Berkley Introduces the SlapGill, a New Topwater Bait That Mimics Distressed Panfish

Panfish profile, action, and color to entice even the most pressured bass

Berkley is once again focusing on ultra-realism with the all-new SlapGill, a topwater bait designed to combine biological accuracy with an action that replicates a panfish's natural distress signals. Precisely placed weights allow the SlapGill to produce a side-to-side flop while walking before naturally rocking back to rest, creating the signature surface "slap" that inspired its name. Designed to be worked slowly around shallow cover, the SlapGill delivers an enticing presentation built to trigger aggressive strikes from bass.

 

Available in two sizes and seven high-detail, panfish-inspired colorways, the SlapGill gives anglers options to match a variety of forage with precision. Each bait is equipped with ultra-sharp Fusion19 treble hooks for reliable hookups when fish commit.

 

“The SlapGill brings realism and action together to perfectly mimic a distressed panfish,” said Nathan Ragsdale, Senior Product Manager, Freshwater Baits at Berkley. “From the lifelike profile and detailed finishes to the unique surface action, every part of this bait was designed to imitate a struggling panfish. It can be especially effective during the spawning season, whether drawing a reaction from bass guarding a bed or targeting fish positioned around concentrations of spawning panfish. That signature ‘slap’ gives anglers a presentation bass don’t see every day and another topwater option when targeting fish around shallow cover.”

 

Key Features:

• High-detail panfish finishes and lifelike design accurately replicate natural forage

• Distressed panfish imitating side-to-side flop while walking before naturally rocking back to rest

• Designed to trigger big bass while fished slowly around shallow cover

• Ultra-sharp Fusion19 treble hooks for reliable hooksets when fish commit

 

Sizes: 80 • 95

Colors: Phantom Gill • White Gill • Crappie • Female Gill • Top Gill • Chrome Shad • Midnight Hammer

MSRP: $19.99

Available: September 2026