Freshwater Top Water

There's a band of water most lures ignore. Not the surface, not two feet down — the few inches just underneath, where bass sit looking up at a topwater bait and refuse to break through for it.

That's what this bait is for. The Riser Bait 007 has a metal lip angled up instead of down, so water pressure that would drive a normal lure under drives this one toward the surface. It runs just beneath the film with a subtle wake and a tight rolling action — drawing fish upward without ever asking them to commit to the top.

Short version: 2.8", 5/16 oz, subsurface wake bait. Eight colors.

Not a Topwater — and That's the Point

Everyone has had the day where fish boil behind a walking bait, push a wake at it, and turn off at the last second. They're up, they're interested, and they will not eat something on the surface.

A riser bait solves that specific problem. It gives them the same rising, fleeing target one layer down, where a fish can eat it without leaving the water. Jackall's own framing: it's built for surface-oriented fish that won't commit to traditional topwater.

Fish it when the topwater bite teases you and dies.

What the 007 Means

It's the length in millimetres. The 007 is 70mm and the 012 is 120mm — Japanese naming convention, not a model year. If you've been searching for a "Riser Bait 70," this is it.

How to Work It

Steady retrieve. The lip does the work — no rod cadence required, unlike a walking bait that needs you to feed it rhythm. Reel and let it rise and roll.

Speed controls depth. Faster brings it closer to the film and increases the wake; slower lets it run a little deeper. Find the level fish are holding at and stay there.

Let it sink. A lot of our customers count it down and retrieve it well under the surface. The same upward lip gives it a rising, erratic track down there — and on days fish won't come up at all, that's often the bite.

007 or 012?

Fishing It Around Santa Clarita

This is the bait for the morning when stripers are boiling and nothing on top gets eaten. We publish Castaic Lake fishing reports with current conditions — worth a read before you drive out.

Picking a Color

Recommended Gear

• Rod: medium power, moderate action, 6'8" to 7'2". A fast tip pulls trebles on a strike you never see coming.
• Line: braid to a fluorocarbon or mono leader. Fluoro is fine here — unlike a true topwater, this bait isn't fighting to stay on the surface.

Pro Tips from the Tackle Express Crew

• Don't bend the bill. The upward lip is the entire mechanism. Bend it and the bait won't rise or track. Handle it accordingly in the box and when you unhook a fish.
• Use it as your follow-up. When a fish boils on your walking bait and misses, throw this back at the same spot. Same fish, one layer down.
• Vary speed before you change color. Retrieve speed sets how deep it runs and how much wake it throws — that's your main adjustment.
• Wait to feel weight. Strikes come from below and you often see the wake before you feel the fish.

Common Mistakes

• Fishing it like a walking bait. It doesn't need rod cadence. Reel and let the lip do it.
• Expecting surface blowups. The bait runs under the film — most strikes are a bulge or a wake, not a splash.
• Setting on sight instead of feel. Reel down until you feel weight.
• A bent or tweaked lip. Once the bill is out of true, the bait is finished.

Specifications

Jackall does not publish treble hook size for the 007. Call the shop and we'll check one out of the case for you.

What's Included

One Jackall Riser Bait 007 in the color selected, factory rigged with trebles. No spare hooks or split rings included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it a topwater?
Not exactly. It runs just beneath the surface with a wake and a rolling action — Jackall built it for fish that are looking up but won't break the surface for a true topwater.

What does "007" mean?
The length in millimetres — 70mm. The 012 is 120mm.

How do I fish it?
Steady retrieve. The lip does the work; no rod cadence needed. Speed controls how close to the surface it runs.

Can I fish it deeper?
Yes — let it sink and retrieve steady. Plenty of our customers do, and it gets bit on days fish won't come up at all.

007 or 012?
007 for a subtle wake in clear or pressured water on standard tackle. 012 when you want a bigger push and more reach.

What rod and line?
Medium power, moderate action. Braid to a leader, or fluorocarbon straight through — unlike a true topwater, sinking line isn't working against this bait.

What species does it catch?
Largemouth and smallmouth bass primarily, and stripers feeding near the surface.

Why did my bait stop running right?
Check the lip. It's the whole mechanism, and a bend from a hookset, a rock, or a crowded tray changes how the bait tracks.

Related Gear

• Jackall Riser Bait 012 — the 4.7" big-profile version.
• Topwater Fishing Lures — poppers, walking baits, and frogs.
• All Jackall — the full lineup.
• Freshwater Lures — cranks, jerkbaits, and soft plastics.

Buy It From People Who Fish It

We're on Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, twenty minutes from Castaic, and we fish these lakes ourselves. If the surface bite has been teasing you all week, this is the bait we'd hand you. Call the shop or read this week's Castaic report before you go.

The Sound That Bass Can't Ignore

The River2Sea Whopper Plopper 130 is one of the most iconic topwater lures ever made — and for good reason. That deep, hollow whopping sound produced by the rotating tail is unlike anything else on the water. Crawl it so slowly you can barely hear the tail, or rip it fast so it throws water like a swamp buggy. Either way, it gets bit. Cast it a mile, dial in your retrieve speed, and let the sound do the work.

Engineered to Run Perfect, Right Out of the Box

The Whopper Plopper's propeller-style tail is perfectly tuned from the factory and stays flexible and fish-catching forever. No tweaking, no tuning, no adjustments — just tie it on and go. The tail rotates smoothly across a wide range of retrieve speeds, producing alluring rumbles and multi-octave splashing that triggers strikes from bass, pike, musky, and stripers.

Why Standard Prop Baits Fall Short

Most prop baits are noisy at one speed and dead at another. The Whopper Plopper produces fish-catching sound and action from a dead-slow crawl all the way to a fast burn — giving you a versatile topwater that adapts to the mood of the fish. When bass are finicky, slow it down. When they're aggressive, speed it up. The Plopper works either way.

