Rivers are usually shable in all weather conditions whereas beaches may fail in calm conditions or poor surf
Several excellent brands are out there, and even some lower-priced reels have great features and will cast just about any lure a long distance
When fishing river systems, or some of our lakes in Minnesota that have current, a popper is a great topwater bass bait choice as you can let the current sweep your bait along, just as the current would move a live baitfish, and then when the popper is by a rock, or your desired target, you can start retrieving it back
Youll have some bass go completely bonkers on it, but some of the bigger fish will suck it underneath the water with very little fanfare
The best topwater lures for this kind of thrill are topwater walking baits, prop-style baits that attract trophies by spitting water