Cheap Whopper Plopper vs. The Real Thing (Does Cost Matter?)

In this video I set out to answer questions that have plagued the universe since the appearance of man. Do cheap amazon lures, namely whopper ploppers, catch fish as good as their expensive name brand counter parts. Join me as I hit an extremely flooded urban lake in attempt to catch bass with crazy cheap amazon whopper ploppers. The results are pretty surprising and encouraging.
Keep up with the most up to date Backroads Angling action on tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@backroadsangl...
More of my Whopper Plopper videos:
Unexpected Fish Blows Up Whopper Plopper
• Unexpected Fish Blows ...
Big Bass on Whopper Ploppers
• Early Morning Whopper ...
Late Summer Whopper Plopper Fishing
• Late Summer Topwater F...
Tackle Used:
Cheap Whopper Plopper: amzn.to/2MOilm0
Expensive Whopper Plopper: amzn.to/3rxKCvU
Fishing Rods Used:
Black Max Baitcasting Reel: amzn.to/3accIFR
KastKing Spinning Reel: amzn.to/3adR4kC
GX2 Spinning Rod: amzn.to/3qVb6XY
Cameras Used:
GoPro Hero7 Black: amzn.to/3r2GBzv
IPhone: amzn.to/2CGyzbR
1 man pontoon boat: amzn.to/2MuSY8m
Fishing Net: amzn.to/3gfgxeB
Fish Scale: amzn.to/2FFFPWJ
/ backroadsangling_youtube

[@BackroadsAngling]

I just made a comparison video of the Googan Revolver vs Whopper Plopper. You can watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6O2pHmZn6ydick

[@benjaminhartman3091]

“I’m going to have to call into work sick” you spoke to every fisherman with that line 😂

[@BackroadsAngling]

Yes, I don't know how many times I have said this to myself - but it's a lot!

[@lsmftwitchell1939]

As an older person, who used and listened to the Whopper Plopper for a couple of fishing excursions, the sound nagged me. The Whopper Plopper sounds just like an old Jitterbug. So, I fished them against each other on two excursions. The Jitterbug I used was a black broken back weighing 5/8 oz. The Whopper Plopper was size 90 in the loon color pattern and was about the same weight. They both caught exactly the same number of bass. The Jitterbugs are much cheaper and have no moving parts to gum up!

[@jackinthewoodsii8653]

Jitterbug is a classic, deadly at night. I tried the same experiment and it was 50/50

[@IndianaSmallmouth]

Cast distance? Jitterbugs are light and throw almost nowhere.

[@heavymetalmusichead4969]

@@IndianaSmallmouth that's what I've run into with the jitterbug. Almost uncastable.

[@robertbrandywine]

I've only had success with the Jitterbug in low light or night time conditions.

[@grandwonder5858]

I bought 4 of those 130mm (5.25") whopper plopper from Aliexpress for $1.79 each in a 4-pack deal four years ago and they work better than the original! They splash a lot more than the original whopper plopper and you can work them slower and still get them to splash water very well, more than the original one!

[@bryantmaximilionalpha2840]

Also, the imitation whooper ploppers, after a while, the entire body tends to rotate, instead of just the tail end. I've found a pretty good remedy for that situation though... I keep a small can of WD-40 in my tackle bag, that I use. Just a couple of squirts into the rear end of the cheap plopper and it works just like new.

[@adamant7146]

never used an authentic plopper but bought some knock offs off of amazon and they work great...$15 for 5 vs $75 for 5, doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out...but i used it on my mach crush caster and then a cheap amazon caster and it worked better with the lews so reel selection makes a big difference as well....

[@TrueNorthOutdoorAdventures]

Good comparison Vid! I've noticed a difference on the off brand Ploppers. They sink quicker & just don't have as nice a ride/feel to them. Some days it doesn't matter though, but I'd still rather pay more for the original & keep my confidence high.

[@BackroadsAngling]

Thanks! I agree, I like the real whopper plopper a little better.

[@jasonb4350]

Even though the 15$ whopper is more durable and nice to have , I think it’s a good idea to have some of the cheaper ones that you can place in areas were you might snag and loose it and not get pissed off about loosing it.