Built to Last, Built to Cast

Pre-rigged with two size #1 premium black nickel treble hooks, the Whopper Plopper 130 is ready to fish the moment it comes out of the package. The durable body handles rocks, wood, and hard-fighting fish without losing its action, and its aerodynamic profile launches exceptionally long casts for a topwater of its size — covering more water and reaching fish that other lures can't.

The Right Pick If...

• You want a topwater that works at any retrieve speed
• You're targeting largemouth, smallmouth, pike, musky, or striped bass
• You need a lure that casts far and covers open water efficiently
• Walking baits and poppers aren't triggering strikes
• You want a proven, tournament-tested topwater with a massive color selection

Best Retrieve Techniques

• Slow Crawl: Barely-there retrieve — just enough to keep the tail ticking. Deadly in calm conditions and post-spawn
• Medium Steady: The bread-and-butter retrieve — consistent tail rotation with a rhythmic whopping sound
• Fast Burn: Rip it across the surface throwing water — triggers reaction strikes from aggressive fish
• Stop and Go: Vary your retrieve speed to create an erratic, fleeing-baitfish action

Best Conditions

• Calm to lightly choppy surface — the tail sound carries best in calmer water
• Low-light periods — early morning and late evening when bass are most active on top
• Post-spawn through fall when bass are chasing baitfish on the surface
• Summer feeding windows over open flats, points, and submerged structure
• Any body of water where big fish are looking up — lakes, reservoirs, rivers, ponds

Best For

• Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Pike, Musky, Striped Bass
• Techniques: Slow roll, medium steady retrieve, fast burn, stop-and-go
• Conditions: Calm to choppy surface, low-light, post-spawn, summer and fall feeding windows
• Water: Lakes, reservoirs, rivers, ponds — anywhere big fish are looking up

Key Features

• Propeller-style rotating tail creates powerful surface commotion
• Produces deep, hollow whopping sound across all retrieve speeds
• Pre-rigged with 2x size #1 premium black nickel treble hooks
• Perfectly tuned tail — no adjustments needed, stays flexible forever
• Exceptional casting distance for a topwater of its size
• Extremely durable body — handles rocks, wood, and hard-fighting fish
• 12 proven color patterns to match any water condition

Models & Specs

Tackle Express Tips

• Start Slow, Speed Up: Begin your retrieve at a slow crawl and gradually increase speed until you find the cadence the fish want that day. The Plopper produces at every speed — let the fish tell you what they want.
• Match the Color to Forage: In shad-heavy lakes, go with Phantom Shad, Chubby, or Crystal Minnow. In perch or bluegill fisheries, try Perch or Munky Butt. In stained water, Blue Blood and Rat Ta Tat create the best silhouette.
• Use a Loop Knot: A loop knot (like a Rapala knot) gives the Whopper Plopper maximum freedom of movement and enhances the tail action, especially at slower retrieve speeds.

FAQ

What rod and line setup works best with the Whopper Plopper 130?
A medium-heavy 7'–7'6" casting rod with 30–50 lb braided line is ideal. Braid floats and keeps the lure riding high on the surface, while the sensitivity lets you feel the tail action and detect any change in retrieve speed.

How do I know if the tail is tuned correctly?
The tail should rotate freely and consistently at slow retrieve speeds. If it's not spinning, check for debris caught in the tail joint. The Whopper Plopper comes factory-tuned and rarely needs adjustment.

Can I use the Whopper Plopper 130 for pike and musky?
Absolutely. The 5 in, 1 3/8 oz profile is a great pike and musky topwater, especially in summer when fish are shallow and aggressive. Upgrade to heavier treble hooks if you're specifically targeting large musky.

The Lobina Rico and Rio RicoL are the number one fished popper by the pros today, and for good reason! Though these lures may look unassuming, once one is in your hands the quality becomes very obvious. From the razor sharp Gamakatsu hooks, to the hand tied feather trailers and the meticulous paint jobs, these poppers have all the bells and whistles. The cup is precisely tuned on each lure to precisely imitate a fleeing and injured baitfish making the action of this lure quite exceptional. Get yours today and see what all the hype is about!

When bass are looking up, the Don Iovino Splash-It gives them a target they can track. Instead of simply chugging in place, this purpose-built topwater popper spits water well ahead of the bait, creating the impression of a struggling baitfish. A hand-tied chicken-feather dressed rear treble adds movement and flash during the pause.

Choose the compact Splash-It for a subtle presentation or step up to the Splash-It 2 when you want a slightly larger profile and more casting weight. Work it across calm pockets, over shallow cover, or along a wind-blown bank, then let the bait sit long enough for a fish to finish the job.

Make the Surface Come Alive

• Forward-spitting action gives fish a clear visual and surface disturbance to track.
• Hand-tied feathered rear treble adds motion behind the bait.
• Two sizes make it easier to match the amount of commotion fish want.
• Available in proven shad, bluegill, bone, and bright visibility colors.

When a Standard Popper Is Not Enough

Traditional chuggers can keep their action tight to the lure. The Splash-It sends water forward, helping you call fish from a little farther away while still giving you a controlled stop-and-go presentation. It is a smart choice when bass are willing to strike on top but need a more noticeable target.

The Right Pick If...

• You fish largemouth or smallmouth bass with topwater presentations.
• You want a popper that combines a compact profile with visible forward spray.
• You need both a finesse-sized option and a larger version in the same lure family.

Best Techniques and Conditions

• Walk, spit, pause: Make short rod-tip snaps, then pause beside cover or in an open pocket.
• Target shallow water: Fish points, flats, docks, laydowns, and grass edges where bass can rise.
• Choose the calmest windows: Calm to lightly rippled water makes the surface action easiest to see, while the larger Splash-It 2 can help when a little more presence is useful.

Models & Specs

Tackle Express Tips

• Start with a pause after the cast, then use short snaps instead of a hard pull to keep the bait spitting forward.
• Use darker or natural shad colors in low light, and brighter colors when you need the lure to stand out.
• Keep a feathered replacement option such as Gamakatsu Feathered Treble Trailer Hooks ready when the rear dressing needs attention.

