Old Topwater Lures See Rebirth at July 2020 Virtual ICAST

That's the word from Frank Sargeant at BassFan. The two that PRADCO has given a facelift are the Jitterbug from Arbogast and the Slopenose from Heddon. Of course, the modern versions of the lures have some significant upgrades, including durable synthetic bodies, complex multi-coat paint jobs, and upgraded ultra-sharp treble hooks. The original action and shape of both, however, are still there.

Said Sargeant, "The Slopenose is designed to perform as something between a popper and a stickbait. The weird looking collar acts to catch water and make a satisfying splash when jerked, a plus for aggressive schooling bass, and it can be bobbed up and down in place to fool more cautious bass in flat-water situations.

"This is not a lure that pops easily like a Rebel Pop-R, however. It takes a bit of a touch, but with just a little practice, it's possible to make it dance in place while fluttering and splashing. Best action comes from three short twitches, followed by a 10-second pause, then three more twitches.

"The new jointed Jitterbug 2.0 not only has a wobbling jointed tail section but also a large feathered treble as the tail hook. It comes across the surface much like a buzzbait, with a classic "bobbling" sound that identifies this iconic lure. However, the Jitterbug has the advantage of being a floater--you can stop and pop it in place now and then, adding to the attraction. The long feathered tail makes a sinuous after wake behind it. Offered in cool-looking crackle-paint patterns, with an anodized aluminum headplate, the lure won't corrode when used in brackish water."

Sargeant also went on to note that Berkley has come out with the new Choppo, which likewise qualifies as a weird-looking lure. The separate tail has an off-center fin or blade that rotates as the lure is cranked...in the same fashion as a Whopper Plopper.

The Choppo comes in 90-, 105- and 120-mm versions, all three of which can function as topwater jerkbaits, with plenty of splash when twitched along steadily. As with all topwaters, the action is brought out best with no-stretch braided line and a fast-action reel. "All of these lures," according to Sargeant, "have the new Berkley Fusion 19 trebles, some of the sharpest and 'stickiest' hooks on the market."