Rotating Tail Topwater Pencil Lure for Bass
Rotating Tail Topwater Pencil Lure for Bass
This topwater pencil bait pairs a slim walk-the-dog body with a rotating tail prop that chugs and spits water on retrieve. The commotion mimics a fleeing baitfish or wounded prey, drawing reaction strikes from bass holding near cover or cruising open flats. The through-wire construction and dual treble hooks keep it durable under hard hits.
It shines during low-light hours, over grass flats, and around shallow structure where largemouth key in on surface disturbance. Smallmouth respond well to a steady walking retrieve broken up by pauses. Cast it along shorelines, points, and weed edges when bass are actively feeding on top.
Specifications
| Type | Topwater pencil bait with rotating tail prop |
| Length | 9cm or 13cm (see title) |
| Weight | Varies by size, moderate for long casts |
| Depth | Surface |
| Action | Walk-the-dog with propeller splash and spit |
| Hooks | Dual treble hooks |
| Best for | Largemouth and smallmouth in shallow to mid-depth cover |
How to fish it
- Cast past visible cover or baitfish activity and let the lure sit until rings clear.
- Use short, sharp rod twitches to work the tail prop and walk the bait side to side.
- Add pauses between twitch sequences, most strikes come during the pause.
- Slow the retrieve near heavy cover and speed it up over open flats to trigger reaction bites.
Frequently asked
The 13cm size pushes more water and suits larger largemouth in dingy water, while the 9cm is easier for smallmouth to inhale and works well in clearer lakes and rivers.
Darker, high-contrast patterns show up better in stained water, while natural baitfish colors like blue or silver work best in clear conditions.
A medium to medium-heavy rod with 30 to 50lb braid handles the walking action and treble hooks well, giving good hookset power on longer casts.
Early morning, evening, and overcast days are prime, especially over shallow grass, flats, or near visible baitfish activity.