Build the Topwater Setup

Pair the Splash-It with a responsive casting setup such as the Shimano Curado 200 M Casting Reels, or compare its surface sound and profile with the Megabass Popmax Topwater Popper.

FAQ

What is the difference between Splash-It and Splash-It 2?
The Splash-It is 2-1/4 inches and 1/4 ounce. The Splash-It 2 is slightly larger at 2-3/4 inches and 3/8 ounce.

What species is this popper best for?
It is designed for freshwater topwater fishing, especially when targeting largemouth and smallmouth bass around shallow cover and open-water feeding lanes.

How should I retrieve it?
Use short rod-tip snaps to spit water forward, mix in pauses, and adjust the cadence until fish respond.

The Only Topwater Hardbait That Looks Like a Soft Stick

The Ima Skimmer 110 is unlike any other hard plastic topwater stickbait on the market. While every other walking hardbait has a fat, rounded body, the Skimmer is built with the slender, pencil-thin profile of a 5" soft plastic stickbait — the most proven bass-catching shape in freshwater fishing. That slim silhouette is something bass have been conditioned to eat for decades, and the Skimmer is the only topwater hardbait that delivers it.

The Boil That Seals the Deal

The Skimmer's tail-weighted design creates a one-of-a-kind surface action. On every zig and zag, the weighted tail end stirs the water into a large, violent boil — and then the Skimmer slips out just ahead of it, like a desperate baitfish narrowly escaping a bass's lunge. That boil-and-escape sequence is irresistible. It triggers the predatory instinct in bass that have seen every other topwater presentation and shut down.

Why Fat-Bodied Walking Baits Miss the Mark

Traditional walking baits like the Zara Spook have a wide, rounded body that produces a smooth glide. The Skimmer's slender profile creates a completely different visual trigger — one that more closely mimics the slim, darting profile of a shad, herring, or alewife. On pressured fisheries where bass have seen every fat-bodied walking bait in the box, the Skimmer's unique silhouette and boil action stands out.

Slim Profile, Maximum Action

At 4.25 in (110mm) and 7/16 oz, the Skimmer is perfectly sized for medium-action spinning or baitcasting gear. It walks easily with minimal rod work, casts exceptionally well for its size, and the tail-weighted balance keeps it riding low in the water — maximizing contact with the surface and amplifying that signature boil on every direction change.

The Right Pick If...

• Fat-bodied walking baits are getting ignored on pressured water
• You want a topwater with a slim, soft-plastic-style profile
• You're targeting largemouth or smallmouth bass feeding on shad, herring, or alewives
• You want a walking bait that creates a dramatic surface boil on every twitch
• You fish clear water where a natural, slender profile makes a difference

Best Retrieve Techniques

• Walk the Dog: Rhythmic rod-tip twitches with a steady retrieve — the Skimmer walks easily and the tail boils on every direction change
• Pause and Walk: Walk 3–5 times, pause, then walk again — the pause lets the boil settle and often triggers strikes from following fish
• Slow Walk: Slower cadence for finicky fish or post-front conditions — the slim profile stays in the strike zone longer
• Twitch and Pause: Single twitches with long pauses — deadly when bass are lethargic or in post-spawn recovery

Best Conditions

• Calm to lightly choppy surface — the boil action is most visible in calmer water
• Low-light periods — early morning and late evening when bass are most active on top
• Post-spawn through fall when bass are chasing shad and herring on the surface
• Clear water fisheries where a natural, slender profile triggers more strikes
• Pressured lakes where fat-bodied walking baits have been picked apart

Best For

• Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, White Bass
• Techniques: Topwater Walking, Walk-the-Dog, Pause-and-Walk, Twitch-and-Pause
• Conditions: Calm surface, low-light, post-spawn, clear water, pressured fisheries

Key Features

• Slender soft-plastic-style profile — the only topwater hardbait with this silhouette
• Tail-weighted design creates a violent surface boil on every direction change
• 4.25 in (110mm) body length
• 7/16 oz weight — ideal for medium-action spinning or baitcasting gear
• Walks easily with minimal rod work
• Exceptional casting distance for its size
• 12 color patterns to match any forage or water condition

Models & Colors

Tackle Express Tips

• Go Light on Gear: The Skimmer shines on a 7' medium spinning rod with 10–15 lb braid and a 10 lb fluorocarbon leader. The lighter setup lets the bait walk more freely and enhances the tail boil action.
• Match Color to Forage: In shad-heavy lakes, go with American Shad, Real Ghost Shad, or Ghost Minnow. In herring fisheries, Blueback Herring and Ghost Chartreuse Herring are deadly. In clear water, Chrome and Chattahoochee Chrome create maximum flash.
• Use a Loop Knot: A Rapala loop knot gives the Skimmer maximum freedom of movement and enhances the walking action and tail boil, especially at slower retrieve speeds.

FAQ

How is the Ima Skimmer 110 different from other walking baits?
The Skimmer has a slender, pencil-thin body profile that mimics a soft plastic stickbait — something no other topwater hardbait offers. Combined with its tail-weighted boil action, it presents a completely different visual trigger than fat-bodied walking baits like the Zara Spook.

What rod and line setup works best?
A 7'–7'2" medium spinning rod with 10–15 lb braid and a 10–12 lb fluorocarbon leader is ideal. The Skimmer can also be fished on a medium baitcaster, but spinning gear gives it the most natural walking action.

Is the Ima Skimmer 110 good for smallmouth bass?
Absolutely. The slim profile and natural shad/herring color options make it a top smallmouth bait, especially in clear water lakes and rivers where smallmouth are keyed in on slender baitfish.

Walks, Pops, Spits — All in One Bait

The Ima Big Stick is the result of years of development by Ima's Japanese engineering team and professional angler Randy Pringle — and it shows. At 7 inches and 1.75 oz, the Big Stick is a magnum topwater that can spit like a popper, walk like the hardest-sashaying walking bait on the market, and do it all without requiring expert technique or specialized gear. It's designed for conventional tackle, starts working the moment you begin your retrieve, and is built to handle anything from trophy bass to stripers, pike, and musky.

