There is nothing in fishing like a big topwater blow-up. One second the water is calm, the next second it erupts under your lure. Our 130mm Topwater Pencil Lure was built for exactly those moments: long casts, loud commotion, and a deadly side-to-side walk that triggers aggressive fish to come up and crush it.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to fish this bait with confidence:
- What makes a 130mm pencil lure special
- The right rods, reels, and line to pair with it
- How to work the lure (beginner and advanced retrieves)
- Best conditions, locations, and seasonal patterns
- Tips to increase hookup ratios and land more fish
Whether you're new to topwater or already addicted to watching fish explode on the surface, this article will help you get the most out of your 130mm Topwater Pencil Lure.
Why a 130mm Pencil Lure Belongs in Your Box
Topwater "pencil" lures are designed to be worked with a walking side-to-side action that creates a long, narrow profile on the surface. At 130mm, this lure is the perfect size for mimicking larger baitfish that draw the attention of bigger, more aggressive predators.
- Bigger profile, bigger bites: The longer body imitates mullet, herring, shad, or larger minnows that trophy fish love to eat.
- Cast a mile: The length and internal weight distribution help you bomb out long casts, cover more water, and reach fish that stay off the bank or outer edges of structure.
- Works in chop: The extra length and displacement keep the lure visible and audible even when the surface has some chop.
Key Features of Our 130mm Topwater Pencil Lure
- Length: 130mm (approx. 5.1 inches)
- Body style: Slim pencil profile for tight, controlled walking action
- Action: Topwater "walk-the-dog" side-to-side swagger
- Construction: Durable hard body with reinforced hook hangers
- Hooks: Strong treble hooks designed to pin fish that hit from below or from the side
- Hardware: Corrosion-resistant split rings and hardware for fresh or light saltwater use
- Sound profile: Internal rattles that add a distinct click or knock during the retrieve to call fish in from distance
Best Gear to Pair with the 130mm Pencil
Rod
A medium to medium-heavy rod with a moderate-fast to fast action works best.
- Length: 6'6" to 7'3" – longer rods help with casting distance and line control.
- Power: Medium or medium-heavy, depending on the size of fish and cover.
- Action: Fast or moderate-fast for responsive twitches but still enough give to keep fish pinned on trebles.
Reel
- Baitcaster: A 6.3:1 to 7.3:1 gear ratio is ideal for picking up slack quickly between twitches.
- Spinning reel: A 2500–4000 size reel with a smooth drag gives you plenty of line capacity and control.
Line
- Main line: 20–40 lb braid is a popular choice for long casts, zero stretch, and excellent feel.
- Leader: 12–20 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon leader, depending on water clarity and target species.
Tip: Monofilament floats more than fluorocarbon, which can help keep your topwater presentation riding higher and working better.
Basic "Walk-the-Dog" Retrieve (Step-by-Step)
- Make a long cast past your target area.
- Let the lure settle for a second or two.
- Point your rod tip down toward the water at about a 45-degree angle.
- Begin a steady rhythm of short twitches with your rod tip while slowly reeling in the slack.
- The lure should start walking left-right-left-right across the surface in a consistent cadence.
Advanced Retrieves to Trigger More Strikes
1. Walk–Pause–Walk
- Walk the lure 6–10 feet with a steady cadence.
- Pause for one to three seconds and let it sit still.
- Resume walking at the same or slightly slower speed.
Many strikes happen during the pause or right as you restart the walk.
2. Fast Burn and Kill
- Work the lure quickly with sharp, frequent twitches so it skitters across the surface.
- After a burst of 5–10 feet, kill it and pause briefly.
- Repeat the burst-and-stop pattern back to the boat or bank.
3. Wide Walk in Calm Water
- Use slightly longer rod sweeps and a slower cadence.
- Allow more slack between twitches so the lure can glide farther left and right.
- Keep your line semi-slack, not tight, to maximize that wide glide.
When to Throw the 130mm Topwater Pencil
Low-Light Windows
- Early morning just before and after sunrise
- Late evening leading into dusk
- Overcast or cloudy days
Warm Water and Active Fish
- For many species, late spring through early fall is prime time.
- Look for signs of life: bait flicking, surface disturbances, birds working, or fish busting on top.
Wind and Surface Chop
- In a light chop, the loud rattles and longer profile of the 130mm pencil help fish find it.
- In very calm conditions, consider a slightly more subtle walk and longer pauses.
Where to Fish the 130mm Pencil Lure
Points, Humps, and Breaks
- Cast across the point or along the edge of the break.
- Work the lure over the shallower water and just off the drop.
Grass Lines, Weed Edges, and Pads
- Target the outside edges of grass lines, isolated patches, or holes in the weeds.
- Cast past the visible cover and walk the lure along the edge or across the openings.
Dock Lines and Man-Made Structure
- Run your lure parallel to docks or along seawalls.
- Make multiple casts at slightly different angles to cover the entire zone.
Current Seams and Inlets (Inshore/Saltwater)
- Cast slightly up-current and walk the lure as it drifts across the seam.
- Focus around inlets, passes, or mouths of creeks where bait funnels through.
Color Selection Tips
- Natural baitfish patterns: Great for clear water and pressured fish.
- Bright or high-contrast colors: Ideal for low-light conditions or stained water.
- Dark backs / silhouettes: On cloudy days or at dawn and dusk, a darker back creates a stronger outline against the sky when viewed from below.
How to Increase Hookup Ratios on Topwater Blows
1. Don't Swing on the Splash
- Resist the urge to set the hook the instant you see the splash.
- Wait until you feel the weight of the fish on the line, then sweep into a firm hookset.
2. Keep a Slight Bow in Your Line
- Maintain a slight bow in the line while walking the lure.
- This small bit of slack allows the fish to inhale the bait without you ripping it out of their mouth.
3. Use the Right Rod and Drag
- Use a rod with enough tip to absorb surges and jumps.
- Set your drag so it gives a little on a hard run, without being too loose.
Fish Handling and Safety
- Use pliers: Always have a good set of long-nose pliers ready for hook removal.
- Control the fish: Keep the fish steady and avoid swinging it around where loose trebles can catch you.
- Barb choice: Crush barbs or switch to barbless hooks to make unhooking safer and faster.
Putting It All Together
The 130mm Topwater Pencil Lure gives you an incredibly fun, visual way to target aggressive fish. With the right setup and a little practice, you'll launch long casts, walk the lure with a fish-calling action, mix in pauses and speed changes, and convert more blow-ups into landed fish.
Ready to Fish It?
Our 130mm Topwater Pencil Lure is built to handle serious strikes and repeated use, with durable construction, quality hooks, and tested color patterns that flat-out catch fish.
Add it to your cart, tie it on, and the next time the water erupts under your lure, you'll be glad you had it tied on.
Tight lines and explosive topwater bites!