[@BackroadsAngling]

I agree 100%. Well said.

[@djsthemetereman]

Yeah great idea

[@juliansandoval3399]

It floats? I snag my expensive ones and just go get them

[@austinhernandez2716]

@@juliansandoval3399 Can't always jump in the water to get it...

[@AlphaQHard]

@@austinhernandez2716 If its $15 im swimming for that fucker

[@heribertoledezma1615]

Greetings from Panama realy nice your video today by amazon l bought Henceto plopper 5 pieces. when l have time free going to fish at this lake gatun at Panama canal thanks Brooo!!!!!

[@BackroadsAngling]

Greetings from Iowa in the U.S.! Wow, that sounds great! I hope you catch a giant! What are you fishing for in the panama canal?

[@heribertoledezma1615]

Hii.. Broo!! ok at panama canal you can fish a diferent for example bass at spañish is sargento . !tarpon. !robalo.!oscar.!fish dog.!mojarras! guavinas ! agujas y others a gatun lake l hope catch a big experienc 😎 tanks Bro for your gmail 👏!!!!

[@92Koondog92]

This is exactly what I needed to see. Thanks for putting it together!

[@BackroadsAngling]

Cool! I'm glad it helped!

[@ScottWiecenski]

Ive never owned a name brand Whopper Plopper. Ive only owned the knockoffs. I have around 25 of them in my tackle box. Last season I finished out with 280 bass, and probably 200 of them were caught on the knockoff ploppers, plus a fair amount of chain pickerel. In my opinion, the knockoffs are just as good as the name brand.

[@BackroadsAngling]

There are a lot of good cheap alternatives out there now! Thanks for watching!

[@SgawCules]

Care to show me which ones you bought?

[@Meditation409]

This is great 👍 Some great info. Very appreciated ❤️

[@BackroadsAngling]

Thanks!

[@Pugsgunsandstuff]

I like how portable that boat is. I'll portage my kayak full of gear sometimes, but it's a pain in the ass.

[@BackroadsAngling]

That's the main reason I have stuck with this boat for a long time. It's so light and easy to get in and out of my truck and it's easy to carry. I can carry it almost anywhere up to a mile or so.

[@jaycarenrebaja2893]

I love watching this video i really enjoyed watching fishes and catch them thisnis great keep it up love love love

[@BackroadsAngling]

Thanks for the support! I really appreciate it!

[@narlee2014]

Thanks for doing the review!

[@BackroadsAngling]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching.

[@a.m.theshinyjohtohunter4287]

Super enjoyable video and thank you for comparison review! I was honestly looking at one of these but if the 5 pack works just as well, good enough for me.

[@BackroadsAngling]

Thanks! I think the knock off ploppers work well especially for the price. The bass don't seem to care that they are 1/5 the price.

[@a.m.theshinyjohtohunter4287]

@@BackroadsAngling found a 10 pack on EBay for 21 Canadian and a Dollar shipped! 🤩 I’m going for it! Enough for I, dad and brother all to fish!! 🤩

[@derekirelandsirsmokepotalo1152]

Great video pal you couldn't have been fairer and honest on a budget go for the cheap one if you want to enjoy and make the bait work the way you want to work it go for the real one

[@BackroadsAngling]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it and I'm glad I did the different whopper ploppers justice. The plopper is such a great bait and it's really exciting and fun to get out there and try all the different variations on the market. Cheers, Toby

[@dbru2650]

Great video, informative, thanks

[@BackroadsAngling]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@dan1sready940]

I have these same brand ploppers and I love them! I caught a legue on the yellow one last night

[@BackroadsAngling]

Nice! They definitely work!

[@danesworld]

Just picked up a whopper plopper.....love it.

[@BackroadsAngling]

Cool! Enjoy!

[@chriskane29]

Great video!! Subbed!

[@BackroadsAngling]

Thanks! Glad to have you!

[@turkeytx]

good comparison......good video......thanks!!

[@BackroadsAngling]

Thanks I'm glad you liked it!