Eight Sound Chambers. One Unforgettable Presentation.

The Big Stick features eight individual sound chambers that create a massive ruckus at fast retrieve speeds — and can be dialed back to a subtle pop along the surface when fish are finicky. The rear-weighted design kicks the action into gear immediately on the retrieve and dramatically increases casting distance and accuracy. A unique head design pushes significant volumes of water on every direction change, creating a surface disturbance that draws fish from a distance.

Built for Trophy Fish, Not Just Bass

Most big topwaters are built for one species. The Big Stick is built for all of them. Wire-through construction, heavier split rings, and Owner ST-66 #1/0 treble hooks mean this bait can handle the shock of a 50 lb striper, a 40-inch musky, or a 10 lb largemouth without failing. The durable finish and premium hardware make it a legitimate multi-species weapon for both freshwater and saltwater applications.

Standard vs. Silent — Two Presentations, One Profile

The Big Stick comes in both a standard (rattling) version and a silent version. The standard model's eight sound chambers create aggressive noise and vibration — ideal for stained water, choppy conditions, and aggressive fish. The silent version relies entirely on its surface action and profile — perfect for clear water, pressured fish, and situations where noise spooks rather than attracts.

The Right Pick If...

• You want a big topwater that walks AND pops without switching baits
• You're targeting trophy largemouth, stripers, pike, or musky on the surface
• You need a topwater that casts far and starts working immediately on the retrieve
• You fish both freshwater and saltwater and want one bait that handles both
• You want a premium Japanese-engineered topwater with tournament-proven action

Best Retrieve Techniques

• Walk the Dog: Rhythmic rod-tip twitches produce a wide, aggressive side-to-side walk — the rear-weighted design makes this effortless
• Popping: Short, sharp twitches to spit water and pause — the unique head design creates a loud, aggressive pop
• Fast Burn: High-speed retrieve to activate all eight sound chambers and create maximum surface commotion
• Subtle Pop: Slow, gentle twitches for a quiet, subtle presentation — or use the silent version for pressured fish

Best Conditions

• Open water, main lake points, and offshore structure where big fish are feeding on top
• Early morning and late evening low-light periods
• Post-spawn through fall when trophy fish are chasing large baitfish
• Saltwater flats, jetties, and inshore structure for stripers and other coastal species
• Any situation where a large, aggressive topwater presentation is needed

Best For

• Species: Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Pike, Musky, Various Saltwater Species
• Techniques: Walk-the-Dog, Popping, Fast Burn, Subtle Pop
• Conditions: Open water, low-light, post-spawn, saltwater inshore, trophy fish situations

Key Features

• Designed by Ima Japan engineering team and Randy Pringle
• 7 in body length, 1.75 oz (50g) weight
• Eight individual sound chambers — loud at speed, subtle when needed
• Rear-weighted design for immediate action and long casting distance
• Unique head design pushes significant water volume on every direction change
• Wire-through construction for maximum durability
• Heavier split rings and Owner ST-66 #1/0 treble hooks
• Available in standard (rattling) and silent versions
• 16 color patterns for freshwater and saltwater applications

Models & Colors

Standard (Rattling) Versions

Silent Versions

Tackle Express Tips

• Go Heavy on Tackle: The Big Stick is 1.75 oz — use a heavy or extra-heavy 7'6"–8' casting rod with a high-speed reel (7:1+) and 50–65 lb braid. The heavy setup handles the weight, maximizes casting distance, and gives you the power to drive Owner ST-66 hooks home on big fish.
• Standard vs. Silent by Water Clarity: Use the standard rattling version in stained water, choppy conditions, or when fish are aggressive. Switch to the silent version in clear water, calm conditions, or when fish are spooking off noise.
• Match Color to Forage: Sardine, Mackerel, and Ghost Blue Back are go-to saltwater and striper colors. Bone and Red Head are classic low-light and clear-water patterns. Trout and Hatchery Trout shine in trout-forage fisheries and tailwaters.

FAQ

What's the difference between the standard and silent Big Stick?
The standard version has eight internal sound chambers that create noise and vibration at all retrieve speeds. The silent version has no rattle and relies entirely on its surface action and profile — ideal for clear water or pressured fish that spook off noisy baits.

What rod and line setup works best?
A heavy or extra-heavy 7'6"–8' casting rod with a high-speed reel and 50–65 lb braided line is ideal. The 1.75 oz weight needs backbone to cast and the braid gives you the sensitivity to feel the action and the power to set hooks on big fish.

Can the Ima Big Stick be used in saltwater?
Absolutely. The wire-through construction, heavier split rings, and Owner ST-66 hooks are built to handle saltwater species including striped bass, bluefish, and other inshore predators. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after each saltwater use.

Megabass calls this a ripless jerkbait, and that's the most useful thing anyone can tell you about it. It isn't a topwater. It runs just under the surface, dog-walking and darting long and regular — built specifically for fish that follow a surface bait up and then refuse to break the film.

Short version: 80mm, 7/16 oz, slow sinking, two #6 trebles with a tinsel hook on the rear. The larger of the two Karashi.

The Problem It Solves

Everyone has had this day. Fish boil behind a walking bait, push a wake at it, and turn off at the last second. They're up, they're interested, and they will not commit to something on top.

The Karashi 80 works in that exact band — just below the surface, where a fish can eat without committing to the surface itself. Yuki Ito's hydrodynamic body shape gives it enough water resistance to hold a rhythm, so jerks and twitches produce regular long darts left and right rather than the erratic scatter you get from most subsurface baits.

It's a genuinely different category from a walking bait or a lipped jerkbait, and it fishes the water neither one covers well.

How to Work It

Jerk and twitch on slack line. The bait needs slack to turn; a tight line drives it straight and you lose the dart entirely.

Let it fall. It's slow sinking, so the pause is a presentation and not dead time. Stop it, count, and start again — that's the trigger on pressured fish.

Vary the dart length. Harder jerks push it further; softer twitches keep it tight. Work through both before deciding it isn't the day for it.

