River2Sea WPL90/17 Topwater Lure Review
Our verdict
The River2Sea WPL90/17 costs $14.99 and carries a 4.7 star rating across 3,400 reviews, the highest review count of any lure in this comparison, though its 100+ bought-last-month figure is the lowest here. Built for crappie, trout and panfish rather than bass, it fills a different niche than the other lures compared.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Panfish, crappie and trout anglers who want a treble-hook topwater lure backed by the largest review base in this comparison at 3,400 ratings and a 4.7 star average, at $14.99.
Skip if
Bass anglers, since the WPL90/17 is built and listed for crappie, trout and panfish rather than bass, and budget-focused buyers, since at $14.99 it costs more than every other lure compared here except the Bass DWMI006.
- Material High Carbon Steel
- Weight 1.12 ounces
- Target Species Crappie Trout Panfish
- Technique Treble Hook
- Size 3 1/2 Inch 1/2 Oz
- Color Phantom Shad
- Priced 15% above the category median ($12.98 across 57 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.7/5
4.7 average across 3,400 owner ratings
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Popularity4.7/5
3,400 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other fishing gear and tackle we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
Panfish and crappie anglers casting to brush piles or trout working a cool creek need a smaller, lighter topwater profile than a bass angler does, and the River2Sea WPL90/17 is sized for that at 3 1/2 inches and 1/2 oz, priced at $14.99.
Built from high carbon steel and weighing 1.12 ounces, the WPL90/17 uses a treble hook setup, the same hooking style found on several of the bass lures in this comparison, but in a smaller Phantom Shad profile aimed at crappie, trout and panfish rather than bass. The high carbon steel construction is a heavier-duty material than the plastic or blend bodies used on some competing lures.
At $14.99, the WPL90/17 is the second most expensive lure in this comparison after the $29.99 Bass DWMI006, yet it holds the largest review base by far at 3,400 ratings and a 4.7 star average. Its 100+ units bought last month matches the lowest figure in this group, a smaller monthly volume than the 200 to 400-plus range seen on several bass-focused lures, consistent with a narrower panfish, crappie and trout audience.
Pros
- Largest review base in this comparison at 3,400 ratings
- 4.7 star average, tied for the highest rating among the lures compared
- High carbon steel construction for a heavier-duty build than plastic or blend bodies
- Sized specifically for crappie, trout and panfish at 3 1/2 inches and 1/2 oz
- Treble hook setup familiar to anglers coming from bass lure fishing
Cons
- At $14.99, it costs more than every lure here except the $29.99 Bass DWMI006
- 100+ bought last month is the lowest monthly figure among the lures compared
- Not listed for bass, so bass-focused anglers should look elsewhere in this comparison
- Single Phantom Shad color option with no stated pack size beyond one piece
Specifications
| Material | High Carbon Steel |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.12 ounces |
| Target Species | Crappie Trout Panfish |
| Technique | Treble Hook |
| Size | 3 1/2 Inch 1/2 Oz |
| Color | Phantom Shad |
| Pieces | 1 |
| Feature | artificial-fishing-bait |
Performance notes
The WPL90/17 is built from high carbon steel and weighs 1.12 ounces in a 3 1/2 inch, 1/2 oz size, a smaller and denser profile than the plastic or blend bass lures in this comparison, which suits the crappie, trout and panfish it targets rather than larger bass. The treble hook setup is the same hooking style used on several bass-focused lures here, so anglers already comfortable with treble hook lures can carry that experience over. The Phantom Shad color is a baitfish pattern suited to the clearer water often associated with panfish and trout. Because high carbon steel is a denser material than plastic, the lure likely casts differently than the lighter plastic-bodied lures in this set, which is worth factoring in when matching it to lighter panfish or trout tackle.
What buyers say
A 4.7 star average across 3,400 reviews, the largest review volume among the lures compared here, points to a long track record of consistent buyer satisfaction. At the same time, the 100+ units bought last month is the lowest current monthly figure in this group, well below the 200 to 400-plus range on several bass-focused lures. That combination, a large historical review base paired with modest current monthly volume, suggests the WPL90/17 built its reputation over a long run in a smaller panfish, crappie and trout niche rather than riding a recent spike in demand.
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Frequently asked questions
What species is the River2Sea WPL90/17 designed to catch?
The listed target species are crappie, trout and panfish, not bass. That makes it a niche pick within this comparison, since the other lures are built and marketed primarily around bass or, in one case, saltwater species like redfish and snook.
Why does the WPL90/17 have so many more reviews than other lures here?
At 3,400 reviews, it carries the largest review base in this comparison by a wide margin, more than the 1,954 to 2,500 range seen on the bass lures. That points to a long sales history, even though its current 100+ bought-last-month figure is the lowest in the group.
Is the River2Sea WPL90/17 a good value at $14.99?
At $14.99, it costs more than five of the six lures compared here, with only the $29.99 Bass DWMI006 priced higher. Given its narrower crappie, trout and panfish focus, it is best judged against other panfish-specific lures rather than the bass-focused options in this set.