Ever seen a fish explode on the surface of the water? It’s a thrilling sight! Walking baits are the secret weapons that make this happen. They dance on top of the water, mimicking injured baitfish or frogs. This action drives hungry bass crazy!
But choosing the perfect walking bait can be tricky. There are so many shapes, sizes, and colors. How do you know which one will work best for the conditions? You might waste money on lures that don’t catch fish. That’s why understanding walking baits is so important for any angler who wants to hook more bass.
In this post, we’ll break down the world of walking baits. You’ll learn what makes them so effective. We’ll also help you pick the right one for your next fishing trip. Get ready to master the walk and bring more fish to the boat!
Our Top 5 Walking Baits Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Walking Baits Detailed Reviews
1. Strike King Lures KVD Sexy Dawg Topwater Hard Bait Lure
Rating: 9.0/10
The Strike King Lures KVD Sexy Dawg Topwater Hard Bait Lure is a fantastic choice for anglers looking to attract big bass. Its design is made to mimic a wounded baitfish on the surface. This action is irresistible to predatory fish. The lure floats and creates a commotion that calls fish from a distance. It’s a premium topwater lure that many anglers trust.
What We Like:
- The free-floating rattles create an enticing sound.
- It has a realistic action that draws strikes.
- The 4.5-inch size is great for targeting a variety of bass.
- The 3/4 oz weight allows for good casting distance.
- The “Sexy Shad” color is very effective in many water conditions.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some anglers might prefer a slightly heavier lure for windy days.
- The treble hooks could be sharper for better hook-ups.
This lure is a proven performer for topwater action. It’s a reliable addition to any bass fisherman’s tackle box.
2. Strike King Bitsy Dawg Topwater Fishing Lure
Rating: 8.6/10
The Strike King Bitsy Dawg Topwater Fishing Lure is a fantastic choice for anglers looking to catch bass, especially when they are being picky. Its small size and realistic action make it perfect for fooling pressured fish or when they are chasing tiny baitfish. This lure is designed to be cast long distances, and its Bluegill color pattern works well in many different fishing conditions.
What We Like:
- Excellent for catching pressured bass and when fish are focused on small bait.
- Easy to “walk-the-dog” with, even near cover, and it moves just the right amount of water.
- Sharp size 6 treble hooks lead to more successful hooksets and fewer lost fish.
- Works great with spinning or light baitcasting gear and common fishing lines.
- Designed by fishing experts with lots of testing to help you catch more and bigger fish.
What Could Be Improved:
- The small size might be less effective for targeting very large gamefish.
- Availability might be limited at some retailers due to its popularity.
The Strike King Bitsy Dawg is a confidence-building lure that is sure to improve your success on the water. It’s an expert-designed bait that brings high quality to a smaller, effective profile.
3. Strike King (HCKVDSD-665) KVD Sexy Dawg Fishing Lure
Rating: 8.8/10
The Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg is a topwater fishing lure designed to attract fish with its lively action and sound. This particular model, the 665 in Bone color and weighing 5/8 oz, is built for serious anglers. It floats on the water’s surface, mimicking wounded baitfish, which is a prime target for many predatory fish.
What We Like:
- This lure is a premium topwater lure, meaning it’s made with high-quality materials for better performance.
- It features free-floating rattles that create enticing sounds in the water, drawing fish closer.
- The 5/8 oz weight makes it easy to cast accurately to your desired fishing spot.
- It has a realistic bone color that looks a lot like natural baitfish.
- The Sexy Dawg’s walking-the-dog action is very effective at triggering strikes.
What Could Be Improved:
- While effective, the price point might be a bit high for some casual anglers.
- The internal rattles, though good, could be even louder for certain fishing conditions.
Overall, the Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg is a fantastic choice for anglers looking for a reliable and effective topwater lure. Its design and features make it a valuable addition to any tackle box.
4. Heddon Zara Spook Topwater Fishing Lure – Legendary Walk-The-Dog Lure
Rating: 8.6/10
The Heddon Zara Spook Topwater Fishing Lure is a legendary choice for anglers. This “Bone” colored Zara Puppy, measuring 3 inches and weighing 1/4 ounce, is designed for the famous “walk-the-dog” fishing technique. This action creates a commotion on the water’s surface that calls fish from far away. It’s perfect for catching fish whether they are deep or right at the top. You can expect exciting strikes every time you use it.
What We Like:
- The Zara Spook’s “walk-the-dog” action effectively attracts fish to the surface.
- Its distinctive movement calls fish from a distance, leading to explosive strikes.
- The double hook design helps ensure a secure catch.
- It’s a topwater bait, making fishing exciting and visual.
- The 3-inch size and 1/4 oz weight make it easy to cast and handle.
What Could Be Improved:
- The #6 hooks might be too small for very large fish.
- The “Bone” color, while classic, might not be ideal in all water conditions.
This lure is a proven performer for exciting topwater action. Anglers will appreciate its ability to generate aggressive strikes.