The Tinsel Hook

The rear treble is a Megabass tinsel hook, not a plain #6. The tinsel adds flash and — by Megabass's own account — improves the straight-line stability of the bait's tracking. It's part of the design, not a dressing.

That matters for maintenance: when the tinsel mats down or the hook bends, the bait tracks differently. Megabass sells the tinsel hook as an official replacement part. Call the shop for availability.

Karashi 80 or Karashi Finesse?

See the Karashi Finesse →

When to Reach for It

• Fish are up but won't commit on top. The single clearest use case.
• Clear water, high pressure. Fish that have refused every jerkbait on the lake haven't seen this action.
• Cold fronts and post-frontal slumps, where the slow sink lets you fish a pause without leaving the strike zone.
• Over grass and structure just under the surface, where a lipped jerkbait would dig in.

Fishing It Around Santa Clarita

The topwater and subsurface windows on the local lakes move week to week. We publish Castaic Lake fishing reports with current conditions — worth reading before you decide how deep to start.

Picking a Color

Recommended Gear

• Rod: light to medium-light with a forgiving tip. #6 trebles pull out of fish on stiff blanks, particularly on a subsurface strike you never see coming.
• Line: braid to a fluorocarbon leader for the darting work. Fluoro is fine straight through here — this bait isn't fighting to stay on the surface.

Pro Tips from the Tackle Express Crew

• Fish it when the topwater bite dies. Same fish, same spot, one foot lower. That's the whole reason this bait exists.
• Work the pause. Slow sinking means the stop is a presentation, not a gap between them.
• Jerk into slack. Tight line drives it straight and you lose the dart.
• Check the tinsel hook. Megabass says it stabilises the bait's tracking. When it's matted or bent, you're fishing a different lure.

Common Mistakes

• Fishing it as a topwater. It's slow sinking and it runs under the film. Working it like a walking bait wastes what it does.
• Too stiff a rod. The most common reason anglers lose fish on small-treble Japanese baits.
• Retrieving through the pause. The fall is the trigger.
• Buying the wrong size. The 80 and the Finesse are 80mm and 59mm — different tools, see the table above.

Specifications

Specs confirmed against Megabass's published Karashi 80 page. Colors vary by production run — the selector above is the live list.

What's Included

One Megabass Karashi 80 in the color selected, factory rigged with two #6 trebles including the tinsel hook on the rear. No spare hooks or split rings included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it a topwater?
No. It's slow sinking and runs just under the surface. Megabass describes it as a ripless jerkbait — it fishes the band a walking bait can't reach and a lipped jerkbait runs below.

How big is it?
80mm (about 3.1 inches) and 7/16 oz. The number in the name is the length in millimetres.

What hooks does it carry?
Two #6 trebles. The rear one is a Megabass tinsel hook, which adds flash and helps the bait track straight.

Karashi 80 or Karashi Finesse?
80mm versus 59mm. Take the 80 when fish are up but won't break the surface; take the Finesse when they want something small and you're on BFS or light spinning gear.

How do I work it?
Jerks and twitches into slack line produce long, regular darts left and right. Pause and let it fall — the fall is often the trigger.

What does "Karashi" mean?
Japanese mustard. Megabass named it for the kick.

Can I replace the tinsel hook?
Yes — Megabass sells it as an official replacement part. Call the shop for availability.

My color is out of stock — will it be back?
Megabass colorways run in batches and availability moves. Call the shop and we'll tell you what's inbound.

Related Gear

• Megabass Karashi Finesse — the 59mm version.
• All Megabass — the full lineup.
• Freshwater Hard Baits — jerkbaits, cranks, and twitch baits.
• Topwater Fishing Lures — poppers, walking baits, and stickbaits.

Buy It From People Who Fish It

We're on Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, twenty minutes from Castaic, and we fish these lakes ourselves. If the surface bite has been teasing you all week, this is the bait we'd point you at. Call the shop or come in and we'll talk it through.

The Jackall Pompadour topwater wake bait features two unique metal wings that, upon casting, tuck away tight to the body for those long casts. Once the lure hits the water and you begin the retrieve, the metal wings open up creating a very unique wobble and a huge wake.

On the rear of the bait there is a pivoting propeller that slides back and forth creating a deep gurgling sound and leaving a tantalizing trail of bubbles. This, combined with the metal wings and the bulky body of the bait means that this lure displaces A LOT of water and will call fish up from even the deepest depths.

The Jackall Pompadour is sure to be a killer during those summertime night tournaments.

3in

3/4oz

Most topwater baits make you choose: pop or walk. The Gunfish 117 has a cupped, concave face that throws water like a popper and a slim tapered body that walks tight side-to-side. Same cast, both actions, decided by what your rod tip does.

Short version: 4-1/2" pencil popper, 3/5 oz, floating, three treble hooks. Built for distance and for pulling fish up out of heavy cover.

Why the 117 Casts Further

Lucky Craft gave this size a thicker taper through the rear than the smaller Gunfish models. More mass behind the center means the bait carries better on the cast and tracks straighter in the air — which matters when fish are boiling forty feet past where you can reach.

That's the whole argument for the 117 over a 95 or a 115: it isn't just a bigger profile, it's a longer cast at the same effort.

Where It Earns Its Keep

• Schooling fish. When they come up out of range, the extra distance is the difference between a cast and a wish.
• Pulling fish from deep cover — brushpiles, cane piles, and standing timber. The concave face throws enough water to call fish up off structure.
• Blueback herring water. Lucky Craft calls this out specifically, and the long slim profile is why — it matches a herring better than a fatter walking bait.
• Open water search. Distance plus a bait that both pops and walks lets you cover a bank fast and change the message without changing lures.

How to Work It

To walk it: short, rhythmic twitches into slack line. The bait needs slack to turn — a tight line drives it straight and kills the side-to-side.

To pop it: harder, sharper snaps. The cupped mouth grabs water and throws it. Use this when fish are deep in cover or the surface has chop on it and you need to be louder.

Mix them. Two walks, a pop, a pause. The pause is not dead time — it floats, so it holds position in the strike zone, and a lot of fish eat it sitting still.