[@JroCofGGroove]

Gotta love that accurate measuring method..lol..nice video tho!

[@MaxMeridius0920]

New sub! Btw .. you may have seen a guy on YT that turns all sorts of stuff into bass lures - including a 1” square block of plain wood!! Haha , I think most of these lures are to catch the fishermen- thanks for the vid

[@BackroadsAngling]

Hi Max, yes there are some cool bait making videos on KZbin. Just goes to show it doesn't have to be too special to catch a fish I guess.

[@HomesteadOnThePreserve]

LOL , I saw that video and it really made me think about catching the buyer!

The fishing is really nice you do and your channel is interesting! that's why I subscribed to you now. see you in the next video of you or me my friend👌

[@BackroadsAngling]

Thanks for watching! I really appreciate the support!

[@TB-lv2rh]

Walmart's Ozark Trail version for $4.88 is a hell of a good deal too if you don't want to wait for Amazon to deliver & you need something ASAP for a cheaper price. Man, what a beautiful place to fish! Time to get the heck out of the office & go fishing!!!!

[@BackroadsAngling]

I agree that the Ozark Trail is a good option. Maybe I will do a video with that one this summer. I also like the Choppo and several other knockoffs. This pond is a cool place to fish. It is pretty polluted and kindof pressured but somehow always produces nice fish. Thanks for watching!

[@IIViiSiioNzII]

River2sea whooper plopped is worth the money.. you can catch many big bass on them with them instead of just 1. Plopped ALWAYS breaks on cheep ones, first snag of big fish

[@RocketDaryl]

The cheap Amazon versions catch just as many fish, but you have to be willing to repair them. I just had to change out the hooks on one of mine after catching a decent large mouth last weekend. Bent one of the treble hooks pretty bad.

[@BackroadsAngling]

Yes, the components aren't built to last like the original plopper. Well said!

[@cullen.marriott_614]

Your a very underrated KZbinr just subbed

[@BackroadsAngling]

Thanks! I really appreciate it!

[@patwalker9890]

Or you can spend $8 to $10 for a Berkley Choppo.

[@rodneyredor978]

This is what i needed.

[@BackroadsAngling]

good luck!

[@BackroadsAngling]

I made a DIY Whopper Plopper and the bass munched it. Check out my new video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqbLoqeMo51_q9k

[@djsthemetereman]

Man I'm off this week & I've just gotta get out there to try this

[@BackroadsAngling]

Good Luck!

[@reneaurora4721]

Cool video!

[@BackroadsAngling]

Thanks!

[@HomesteadOnThePreserve]

Dude I loved your video! I did similar, bought a 3 pack of "Fake News Ploppers" in the 75 size from Amazon for $12. Mine were made by Trucend (of China of course) but WOW they are awesome. Very well built, super sharp hooks and look much better then the R-2-S Ploppers. Catching LMB and Bullseye Snakehead on em in South Florida and they hold up amazingly!

[@BackroadsAngling]

Thanks! Yes, there are a lot of different knock-off options now that really get the job done. I will have to check out the ploppers you are using. The only thing I don't like about the knock-offs is that sometimes the colors are weird but the fish don't seem to mind too much. Thanks for watching!

[@carlgwizdala1507]

Good Evening Mr. Backroads Angling, I've Enjoyed your presentation of the Knock Off Whopper Plopper. I notice that you where using a Ulgy Stick GX2, what's your advise pro's or con's that would possibly influence the purchase of an Ulgy Stick for the Future Angler. Thank you for your input on this manner. Sincerely, Mr.l Carl Joseph Gwizdala aka "Desperado!"LOL! :-)

[@BackroadsAngling]

Hi Desperado, thank you! This was a fun video to make and the fish were really chomping on this day. I recommend the Ugly Stick GX2 to anyone who asks. It has been really reliable for me and whether it's giant fish or smaller fish it has never let me down or made me wish I had a different rod. For under $50 you can't do any better. I have a 4 piece which is nice for hiking or when I ride my bike but I would get a 2 piece if you don't need it to be super compact. I pair the rod with a Kastking Valiant Eagle reel. It is cheap yet amazing with super smooth drag. I don't think they make this reel anymore but I recently bought a KastKing Centron Reel for $26 and I have been impressed with its performance. Like I said before the drags on these reels are smooth as butter!