5. Heddon Saltwater Super Spook Jr – 3 Pack PK3X9236-2
Rating: 9.2/10
The Heddon Saltwater Super Spook Jr – 3 Pack PK3X9236-2,Multi,One Size is a fantastic lure set for any angler targeting saltwater species. This pack gives you three of these popular lures, ready to hit the water. They are designed to mimic the action of baitfish, making them irresistible to hungry predators.
What We Like:
- These lures are perfect for the classic “walk-the-dog” retrieve. This means you can make them dart back and forth on the surface, just like a wounded baitfish.
- The construction is tough. These lures can handle the abuse of big fish and rough conditions.
- They come in dazzling colors. This variety helps you match the hatch and attract fish in different water conditions.
- The realistic finishes make them look like real bait. Fish are fooled by how lifelike they appear.
- Rugged line ties mean your line stays securely attached. You won’t lose a lure because of a weak connection.
- The hooks are strong and sharp. This helps ensure you get a solid hookset and land more fish.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the colors are great, some anglers might wish for even more specialized color patterns for very specific fishing situations.
- The “Jr” size is excellent for many scenarios, but a larger version might be beneficial for targeting truly giant game fish.
Overall, this Heddon Saltwater Super Spook Jr 3-pack is a reliable and effective choice for serious saltwater anglers. You get great action, durability, and realistic looks in one convenient package.
Choosing the Right Walking Bait: Your Guide to Angling Success
What Makes a Walking Bait Great?
Walking baits are super fun lures that wiggle and dance on the water’s surface. They look like a wounded baitfish, which makes hungry fish want to chase them. If you want to catch bass, pike, or other exciting fish, a walking bait is a great choice.
Key Features to Look For
- Size: Walking baits come in many sizes. Smaller ones work well for smaller fish or clear water. Bigger ones are good for big fish or when the water is murky.
- Action: The best walking baits have a side-to-side “walk the dog” action. This means they glide back and forth smoothly when you twitch your rod.
- Sound: Some walking baits have rattles inside. These rattles make noise that can attract fish from farther away.
- Hooks: Good walking baits have sharp, strong treble hooks. These hooks help you catch and hold onto the fish once they bite.
- Color: The color of the lure is important! Bright colors like white or chartreuse work well on sunny days. Natural colors like silver or shad match baitfish and are good on cloudy days or in clear water.
Important Materials
Most walking baits are made from plastic or wood.
- Plastic: Plastic walking baits are durable and often float well. They are usually less expensive.
- Wood: Wood walking baits can be very realistic and often have a more natural feel. They can be more expensive but many anglers love them.
What Makes a Walking Bait Better or Worse?
Factors That Improve Quality
- Good Balance: A well-balanced walking bait will glide easily without spinning.
- Durable Paint: The paint should be tough and not chip off easily, especially after catching fish.
- Strong Hooks: As mentioned before, strong hooks are essential.
- Realistic Look: Details like painted eyes and fins can make a walking bait look more like real prey.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Poor Balance: If a lure doesn’t walk well, it won’t attract fish.
- Cheap Hooks: Weak hooks can bend or break, letting fish escape.
- Paint That Peels: Lures that lose their paint quickly look bad and might not work as well.
- Waterlogged: If the lure absorbs water, it can sink or lose its action.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a walking bait is exciting! You reel in a little slack line, then give your rod tip a short, sharp twitch. This makes the lure dart to one side. Then, you reel in a bit more slack and twitch again. This creates the “walk the dog” motion. It’s best to use a steady retrieve with pauses in between.
Walking baits are fantastic for fishing in shallow water, around cover like lily pads or submerged logs, and when fish are feeding on the surface. They are a top choice for catching largemouth bass, especially in the spring and fall. You can also catch other fish like spotted bass, smallmouth bass, and even pike with them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Walking Baits
Q: What is the best way to make a walking bait “walk”?
A: You make a walking bait walk by twitching your rod tip with a slack line. Then, reel in a little slack and twitch again. Keep doing this to make it move side to side.
Q: What kind of fishing rod should I use for walking baits?
A: A medium-action spinning rod or baitcasting rod works well. A rod with a bit of flex helps you work the lure properly.
Q: What is the best time of day to use a walking bait?
A: Early morning and late evening are often the best times. But they can work well any time fish are looking up for food.
Q: Can I use a walking bait in saltwater?
A: Yes, some walking baits are designed for saltwater fishing. Make sure to check the lure’s description.
Q: How do I choose the right color?
A: On sunny days, bright colors are good. On cloudy days or in clear water, natural colors that mimic baitfish are best.
Q: Should I use a swivel with my walking bait?
A: Generally, no. A swivel can interfere with the lure’s action. A good knot is usually enough.
Q: What is the “walk the dog” action?
A: It’s the side-to-side gliding motion a walking bait makes when you work it correctly.
Q: What fish can I catch with a walking bait?
A: You can catch bass (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted), pike, and sometimes other predatory fish that feed on the surface.
Q: Do rattles in a walking bait really help?
A: Yes, rattles can attract fish by making noise, especially in murky water or when fish are not actively feeding.
Q: How deep should I fish a walking bait?
A: Walking baits are surface lures, so they are fished on top of the water. They are great for shallow areas.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.