Three Trebles — What That Changes

The 117 carries three trebles: #5, #5, and #4. That's a hooking advantage on a bait fish tend to slash at rather than eat cleanly, and it's the reason short strikes convert more often on this size than on two-hook topwaters.

It also means more hardware to keep track of. Check that hooks aren't fouled on the body before you cast, and use a rod with a forgiving tip — three sets of trebles in a fish will find a way out if you horse it.

Standard and Limited Run Colors

Lucky Craft splits the Gunfish 117 lineup into standard colors and limited-run colors. Three of the four we carry are limited run — Aurora Black, Ghost Minnow, and MS American Shad. When they're gone, they're not automatically coming back.

Fishing It Around Santa Clarita

The topwater window on the local lakes moves week to week, and a long-casting bait earns its money on the days stripers are boiling out of reach. We publish Castaic Lake fishing reports with current conditions — worth reading before you commit a morning to the surface.

Recommended Gear

• Rod: medium to medium-heavy, moderate action, 7' or longer. Length helps the cast; a forgiving tip keeps three sets of trebles in the fish.
• Line: braid to a fluorocarbon or mono leader. Braid moves the bait; the leader gives you abrasion resistance around cover.
• Avoid heavy fluorocarbon straight through — it sinks and pulls the nose down, working against the float and the walk.

Pro Tips from the Tackle Express Crew

• Twitch into slack, not into tension. The single thing that separates people who can make a pencil popper walk from people who can't.
• Wait to feel weight before you set. Setting on the splash pulls it out of the fish's mouth. This costs more topwater fish than anything else.
• Use the pause after a miss. It floats. Let it sit — fish come back for a bait that's stopped far more often than for one that ran.
• Check the trebles for fouling. Three hooks on a slim body will tangle on themselves, and a fouled bait won't walk at all.

Common Mistakes

• Fishing it on a tight line. The bait needs slack to turn.
• Only popping it, or only walking it. You bought both actions. Mix them until something answers.
• Too stiff a rod. Costs you fish on every strike.
• Setting on sight. Wait for the weight.

Specifications

Specs confirmed against Lucky Craft's published Gunfish 117 chart. Colors offered vary by production run — the selector above is the live list.

What's Included

One Lucky Craft Gunfish 117 in the color selected, factory rigged with three trebles. No spare hooks or split rings included.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the Gunfish 117?
4-1/2 inches (117mm) and 3/5 oz (19 grams). The number in the name is the length in millimetres.

How many hooks does it have?
Three trebles — two #5 and one #4.

Does it pop or walk?
Both. Sharp snaps make the cupped face throw water; rhythmic twitches into slack line make it walk tight side-to-side.

Does it float?
Yes. It holds position on the pause, which is where a lot of the bites come from.

117 or 115NF — what's the difference?
Different models, not just different sizes. The 117 is a pencil popper with three trebles and a thicker rear taper for casting distance. The NF models are the no-feather versions of their respective sizes.

Why does it cast so well?
The rear taper is thicker than on the smaller Gunfish sizes, so more mass sits behind the center and the bait carries and tracks straighter in the air.

What rod and line?
Medium to medium-heavy with a moderate action, 7' or longer. Braid to a fluorocarbon or mono leader; avoid heavy fluorocarbon straight through.

Are these colors coming back?
Aurora Black, Ghost Minnow, and MS American Shad are limited-run colors on Lucky Craft's list. Chartreuse Shad is standard. Call the shop and we'll tell you what's inbound.

Related Gear

• Lucky Craft Gunfish 115NF — no-feather 115.
• Lucky Craft Gunfish 95NF — no-feather 95.
• Lucky Craft Gunfish 95 H3 — three-hook 95.
• Topwater Fishing Lures — poppers, walking baits, and stickbaits.

Buy It From People Who Fish It

We're on Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, twenty minutes from Castaic, and we fish these lakes ourselves. Not sure which Gunfish you want, or whether today's a popping day or a walking day? Call the shop or come in — that's a short conversation and it saves you buying the wrong one first.

The Deps Buzzjet Wakebait is one of the most versatile and effective lures on the market today! The Deps Buzzjet can do it all. Walk it, rip it, crank it or wake it, the fish don't care cause all they want to do is SMASH IT! The unique lip design enables this bait to push copious amounts of water, giving the Buzzjet a one of a kind wake. The prop leaves a tantalizing trail of bubbles which, when combined with the Deps Buzzjet's unique lip, will call fish up from serious distances!

The Deps Buzzjet has an angry action that calls fish. The topwater bait has been revolutionized with the design of the Buzzjet. The erratic action and sound can attract fish from deeper depths and it can still be fished effectively in rough water thanks to the huge drawing power of the bait. This is not just a noisy lure, it was designed for those who want to catch a giant bass on topwater.

Here at Tackle Express, we have caught hundreds of bass over the years on this bait.  From small ponds to larger bodies of water, it just works.  It's one of those lures that has a certain something about it that causes fish to strike.  For another great bait, see the Deps Spiral Minnow, it's equally as good but has a different action.  Sometimes one works better than the other so our suggestion is to get one of each.

• LENGTH: 96mm (3.77 in)
• WEIGHT: 30.0g. (1.05 oz)

High Temperature Caution

Take caution to where you store your baits as they can become deformed or cracked due to the expansion of the air during high temperatures. Keep them out of direct sunlight and in hot places like the inside of vehicles or tackle boxes stored during the warmer months as we are not responsible for damages caused due to storing lures in high temperatures.

The Jackall Pompadour Jr. is a smaller version of the large pompadour and it may just be better than the original!  We think this new size is perfect for fish that aren't willing to attack the bigger original Jackall Pompadour.

The Jackall Pompadour Jr features two unique metal wings that, upon casting, tuck away tight to the body for those long casts. Once the lure hits the water and you begin the retrieve, the metal wings open up creating a very unique wobble and a huge wake.