[@lftdblazer]

Looks like a good day fishing. You ever thought about using a kayak though? As far as the ploppers go, these look decent, but maybe upgrade the hooks at least. Now, the Walmart Ozarks prop bait are lousy compared to the R2S.

[@BackroadsAngling]

Agreed. The hooks probably need an upgrade but honestly I was surprised how sticky the cheap plopper hooks are. I enjoy my little pontoon boat. It's super easy to carry around and I can dump it in anywhere.

[@SlabHunterTV]

Great video

[@BackroadsAngling]

Thanks!

[@White_Tiger93]

Hi, so when you said 69 half degree temperature, is it more suitable to use top water lure? Then, what about warmest temperature something like 80 to 90 degree temperature? Should I use sinking lure for that? Thanks :)

[@BackroadsAngling]

These will work fine in any water temperature. I would not use sinking line. Normal mono, fluoro or braid will be fine.

[@adrianwilliams8157]

Wat kayak are you using great video helped a lot

[@BackroadsAngling]

It's a one man pontoon boat. Mine is old - like 25 yrs but you can find a newer version if you google it. It's super handy for dropping into places where most boats and kayaks would be a challenge! Thanks!

[@patrickspratt5445]

My first time using the whopper plopper. I called in an said I was sick I had fishing fever 😆

[@BackroadsAngling]

I know what you mean. I get that a lot!

[@greg6162]

*Question…* I’m waiting for my first fishing pole to be delivered… a spinning reel Shimano Nasci 2500 FC with a Shimano Sellus 7.1 med/fast rod. Now because I’m not confident tying knots I’m going to use straight monofilament to avoid leader knots and such. I bought a unbranded 90mm and an authentic 60mm whopper plopper. What pound mono test line should I use for them? Also, is the 90mm to heavy to cast on my rig you think?

[@BackroadsAngling]

I think 10 lb mono should be fine. The 90mm and 60mm ploppers are pretty small. I think the spinning setup you described should be fine to cast them.

[@DKshitblast]

Man, when it’s WHOPPING time... doesn’t matter if it’s cheap and a mix of neon colors, you better just have one on you

[@BackroadsAngling]

Yes, I think that is a good summary for this video. Maybe I should change the title to that.

[@FishNFoolLures]

No way in hell would I reel up a fish between my bare legs hooked on a bait with treble hooks all over it!!!!! This guy is a trip to the hospital waiting to happen.

[@BackroadsAngling]

Haha. You just have to keep pressure on the fish and then it's pretty easy to control them.

[@chip6954]

in other words, the fish don't care, only the anglers do, LOL! Can be said for so many things in fishing....

[@mugabeali1458]

The way you deal with the hooks 🪝 scare me 🤣🤣

[@BackroadsAngling]

Haha! Me too!

[@shawnhood6555]

One is fished with a spinning reel and the other with a bait caster, of course it is easier to keep on top.

[@BackroadsAngling]

Agreed.

[@bobsmoot2392]

The heavier lure casts further, so the fishing radius is greater. More area covered = more fish see it/hit it. Is the expensive one 5X more productive?

[@BackroadsAngling]

The expensive one definitely is not 5x more productive than the cheaper one. But even if the expensive one is 10% more effective does that make it worth it? It's a question of whether you are OK with catching 9 fish every time vs catching 10 fish. The answer to this question is different depending on the fisherman.

[@jamesrene7509]

I like the real 1 way better, the knock off ones after catching a few fish the paint comes completely off , they not nearly as durable after a few fish the piece of wire running through the prop bends and its doesn't plop as good and sometimes spins in circles also cheap hooks

[@BackroadsAngling]

I think it depends on what ones you get. I have been using the cheap plopper seen in this video for almost a year now and it looks and works the same after catching a whole bunch of fish. I like the real whopper plopper better but these cheap ones still work well.

[@FISHINGWITHPAPAWDAVE]

Nice fish 🎣

[@BackroadsAngling]

Thanks!

