrieve Techniques

The retrieve technique is crucial when using topwater lures. Here’s how to get the best action out of your handmade topwater lures:

  • Poppers: Use a slow, rhythmic pop-and-pause retrieve. Let the lure sit briefly after each pop to allow fish to strike.

  • Walkers: Use a steady, continuous retrieve with gentle twitches of the rod to create a side-to-side action that mimics a fish swimming.

  • Buzzbaits: Keep a steady retrieve to create a consistent wake on the water’s surface. This is especially effective for drawing fish from deeper water into shallow areas.

  • Frogs: Use a walking or skipping retrieve to mimic a frog moving across the water’s surface. Let the frog pause in open spaces to attract fish.

  • Jerkbaits: Perform quick, sharp jerks to make the bait dart erratically, imitating a struggling fish.

c. Time of Day and Weather Conditions

Topwater lures work best during specific times of day and weather conditions. Early morning and late evening, when the water is calmer, are prime times for topwater fishing. Cloudy days and low light conditions also increase the effectiveness of topwater lures, as fish are more likely to be active on the surface.

d. Fish Location

Topwater fishing lures are particularly effective in areas where fish are close to the surface. Look for fish near submerged structures, weed beds, or drop-offs. Cast your lure near these areas and use a retrieve that mimics the movement of prey in distress.

5. Tips for Using Handmade Topwater Lures in Freshwater

To maximize your chances of success, here are a few expert tips for using handmade topwater lures in freshwater fishing:

  • Vary Your Retrieve: Sometimes, switching up your retrieve technique can trigger strikes. Try alternating between slow and fast retrieves to see what works best.

  • Watch for Fish Activity: If you notice fish breaking the surface, it’s a good indication that topwater lures will be effective. Cast in the area where you see surface disturbances.

  • Be Patient: Topwater fishing requires patience. Let the lure sit between retrieves to give fish time to strike. Don’t be too quick to reel in the lure if you haven’t gotten a bite right away.

  • Use the Right Rod and Reel: A medium to heavy action rod is ideal for topwater lures, as it provides the sensitivity needed to feel bites while still having the strength to set the hook.

6. Conclusion

Handmade topwater fishing lures offer a unique and effective way to catch freshwater fish in Canada. Whether you’re targeting bass, pike, or other species, these lures provide lifelike movement and sound that attract fish to the surface. With the right lure and technique, you can enhance your fishing experience and increase your chances of success.

For high-quality handmade topwater lures and other fishing gear, visit LureBolt.com. We offer a wide selection of premium lures designed to help you catch more fish on your next adventure.

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