On the rear of the bait there is a pivoting propeller that slides back and forth creating a deep gurgling sound and leaving a tantalizing trail of bubbles. This, combined with the metal wings and the bulky body of the bait means that this lure displaces A LOT of water and will call fish up from even the deepest depths.

60mm

2.36 inches

5/8oz

The Deps Buzzjet Jr. Wakebait is an incredibly versatile and effective topwater lure that delivers explosive strikes with multiple presentation options. Walk it, rip it, crank it, or wake it—the fish don't care because all they want to do is SMASH IT! The unique lip design enables this compact bait to push copious amounts of water, creating a one-of-a-kind wake that draws bass from long distances.

Perfect for making pinpoint casts to targets or covering water to locate active fish, the Buzzjet Jr. features a noisy, wobbling action that creates a big disturbance on the water with added splashing appeal. The innovative design combines the turning prop action with popper-style disturbance, making it a versatile and deadly topwater option that triggers explosive surface strikes.

The compact 72mm size allows for excellent casting distance and accuracy while remaining easy to work on the surface. Whether you're fishing around cover, working open water, or targeting specific structure, the Buzzjet Jr. delivers the versatility and fish-catching action that makes it stand out from traditional topwater lures.

Key Features:

• Unique Lip Design: Pushes copious amounts of water creating a distinctive wake
• Versatile Presentations: Walk it, rip it, crank it, or wake it for multiple retrieve options
• Turning Prop Action: Creates additional surface disturbance and attraction
• Popper-Style Splashing: Combines prop and popper action in one lure
• Noisy Wobbling Action: Creates big disturbance to draw fish from long distances
• Compact Size: 72mm profile casts well and is easy to work on the surface
• Premium Japanese Construction: Durable build quality for repeated use
• Pinpoint Accuracy: Size and weight allow for precise casts to targets

Specifications:

• Length: 72mm (2.83 inches)
• Weight: 14g (0.49 oz)
• Type: Floating topwater wakebait with prop
• Target Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pike

Retrieve Techniques:

• Walk-the-Dog: Side-to-side action across the surface
• Rip Retrieve: Aggressive jerks for reaction strikes
• Crank Retrieve: Steady retrieve creating continuous wake and disturbance
• Wake Retrieve: Slow to moderate speed creating V-wake on surface
• Pop-and-Pause: Popper-style pops followed by pauses

Ideal Applications:

• Early morning and late evening topwater fishing
• Around docks, laydowns, and cover
• Open water flats and points
• Calm to slightly choppy water conditions
• When bass are actively feeding on surface baitfish
• Searching and covering water to locate fish
• Pinpoint casting to specific targets

When you need a versatile topwater lure that can be fished multiple ways and triggers explosive strikes, the Deps Buzzjet Jr. Wakebait delivers the unique wake action and fish-drawing disturbance that serious topwater anglers demand.

Storage Warning:

Store your lures in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. Avoid storing in hot vehicles or tackle boxes during warm months, as high temperatures can cause deformation or cracking due to air expansion. We are not responsible for damage caused by improper storage in high-temperature conditions.

Note: Colors may appear slightly different in person than they do on your phone or computer.

The Ima Little Stik 135 Topwater bait measures in at 5.5 inches long and weighs 1 oz. Just like its bigger brother, The Big Stik, the Litte Stik is a high-tech lunker-killer that walks, pops, spits and catches just about anything that swims.  It’s rear weighted, making it easier to cast and enabling it to sit in a position that as soon as you start your retrieve, it starts to walk and throw water up to 2 feet in front of the lure. Professional Angler & Guide, Randy Pringle, designed this bait so novice anglers and experts alike can make the bait walk back and forth to resemble an injured or feeding baitfish.

All colors have a feathered treble on the rear and regular treble hooks on the front and middle.  Often times, we will remove the front treble for better action and less chance of the line hooking on it.

5.5in 1oz

Karashi is Japanese mustard. Megabass named it for the kick — a small bait that does something sharp enough to break a fish out of a bad mood.

Short version: 2.3", 3/16 oz, slow-sinking, #10 trebles with a tinsel teaser on the rear hook. Built for BFS and light spinning gear, and for the days when everything bigger gets followed and refused.

Four Presentations, One Lure

The reason to own a Karashi is that it isn't one bait. Change what your rod tip does and you change what it is:

• Ultra-finesse i-motion. A super-slow retrieve produces a vulnerable, injured wobble. This is the one for lethargic, cold-front fish that won't chase anything.
• Sub-surface twitching. Sharp rod snaps make it dart and flash just under the film — the presentation that converts a follower into a biter.
• Surface dog-walking. Rhythmic twitches walk it on top. Pause, and because it's slow-sinking it settles and then rises like a panicked baitfish. That pause is where a lot of the bites happen.
• Bait-busting panic mode. Fast upward pops and a quick retrieve make it splash, leap and skitter — pure reaction, for aggressive fish.

Work through all four before deciding the bait isn't producing. Most anglers try one, get nothing, and put it away.

Slow-Sinking Is the Point

A floating bait sits on top and a sinking bait falls away. This one hangs — it descends slowly enough that you can fish the pause as a presentation rather than as dead time.

That's what makes the dog-walk different here: stop the retrieve and the bait doesn't just sit there waiting, it settles and rises. Count the pause out. Two seconds, then four, then six, until something answers.

The Detail Work

Megabass builds this with 3D scales, raised gill rakers, lateral line detail and their signature downward-facing eyes. On a 2.3" bait none of that is decoration — in the clear, pressured water this thing is designed for, a fish gets a long close look before it commits.

The rear treble carries a tinsel teaser, which adds flash and a little undulation at rest. It's part of the bait's action, not a garnish.

Karashi Finesse or Karashi 80?

Megabass's naming doesn't help here — one is a word, the other is a number. This is the smaller of the two.

See the Karashi 80 →

When It Beats a Jerkbait or a Spybait

• High-pressure lakes. Fish that have refused every jerkbait on the water haven't necessarily seen this action.
• Clear water, close inspection. The finish detail earns its money exactly where fish get a long look.
• Cold fronts and lethargic fish — the ultra-slow i-motion retrieve is a genuine dead-stick alternative.
• When you don't know what they want. Four presentations on one cast beats retying four times.