[@Thepondguy85]

Haven't ever used either one

[@ronmacdougall9612]

I just bought the 8 in a pack for 20$,can’t wait to try

[@BackroadsAngling]

I hope you catch a big one!

[@jfishboy2955]

Do you have the brand you were using. You said it was 5 for 15 is this off of wish? Any help with a link would be great.

[@BackroadsAngling]

Link is in the description

[@Euer_Ernst]

My question is. Are this Amazon Whopper Plopper strong like the r2r? I mean do they have also a metall axis through the hole bait? I'm asking becaus we have many Catfish and if the conection of the tail is made of plastic it will defenetly not hold in case one of this monsters bite.

[@BackroadsAngling]

They have a metal wire going through the bait. I don't get the feeling that the Amazon baits are going to fall apart on a large fish but I do think the river to sea plopper is stronger if you did a stress test. That's one of the reasons for the much higher cost is the craftsmanship on the R2S plopper is really good. I've never seen a catfish hit a topwater bait. What type of catfish are you fishing for?

[@Euer_Ernst]

@@BackroadsAngling thanks for the answer. I'm going for european Catfish it calls Wels or Waller, the river i fish is the Rhein. You will find many videos on YT if you want to see them. It's the same they catch in France or Italy. Take a look I'm pretty sure you will like the videos they are massiv 😬 f.e. "RIVER MONSTERS ON WHOPPER PLOPPER" is a good one.

[@BackroadsAngling]

@@Euer_Ernst I didn't realize you were in Europe. The catfish in the US would almost never bite a topwater lure so that's why I was curious. I have seen some videos on the Wells Catfish. I know they grow huge and are aggressive. I think if I were chasing them I would buy a real whopper plopper just to make sure I was using the top quality. I wouldn't risk it with the amazon baits in this case. They are good but I'm not sure they were designed to handle the wells catfish. At the very least you would have to change out the hooks!

[@billymitchem5256]

I like the expensive one looks better works better also

[@BackroadsAngling]

Yes I agree. Just depends on if you want to spend the money or not.

[@billymitchem5256]

Look like a great day

[@BackroadsAngling]

It was a lot of fun seeing all those topwater blowups!

[@jfishboy2955]

Those hooks seem to be holding well too.

[@BackroadsAngling]

Yes the hooks are decent.

[@peanutskustomz2466]

To me it seemed like the fish hooked up better on the cheap plopper.

[@BackroadsAngling]

It seemed like the hooks were pretty sharp and effective on the cheap plopper.

[@peanutskustomz2466]

@@BackroadsAngling 👍

[@jayhart2130]

Great video but that boat thing that your on would drive me bonkers.

[@BackroadsAngling]

Sometimes it drives me crazy too but it's really portable and nice for getting into tight places.

[@jayhart2130]

@@BackroadsAngling I get it, definitely love being portable. I would just lose my mind if my poles kept hitting paddles and falling in the water lol! But sure beats hauling a giant kayak all over creation.

[@waynedavies3185]

@@BackroadsAngling I also enjoy the use of a pontoon boat ( same as what you have). I also own a canoe, which works equally well for fishing. I'm just a couple of city blocks away from our lake, so using a home-made trailer, both are easy to launch. I like the idea of bringing the pontoon boat in-doors, during our winter months. Fits into a large suitcase for easy transporting, and dry storage in house. No chance of theft if left out-doors. I have a special number that can be seen for quite a distance, on the canoe, that comes back to my personal name, and ownership if someone steals it. Number looks like a model number, and is of brightly colored gel coat, for those that don't know that it's not put on by the company maker (might add, number is also etched in the fiberglass as well). Enjoyed watching this video, seeing it's the same way I fish. I'll watch more of your videos. I'll be out on both boats the coming summer, along with some Knock-off Whoppers from Amazon.

[@BackroadsAngling]

@@waynedavies3185 I really enjoy my little pontoon. I have a canoe just like you. I use the canoe to take my kids out fishing and exploring but I use the pontoon when it is just me and I want to launch anywhere I can. Both boats are useful tools! Thanks for watching and good luck with the ploppers!

