I had a couple of spooks that I finally was able to use and I fell in love with the action; first time I ever used the walk-the-dog technique.

My question is with all the available options, which work? BPS topwater XPS series (low-end cost)

Spooks (mid-range cost)

Sammy (high-end cost)

Any others that get the nod? I'm sticking to the lower cost items for certain, but just curious on reviews.

They all are capable of catching fish. The Spooks have been around forever, they gotta be doing something right. You're just going to have to experiment.

I personally don't obsess over paint jobs on topwater baits. The fish can't see it, although I like a white bottom because it looks like a belly.

Rapala skitter walk. I've had better luck on it than the Zara spooks. Never tried the BPS or Lucky Craft stickbaits, or the XRap walk.

Hard to beat a Spook if you're looking for a traditional walking lure.  They've been around for a long time and have produced lots of good quality fish.  I personally like the Spook Jr's more than the larger size.  Fairly inexpensive, so you don't get overly concerned about losing one.  Like Bilgerat mentioned, I don't worry that much about the paint on them either.  I've got a couple in lighter shades and a couple in darker shades.  You just want one that will show up in the proper light conditions.  To me, the action is far more important than the color.

I tried the Sammy but like the Spook much better.  The Spook has produced MANY fish for me.

I'm sure the spook and the sammy both produce nicely, I just haven't used them. I mostly use either a topwater frog, a buzzbait, or the ole tried and true Jitterbug

Having fished the Spooks, the LC Sammy's and finally the Xcalibur Jimmy's for a couple of seasons now I've put more money into the Jimmy's. Quality & numbers they fished right beside the Sammy's and were about $5 less. Must admit tho thy don't last long if you bounce them off boathouses. Course the others don't either 

Nick O

"Gee that broke easy"

i love me some spooks. both the jr's and regular sizes. theyre pretty easy to walk and they catch fish.  they also have plenty of color choices to get caught up on , but i always go for a color that looks like something from that water.

I love the spooks. Another topwater you might consider is a 6" Lunker Punker, they also come in a 9" size, these flat out catch fish. Even stripers will explode on them. 

I fish extremely clear water in Northern Arkansas - the clear spook jr has been my go to top water bait.  Everything attacks it.

Hard to beat a Spook if you're looking for a traditional walking lure. They've been around for a long time and have produced lots of good quality fish. I personally like the Spook Jr's more than the larger size. Fairly inexpensive, so you don't get overly concerned about losing one. Like Bilgerat mentioned, I don't worry that much about the paint on them either. I've got a couple in lighter shades and a couple in darker shades. You just want one that will show up in the proper light conditions. To me, the action is far more important than the color.

X2. Spook Jr is my first choice. Buzzbait second.

change out the hooks on spooks or you will be sorry.

There are several topwater baits you should have:

Spook, Sammy, Chug Bug, Pop-R, Cavitron Buzzbait, Rage Tail

Shad, Devil Horse and Jitterbug to name a few. Last weekend

I had two killer hours Saturday morning throwing the Megabass

PopMax.

p.s. For numbers, the Zara Puppy is King!

8-)

Thanks for the advice everyone.

What's wrong with the hooks on the spooks?

I think one that's overlooked is the Lucky Craft Gunfish. You can fish it like a popper or walker and it can also jump out of the water. I would argue it's the most versatile as it's very capable of being fished in a very subtle manner but also excels when a fast erratic presentation is needed.

If you can track down a Reaction Innovations Vixen definetely pick one though I understand they are discontinued.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

What's wrong with the hooks on the spooks?

JUNK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I always cut the hooks off my spooks.  Then use a #3 split ring to attach a KVD Mustad treble.   They are much better hooks and the split ring helps with hook-ups and keeping the fish "on" too. 

Ok, I'll have to look into this.