Prop Bait

Prop Baits are surface contact lures known for producing short bursts of erratic bubbling commotion and buzzing sound lure action. Action is compelled by using the top water popping retrieve and some suggest the pause is important as it will trigger a reaction bite. 

Anatomy: Prop Bait lures are treble hook lures that feature a propeller on the back and/or on the front and back. Generally has two treble hooks but three treble hooks are possible[Figure 2]. The surface contact  Prop Baits look similar to Spy Bait Lure where the spy bait lure is below the surface.

  • Short and Fat: [Figure 1]
  • Long and Skinny: [Figure 2]
  • Front and Rear Blade Propeller: [Figure 1 and 2]
  • Rear Blade: [Figure 4]
  • Jointed: 
  • Rattle: 

Variants & Other Names: 

  • Propeller Bait or Propeller Lure.
  • Topwater Prop Bait
  • Surface Prop Bait 

Lure Action. Typically, short bursts of erratic bubbling commotion.

Search Bait: Less common. 

Pros’ Choice: Not common.

Figure 1: HeliPs Prop Bait 2.25 inches, 3/8 oz
Manufacturer's Details
When to Fish a Prop Bait
Prop Bait are surface contact lures typically selected when:   
  • Targeted Depth:
    • Shallow: Common.
    • Deep(Offshore): Not common.
  • Fishing Speed:
    • Slow: Commonly considered a slow presentation for a surface contact lure as it is common to introduce long pauses between the popping retrieve action during the retrieve can slow it down. 
    • Fast: Less commonly considered for fishing fast as some suggest it can be used to cover water. Others suggest the props are not effective at high speeds.
  • Lure Visibility:
    • High Lure Visibility: Common, as a search bait, as it is natural looking and some suggest the propellers create flashes on sunny days with little wind. 
    • Low Lure Visibility: Enhancing visibility with flash and a natural profile.
      • Engaging Lateral Line: The propellers produce vibration, albeit subtle, some suggest good for calm water.
      • Engaging Hearing: Large pops will create a lot of noise and commotion. Some suggest this allows the lure to attract bass in cloudy conditions. 
  • Targeting Cover: [NL] Some suggest all lures are good near cover where prop bait lures are used when contacting:
Figure 2: Bagley Bang O Lure Twin Spin 5.25 Inch, 3/8 oz, #3 hook
Manufacturer's Details
Specific Prop Bait Selection

Selecting the Prop Bait Lure Type, as a treble hook lure type, there are the following key decisions:

  • Shapes: Short and fat [Figure 1] or long and skinny [Figure 2, 3 and 4]
  • Sink Classification:
    • Top Water: Most are categorized as top water. 
  • Size:
    • Small: 2″ to 3″
    • Common: 3″ to 4″
    • Large: 5″ 
  • Lure Weight: As .
    • Light: 1/4oz
    • Common: 3/8oz to 7/16oz
    • Heavy: 1/2oz
Figure 3: Yo-Zuri 3DB Prop 3-1/2 inch, 7/16 oz,
Manufacturer's Details
  • Lure Color: As lure color selection is mostly tied to the lure visibility download the Acute Lure Color Breakdown™ Infographic.
Download the Acute Lure Color Breakdown™ Infographic
Rigging Decisions

As a treble hook lure type, the common rigging considerations includes:

  • Hook Size: Besides replacing any bent or rusted hooks some, albeit not common, look to upsize or downsize or upgrade the manufactured provided hooks.
      • Small: #12, #10
      • Common: #4, #6
      • Large: #2, #1 
  • Main Line: Some suggest monofilament as it floats and the stiffness will keep the line out of the front propeller and some suggest braid  for longer casts.  Some suggest fluorocarbon as it sinks pushing the propellers a little deeper in the water.
    • Light: 10 lb test to 15 lb test
    • Common: 15 lb test to 20 lb test
    • Heavy: Over 20 lb test
  • Leader: If using braid main line some suggest a short leader of 1ft in high lure visibility scenarios and some suggest 10ft to 20ft to get some stretch.
  • Rod: 
Download Rod Infographic
Prop Bait Presentations

Presentations for prop baits are commonly considered a horizontal presentation and a tight line presentation with the following considerations:

Additional Considerations
Figure 4: Nishine Lure Works Abino 110F Prop Bait 4.3 Inch, 0.9 oz
Manufacturer's Details
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