[@jwemanuel732]

Where are u located?

[@casey9098]

You're also running the knock off on a spinning reel, which I assume is 5.2:1 and a medium/fast rod. That could account for part of the speed you have to reel and getting it to do what you want?

[@BackroadsAngling]

Yes, I wouldn't recommend using the plopper on a spinning reel. It's definitely not ideal.

[@charles.a5075]

I have caught some nice size fish off of those!!!!

[@BackroadsAngling]

Yes, these baits definitely catch.

[@westbayoutdoors123]

Bet you'd feel a lot different if you'd lost 2 or 3 lures on the day... Those $3 lures look mighty good then, especially if they catch just as many fish. The subjective "feel" may also be down to the exact size. I spent 10+ years bopping around visiting lure makers in China, and I'm no longer willing to pay a premium for a name brand.

[@BackroadsAngling]

I think I gave a pretty positive review of the cheaper lures. You make it sound like I was bashing them. I'm confused.

[@dhamm7415]

Which gx2 is that?

[@BackroadsAngling]

It's an Ugly Stick GX2 4 piece rod. I like it because I can pack it in my backpack and take it on my bike, to a hike in lake, take it to work, etc. It is very convenient that way. However, I would get the 2 piece if I didn't need it to be portable. The tip piece of the rod scares me because it is very thin and seems fragile although so far I haven't broken it.

[@vancafishing4963]

Sangat baik sekali umpan cesting whopper plopper ..salam dari madina semoga sehat selalu salam lestari kawan

[@BackroadsAngling]

terima kasih

[@Sage-vl3so]

Take off the o ring on the cheap ones and you’re good to go

[@donkingisafatbiotch]

WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT

[@shaartvader4830]

choice of reel was not a factor? I know some lures definitely run better with a baitcaster than spinning reel, and vice versa.

[@BackroadsAngling]

Yes that probably influenced the performance

[@charles.a5075]

I have caught plenty of bass off of those baits 💯

[@BackroadsAngling]

Yes, they work!

[@shindukess]

I lost my whopper plopper today 20ft up the one pine tree branch sticking out. I hate pine trees even more than before. I have half a mind to get a drone to fly a rope over the branch and yank my lure off.

[@BackroadsAngling]

It really hurts to lose a plopper. You need to find someone to climb the tree for you and get the lure!

[@shindukess]

@@BackroadsAngling it's 20 feet up and at the end of a skinny branch.

[@BackroadsAngling]

@@shindukess Oh, that's a little harder then. Maybe an apple picker will work. They are perfectly made for yanking high things out of trees.

[@shindukess]

@@BackroadsAngling I was so lucky today. Went fishing on my boat and saw it dangling after all this time. Cast a sinker a bunch of times until I finally got a good one. Spun my line around the plopper hooks and pulled it out of the tree. I was so worried it would swing back up into the branch or slingshot back up. Luckily the sun baked the old line brittle. Got my silver baby back again and almost caught a bass on it right away.

[@AlexGarcia-ew2fv]

Fish can't tell the difference. Between a $3. Lure or a $30 lure.

[@BackroadsAngling]

It depends on the baits you are comparing. If the $3 bait doesn't act the same as the $30 one the fish will probably react differently.

[@MarcosRodriguez-le7oz]

So you pay 3x more for the original plopper but get the same outcome with the $3 plopper? Amazon is the winner by far...

[@jasmijnariel]

The answer is there... you catch fish! So they work

[@BackroadsAngling]

Yes they do. Thanks for watching!

[@andywilliamson7846]

Please be very careful when landing fish between your legs. You could get hooked.

[@BackroadsAngling]

Ok I will! Thanks!

[@dmvangler326]

I hate to be that guy but that’s a perfect copy of their “bone” color.

[@BackroadsAngling]

Yes, agreed.

[@franklinhill3903]

Dude you used a spinning rod and a bait caster there is a different nice video

[@BackroadsAngling]

Agreed. I didn't plan my rod selection well for this type of challenge. Just had to do the best I could with what I had in the car.