Is the Whopper Plopper Merely a More Expensive Version of the Tiny Torpedo?
The Whopper Plopper and the Tiny Torpedo, both topwater fishing lures, have different purposes and designs that influence their effectiveness and price points. This article will explore the similarities and differences between these two lures, highlighting their unique features and performance characteristics.
Design Differences
The Whopper Plopper is known for its unique propeller tail, which creates a distinctive sound and water disturbance. This design mimics the movement of fleeing prey, making it highly effective for attracting predatory fish. In contrast, the Tiny Torpedo features a more traditional shape with a spinning propeller at the front, which creates surface commotion and is effective in various fishing conditions.
Size and Weight Comparison
The Whopper Plopper comes in larger sizes and weights, typically suitable for longer casts and deeper water presentations. For example, it starts at 1/2 ounce and goes up to 2 3/4 ounces. On the other hand, the Tiny Torpedo is smaller and lighter, making it ideal for targeting fish in shallower waters or smaller ponds. All sizes of the Tiny Torpedo are 3/8 ounce or less.
Price and Popularity
Due to its innovative design and brand popularity, the Whopper Plopper is generally more expensive. However, the cost can vary based on market conditions and the specific size and weight of the lure. The Tiny Torpedo, with its simpler design and construction, is usually more affordable.
Performance and Usage
The Tiny Torpedo's movement through the water is less stable compared to the Whopper Plopper. The rounded face and propeller of the Tiny Torpedo produce more movement in all directions, around the central post. This instability makes it more effective when twitched and paused with the lure changing direction. However, the propeller can sometimes fail to spin if it is slightly bent out of normal position.
In contrast, the Whopper Plopper's relatively rigid propeller is usually fished with a steady retrieve that can vary in speed. While some anglers believe it could be twitched, it is not a common technique. Some anglers have switched to the Whopper Plopper after long-term use of the Tiny Torpedo, and retailers have generally held the line on prices for the Whopper Plopper. However, as the novelty has faded, prices have come down slightly in recent times.
Conclusion
While both lures are effective in their own right, the Whopper Plopper is not merely a more expensive version of the Tiny Torpedo. Rather, it offers different features and performance characteristics that cater to specific fishing scenarios. Anglers should choose the appropriate lure based on the conditions, target species, and personal preference.
Personal Experience
I have fished the Tiny Torpedo over many decades and have had very good success with it. However, the Tiny Torpedo is a smaller lure, with all three sizes weighing 3/8 ounce or less. The Whopper Plopper, starting at 1/2 ounce and going up to 2 3/4 ounces, has a more rigid propeller and is usually fished with a steady retrieve.
The movement of the propeller in the Tiny Torpedo can sometimes cause the lure not to spin properly if the propeller is slightly bent out of position. The Whopper Plopper, with its rigid propeller, is generally more suitable for a steady retrieve, although twitching could potentially be used with it.
Some anglers have reported switching from the Tiny Torpedo to the Whopper Plopper, possibly due to the increased size and potential for more aggressive strikes. Retailers have maintained relatively consistent pricing for the Whopper Plopper, but as the novelty has waned, prices have seen a slight downturn recently.