Among the arsenal of topwater lures, walking baits stand out as champions in mimicking the vulnerable and wounded prey that bass find irresistible.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of walking baits, exploring their allure, the science behind their effectiveness, and, most importantly, the top performers that are sure to elevate your bass fishing experience.
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Each one of these lures is unique and has specific advantages. As long as you have these 5, there is no topwater fish that you can’t catch.
The Zara Spook is really the first walking bait that became popular.
Once other companies saw how many bass were being caught on the Spook, they started to hop on the trend and make walking lures of their own.
But even after decades have passed, the Spook remains on top of the game.
It has a loud, deep knocking sound and a very wide walking motion. Rather than bouncing back and forth on the surface, the Spook darts, glides, and swims to the side with every jerk.
This allows you to fish it very slowly without losing action or attraction.
The spook comes in 3 sizes to match the bass you are targeting and the baitfish they are eating.
The Heddon Spook is also a one of the cheapest walk to dog lures, allowing you to get yourself lots of different colors and sizes.
Whenever River2Sea makes a lure, you know it is going to be high quality and catch a ton of fish.
The Rover has a very detailed and realistic body design. Contrary to the Spook, the Rover has a tighter and more bouncy action.
This is best suited for fishing the lure fast and aggressive. Plus, the small cupped mouth of the Rover spits a bit of water with every jerk.
This extra speed and commotion is perfect for very aggressive bass that are high in the water column.
The Zoo Dog is a very unique walking bait. As yo can see, the Zoo Dog is a hollow body topwater lure, which makes it incredibly weedless.
Walk the dog lures are typically viewed as open water lures because of their treble hooks and wide ranging action.
But with the Zoo Dog, you are able to walk the dog literally anywhere.
One of my favorite times to throw this lure is during the fall season when there are tons of leaves and pine needles floating on the surface.
Normally, this would mean you can’t use topwater lures of any kind. But with the weedless Zoo Dog, you can glide right through and over the surface debris.
Poppers aren’t usually considered walking lures, but certain companies make poppers that walk very well.
My favorite is the Megabass Popmax. The weight distribution and gills that allow water to travel through them allow for the Popmax to be walked with ease.
These gills also leave behind a bubble trail, making it easier for bass to find and hone in on the lure.
I choose to use walk a popper when I am fishing sparse cover. Spread out trees and weed patches create the perfect opportunity.
The popper gives more sound and a slower retrieve than typical walking baits.
And walking the Popmax allows you to call bass out from multiple pieces of cover at once.
The Rapala Subwalk is a bit of an outlier on this list. This is because, as the name implies, the Subwalk is not actually a topwater lure like the others.
This lure allows you to walk to dog 1-4 feet below the surface. Sometimes you need to show the bass something they haven’t seen before.
The Subwalk is also great for bass that are feeding, but are not quite willing to come all the way up to the surface.
The horizontal fins on the back of the lure keeps it balanced so that it can glide back and for easily and effectively.
Walking baits really shine when bass are feeding on schooling baitfish such as shad and shiner.
This typically happens during the fall and early spring months.
If you see schools of baitfish circling or feeding on the surface and bass are blowing up on them you need to tie on a walk the dog lure.
Also Read: Best Topwater Lures for Summer Bass Fishing
I keep it pretty simple with my gear. I like a 7′-7’3″ medium heavy baitcaster rod and reel.
These lures have a bit of weight to them, but you still need a little bit of give in the rod tip to deal with the treble hooks.
When it comes to line, I either use straight 12-15 lb fluorocarbon line or 40 lb braid with a 12-15 lb fluorocarbon leader.
You do want a relatively fast gear ratio to to catch up with the bass that eat your lure and swim toward you. A 7.3:1 gear ration works perfect.
Q1: Why use walking baits for bass fishing? A1: Walking baits create surface commotion that attracts bass, triggering their predatory instincts. This topwater action can be particularly effective during low light conditions, early mornings, and late evenings when bass are more active near the surface.
Q2: How do I choose the right walking bait for bass? A2: Consider the size and color of the bait based on local forage and water conditions. In clear water, natural colors like silver or white may work well, while in stained water, you might opt for darker hues. Additionally, choose a size that matches the prevalent baitfish in the area.
Q3: How should I retrieve walking baits? A3: The key to using walking baits is the “walk-the-dog” retrieve. After casting, twitch the rod tip with a rhythmic side-to-side motion, causing the bait to zig-zag on the water’s surface. Pause occasionally to mimic a wounded or struggling baitfish, enticing strikes from nearby bass.
Q4: When is the best time to fish walking baits for bass? A4: Early mornings and late evenings are prime times for topwater action, as bass tend to move closer to the surface during these periods. Overcast days or low-light conditions can also increase the effectiveness of walking baits.
Q5: What are some additional tips for success? A5: Pay attention to the weather conditions and adjust your retrieve speed accordingly. Experiment with different cadences to find what triggers bass in a specific situation. Additionally, cast near cover such as lily pads, submerged vegetation, or rocky structures where bass are likely to hide.
Q6: How do I handle strikes when fishing with walking baits? A6: When a bass strikes, resist the urge to immediately set the hook. Instead, wait until you feel the weight of the fish before setting the hook with a sharp upward motion. This helps ensure a solid hookset, increasing the chances of landing the bass.
Q7: Are there any specific techniques for fishing walking baits in clear water? A7: In clear water, use more natural colors and consider making longer casts to avoid spooking bass. A subtle, finesse presentation with a slower retrieve may be necessary to entice bites from cautious bass in clear conditions.
These 5 walking baits will cover all your bases. You don’t need any other walking lure than these 5.
They will let you fish fast, slow, through weeds, over leaves, and even below the surface.
As with anything, the more you practice and experiment with these lures, the better you will become.
It doesn’t get better than topwater fishing for bass, and what better way to do than by walking the dog?
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