My #1 Topwater Lure for Striped Bass

Why the Espetit Is My #1 Topwater Lure for Striped Bass Fishing in California

By Dave Horst – Castaic Lake Guide Services

I’ve been fishing for over 45 years and guiding anglers professionally for the last 15 years on some of California’s most productive fisheries, including Castaic Lake and Pyramid Lake.

Over the decades, I’ve seen countless fishing lures hit the market. Every year there’s a new “must-have” bait that everyone talks about. Most come and go. Only a handful earn a permanent place in my boat and tackle box.

The Espetit by Fishus Lures is one of those rare exceptions.

Discovering the Espetit

I was introduced to the Espetit 95mm by local anglers who consistently catch striped bass and largemouth bass on California lakes. The first color I used was the highly effective Hot Belly Glass, and it didn’t take long to understand why so many fishermen were talking about it.

From the very first cast, I was impressed by how easily the lure produced an effortless “walk-the-dog” action. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started with topwater fishing, the Espetit makes it easy to create the side-to-side movement that triggers aggressive strikes.

The results were immediate.

Striped bass, largemouth bass, and even smallmouth bass absolutely crushed it.

Why My Clients Fish the Espetit

As a full-time guide, my reputation depends on putting clients on fish. That means I can’t rely on hype or marketing claims. Every lure I use must consistently produce results.

The Espetit quickly became one of the first lures I hand to my clients when we’re targeting:

* Striped Bass
* Largemouth Bass
* Smallmouth Bass

The lure casts exceptionally well, walks effortlessly, and creates explosive surface strikes that make topwater fishing so exciting.

Most importantly, it catches fish consistently.

From Customer to Believer

After seeing what the Espetit could do on the water, I connected with Raul and the team behind Fishus Lures. Shortly afterward, I added the Espetit and other Fishus products to my guide program.

Since then, I’ve watched countless anglers experience their first memorable topwater bite using these lures.

When a lure repeatedly produces fish season after season, confidence grows quickly.

The Espetit earned that confidence.

The New Espetit Goliath 210mm

Recently, I’ve been testing the new Espetit Goliath 210mm.

My philosophy has always been simple:

“Go big or go home.”

The Goliath delivers exactly what you’d expect from a premium oversized walking bait. It casts a mile, moves a tremendous amount of water, and attracts the attention of larger predator fish looking for a substantial meal.

For anglers targeting trophy striped bass, the Goliath deserves a spot in the tackle box.

Final Thoughts

After more than four decades of fishing and thousands of days on the water, I don’t hand out compliments lightly.

The Espetit has proven itself as one of the most effective topwater lures I’ve used for striped bass fishing in California. It’s easy to fish, built to last, and consistently produces the kind of explosive strikes that keep anglers coming back for more.

“If a lure doesn’t catch fish, it doesn’t stay in my boat. The Espetit has earned its place.”
— Dave Horst, Castaic Lake Guide Services

If you’re fishing California lakes and looking for a reliable topwater lure for striped bass, largemouth bass, or smallmouth bass, I strongly recommend giving the Espetit a try.

Tight lines,

Dave Horst
Castaic Lake Guide Services