Jitterbugs

[Jim Sutter]

Are they still a great top water lure or have they been replaced by some other lure? I love fishing top water. If you think there are better top water lures please tell me about them. Be sure and include your preferred colors and method of fishing these lures.  

[JediAmoeba]

They still work well.  Top water in low light conditions is a curious thing- so much effort goes into painting baits that look great when all that artwork is on top.  I.E. the fish can't see it.

 

The biggest point to top water for me is how does it sound?  Sometimes those loud obnoxious sounds irritate bass, which is why they strike I think.  Other times a minor subtle sound and approach works.  A jitterbug is limited in that you can't really walk the dog like some other poppers or do that jerk retrieve like a prop topwater bait.  Jitterbugs used to catch lots of night bass and that hasn't changed.  

[Bankbeater]

They still work. Cast it out around cover and let it sit for 15 seconds or so. Then start reeling it back in just fast enough for it to make noise. 

[Bird]

We threw a ton of them growing up, they caught some big ones but missed a lot.

 

Fast forward......I prefer buzzbaits and whopper ploppers for top water duty.

[scaleface]

  Never had much luck with them .   Dont even remember the last time I used one .   Still carry a couple in my top water box . Maybe someday I'll tie one on and catch fish with it . 

[Jim Sutter]

JediAmoeba, Bankbeater and Bird,

Thank you for replying to my question pertaining to the use of Jitterbugs. I have them, but I very seldom use them. Please take care and have a wonderful and safe Sunday.

Scaleface,

Thank you for that information. Hope you catch a large one next time you go out. Hope you have a wonderful and safe Sunday.

[Teal]

I still throw them from time to time. not often tho.  They do work..I gave caught big fish on them... its a big fish bait. I've just been stuck on a few other wake baits... the megabass I jack, Ima roumba, and the KVD 2.5 WB.    

[Jim Sutter]

Teal,

Thank you for that information. I believe, I will be sticking with my Choppo's

[NYWayfarer]

They work especially at dusk. There are better lures out there. I am not a fan of the Jitterbug or Hula Poppers fixed treble hooks. 
 

I like baits that the hooks move around freely 

[WRB]

Jitterbugs have a cult like following because they continue to catch bass over several decades. If you don't like the hooks change them to split ring hangers.

What separates a Jitterbug from other top water lures is it's bill that makes a unique sound bass react to. Color makes little difference with a Jitterbug but size does.

Like most older lures that still work and catch bass Jitterbugs get put away and forgotten. 

For me a straight steady slow gurgling bloop bloop retreive works best with occasional stop and start day or night. Good lure.

Tom

[Mobasser]

I would look for an older model, in black or frog finish. The newer ones are made cheaper with a thinner metal plate. You can bend the metal.plate slightly to get the desired bulb bulb sound. They still work

[RoLo]

 

The Arbogast Jitterbug was introduced in 1937, and in 1984 they totally stopped working  

In the real world, 'no' lure stops working.

 

Roger

[scaleface]

I have a big black wood  Muskie Jitterbug. Back in the 70's or early 80's  Bassmaster had an article about how great of a big bass lure   they were in the dark . I got one right away and never caught a bass on it . One of these nights I'll bring it out of retirement and give it another go . I have a LOZ trip planned this fall , I might have to chuck it around some of those docks .

[shootermcbob]

I still throw a black 5/8 ounce jointed jitterbug at night.  I would not recommend it for others. It just does not work anymore. ?

[RoLo]

On 5/31/2020 at 8:24 PM, shootermcbob said:

I still throw a black 5/8 ounce jointed jitterbug at night.  I would not recommend it for others. It just does not work anymore. ?

 

I agree, Jitterbugs stopped working decades ago.

Now, I only throw them at night, when no one else can see me   

 

Roger

[WRB]

Wooden musky size Jitterbugs are too big for bass.....especially if you add a worm rat tail.

Tom

[frogflogger]

10 hours ago, WRB said:

Wooden musky size Jitterbugs are too big for bass.....especially if you add a worm rat tail.

Tom

Yep - plop plop plop ka boom

[Jim Sutter]

NYWayfarer, WRB, Mobasser, RoLo, scaleface, Shootermcbob, Frogflogger,

Thank you for all of your replies. Like you, I have some Jitterbugs. However, all of my fishing is done during daylight hours. I have found other lures that work better. I have also found lures made by Heddon  and Jitterbugs are very cheaply made. Thanks again for all your information and tips. I hope each one of you have a safe and wonderful day. 

[Jermination]

23 hours ago, Jim Sutter said:

Are they still a great top water lure or have they been replaced by some other lure? I love fishing top water. If you think there are better top water lures please tell me about them. Be sure and include your preferred colors and method of fishing these lures.  

We kill them after dark on clear water mountain lakes here in east tn & western north carolina. Some of the best nights i've had(especially growing up) were throwing jitterbugs all night long. Frog with white belly, solid black, coach dog, perch, and fire tiger(custom one where the orange goes up to the side of the bait) have always been my go tos

[Jim Sutter]

Short Fish,

Thank you for replying to my question concerning Jitterbugs. I appreciate it. Unfortunately, I don't fish once the sun gone down. Thanks again for your information. Please take care and have a great evening.

[r3825]

They catch fish during the day too

[RoLo]

4 minutes ago, r3825 said:

They catch fish during the day too

 

Get Out!   ☺️

 

 

[Jim Sutter]

r3825,

Thank you for that information. That's good to know. Take care and have a wonderful and safe evening.

[Dogface]

On 6/1/2020 at 6:22 PM, RoLo said:

 

Get Out!   ☺️

 

 

Yes, but don't tell anyone. 

[Harold Scoggins]