Fishing It Around Santa Clarita

This is the bait for late summer on a lake that's been hammered all season. We publish Castaic Lake fishing reports with current conditions — worth reading before you decide which presentation to lead with.

Recommended Gear

• Rod: BFS or light spinning, light power with a forgiving tip. #10 trebles pull out of fish on stiff blanks — this is not a bait for a heavy rod.
• Line: light braid to a fluorocarbon leader, or straight light fluoro for the sub-surface work.
• For the surface presentations, mono or a braid-to-mono leader floats and helps hold the nose up.

Pro Tips from the Tackle Express Crew

• Work the pause. On a slow-sinking bait the pause is the presentation, not the gap between them.
• Wait to feel weight on surface strikes. Setting on the splash pulls a 2.3" bait clean out of a fish's mouth.
• Change the retrieve before you change the lure. Four presentations means most "it isn't working" days are "I only tried one thing" days.
• Check the tinsel treble. It's part of the action. When it's matted or bent, the bait is a different lure.

Common Mistakes

• Fishing it on too stiff a rod. The most common reason anglers lose fish on small-treble Japanese baits.
• Treating the pause as dead time. It's slow-sinking for a reason.
• Only using one presentation. You bought four.
• Setting on sight. Wait for the weight.

Specifications

Colors are listed in the selector above and change with each production run. Individual colorways sell through quickly — call the shop and we'll tell you what's inbound.

What's Included

One Megabass Karashi Finesse in the color selected, factory rigged with #10 trebles including the tinsel teaser on the rear hook. No spare hooks or split rings included.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is it?
2.3 inches and 3/16 oz.

Does it float or sink?
Slow-sinking. On the pause it settles rather than staying on top, then rises when you start it again.

Karashi Finesse or Karashi 80?
This is the smaller one — for pressured fish, clear water, and BFS or light spinning gear. The 80 is the larger, for a bigger silhouette and longer casts.

What does "Karashi" mean?
Japanese mustard. Megabass named it for the kick.

What rod should I use?
BFS or light spinning with a forgiving tip. #10 trebles tear out of fish on stiff rods.

What's the tinsel on the back hook for?
Flash and a little movement at rest. It's part of the action — when it mats down or the hook bends, the bait behaves differently.

Which presentation should I start with?
Sub-surface twitching. If fish follow without committing, move to the dog-walk and then the panic retrieve.

Can I replace the tinsel treble?
Yes — Megabass makes an OEM tinsel treble specifically for this bait. Call the shop for availability.

Related Gear

• Megabass Karashi 80 — the larger version.
• All Megabass — the full lineup.
• Freshwater Hard Baits — jerkbaits, cranks, and twitch baits.
• Freshwater Lures — soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and more.

Buy It From People Who Fish It

We're on Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, twenty minutes from Castaic, and we fish these lakes ourselves. Deciding between the Finesse and the 80, or whether your rod is light enough for either? Call the shop — two minutes, and it stops you buying the wrong size twice.

Lucky Craft Sammy Topwater Lure

There's nothing quite like the moment a bass explodes on a topwater bait — and the Lucky Craft Sammy was built to make that happen again and again. A legendary surface lure trusted by tournament anglers worldwide, the Sammy combines the seductive walk-the-dog action of a walking bait with the spitting, splashing commotion of a popper, creating a one-two punch that triggers strikes when nothing else will.

Cast it out, twitch your rod tip, and watch the Sammy dance across the surface in a tight, rhythmic side-to-side glide. The bass-calling glass rattles add an audible dimension that draws fish from a distance, while the realistic color patterns seal the deal up close. And thanks to its aerodynamic design, the Sammy launches effortlessly for extended casting distances — covering more water, finding more fish.

Features

• Walk-the-dog action combined with popper-style spitting for dual surface appeal
• Bass-calling glass rattles for added sound attraction
• Realistic, lifelike color patterns to trigger strikes
• Aerodynamic body design for extended casting distances
• Proven tournament performer with multiple competition victories

Perfect For

Whether you're working calm morning coves, open flats, or tournament waters, the Lucky Craft Sammy is the topwater lure that delivers when the pressure is on. A must-have for any serious bass angler's tackle box.

Drifter Tackle Doc Topwater Lure have been one of the hottest plugs for East Coast Stripers for over 10 years.  It not only works on the east coast, it works from coast to coast on largemouth, stripers and more. For a long time, the unpainted “Bone” colored Doc’s were some what of a mystery.  Over the past couple years, as tackle shops have begun to stock them, the name and reputation has grown. 

These “Walk The Dog” top water plugs create a violent side to side action, and unmatched loud rattle unlike anything Striper have ever seen.  Striped Bass literally can not ignore them!

These lures come equipped with stainless steel hardware, and 4/0 VMC Perma Steel hooks able to hold up to the Saltwater environment. 

7" Lil' Doc weighs 2.75oz.

9" Doc weighs 3.25oz.

 The Savage Gear 3D Snake is based on a scan of a real snake. The perfect baby snake imitation, with the most realistic swimming topwater action. The lure swims with a wide S action either on the surface or just below, depending on where you attached the line to the lure.

Features:

• 3D scanned details
• Realistic wide S action
• Two line tie points for surface or sub-surface action
• Unique cable joints
• Spinning rear treble
• 2x #4 trebles

8" - 1oz

12" - 2oz

IMA Skimmer Grande Topwater Lure delivers an bigger version than the original that is targeted at attracting the hunting predators in the lake. Designed with a rear weight, the IMA Skimmer Grande provides a hard side to side attraction that differentiates it from all other topwater walking baits.

Built with a thinned-down shape, the IMA Skimmer Grande sits with its nose poking out of the water. When worked with quick jerks and the rod tip pointed down, the IMA Skimmer Grande stirs the water and creates a large boil behind the bait. This imitates the erratic nature of an injured baitfish.