A fishing popper is a fishing lure designed to create a popping or splashing sound on the water’s surface.
It is used in freshwater and saltwater fishing for species like bass, pike, trout, redfish, and snook.
The lure has a buoyant body made of plastic or wood, shaped like a fish or insect, with a concave face on the front.
When retrieved, the concave face catches water, creating a disturbance that imitates wounded prey and attracts predatory fish.
Poppers are used in calm or slightly choppy waters near structures like weeds or fallen trees.
Anglers cast the Popper, let it settle, and then impart action through rod twitches and reeling techniques.
Pausing periodically during the retrieve allows fish to strike. Poppers come in different sizes, colors, and designs, and selection depends on the target species and fishing conditions.
Topwater Popper
Topwater poppers are fishing lures designed to imitate the behavior of a wounded or struggling baitfish on the water’s surface.
They are particularly effective for targeting predatory fish species, such as bass, pike, muskie, and saltwater game fish.
The design of a topwater popper typically includes a cup-shaped or concave face on the front, which creates a loud popping or splashing sound when the lure is jerked or twitched.
This action, combined with the visual stimulus of a struggling baitfish, triggers aggressive strikes from nearby fish.
Poppers are typically made of hard plastic or wood and feature treble hooks attached to the underside.
They come in various sizes, colors, and designs to mimic different types of baitfish and attract different fish species.
Some poppers have added features like rattles or internal weights to enhance their action and appeal.
To fish with a topwater popper, anglers typically cast the lure near structure or cover, such as submerged logs, weed beds, or overhanging vegetation.
Once the lure lands, it is retrieved with twitches or pops, causing the Popper to splash and create a commotion on the surface.
This action imitates a wounded fish struggling to swim, enticing nearby fish to strike.
Best Fishing poppers
There are several popular fishing poppers available on the market, and the best choice may vary depending on the specific fishing situation and target species.
Here are some highly regarded topwater fishing poppers that are commonly recommended by anglers:
Heddon Super Spook
The Heddon Super Spook is a topwater popper known for its loud rattling sound and excellent casting ability. It is effective for targeting species like bass, pike, and muskie.
Rebel Pop-R
The Rebel Pop-R is a classic popper lure that anglers have trusted for many years.
It produces a realistic popping sound and is effective for many species, including bass, trout, and panfish.
Yo-Zuri 3D Popper
The Yo-Zuri 3D Popper is popular for saltwater fishing. It features a realistic 3D prism finish and creates a loud popping sound. It is effective for species like redfish, snook, and tarpon.
Rapala Skitter Pop
The Rapala Skitter Pop is a versatile popper lure used in fresh and saltwater. It has a unique cupped face design and produces a strong popping sound.
It is effective for species like bass, pike, and redfish.
River2Sea Bubble Popper
The River2Sea Bubble Popper is known for its large popping mouth and exceptional surface disturbance. It is effective for species like bass, pike, and muskie.
Jackall Pompadour
The Jackall Pompadour is a unique topwater popper with a propeller on the front and rear, creating a buzzing sound and surface disturbance that attracts fish.
It is particularly effective for bass fishing. These are just a few examples of popper lures that have proven effective.
Remember that the best choice may vary depending on your fishing location, target species, and preference.
It’s always a good idea to have a variety of poppers in different sizes, colors, and actions to adapt to changing conditions on the water.
These are the best popper lures for bass.
How to use a popper
Using a popper effectively involves a specific technique to entice fish to strike. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a popper:
Choose the right equipment: Select a fishing rod and reel combination that matches the size and weight of your Popper.
A medium to medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod with a fast or moderate-fast action is generally suitable for most popper sizes.
Select the appropriate Popper: Choose a popper that matches the size and color of the baitfish or prey the target fish species typically feed on.
Consider the water conditions and the behavior of the fish you are targeting.
Determine your target area: Look for areas with structure or cover where fish are likely to be present, such as submerged logs, weed beds, rocky points, or overhanging vegetation.
These areas provide ambush points for predatory fish.
Cast accurately: Make a precise cast near the desired target area. Land the Popper close to the structure or cover, allowing it to cover as much water as possible.
Allow the Popper to settle: Once it hits the water, let it settle for a few seconds to create a natural appearance.
This imitates a baitfish that has been stunned or is momentarily motionless.
Retrieve with pops and pauses: Start your retrieve using short, sharp rod tip twitches.
This will cause the Popper to pop or splash, creating a commotion on the water’s surface.
The pops imitate a struggling or injured fish. Vary the intensity and frequency of the pops to find the most effective pattern.
Pause and watch for strikes: After each series of pops, pause for a few seconds and closely observe the Popper.
Many strikes occur during the pause when the fish think the injured prey is an easy target. Be prepared for aggressive strikes and be ready to set the hook.
Experiment with retrieve speed and cadence: If you’re not getting any strikes, try adjusting the speed and cadence of your retrieve.
On some days, fish may prefer a slow and steady retrieve, while on other days, a faster and more erratic retrieve might trigger strikes.
Repeat and cover different areas: If you don’t get any bites in one area, move to another spot and repeat the process.
Keep exploring different areas and adjusting your technique until you find success.
Remember to consider the fish’s reaction and adapt your approach accordingly.
Topwater fishing with a popper can be exciting, and it often requires experimentation to find the best technique for the day and the specific fish species you are targeting.
Fishing lure popper
A fishing lure popper, also known as a popper lures or simply a popper, is a specific type of fishing lure designed to imitate the behavior of injured or struggling baitfish on the water’s surface.
Anglers widely use poppers to target various predatory fish species in fresh and saltwater environments.
Here are some key characteristics and features of fishing lure poppers:
Shape and Design: Poppers typically have a concave or cupped face on the front, which creates a popping or splashing sound when the lure is retrieved.
The face is designed to displace water and create a commotion on the surface, attracting the attention of nearby fish.
Body Construction: Poppers are commonly made of durable materials such as hard plastic or wood.
Some lures may incorporate additional features like internal rattles or weight systems to enhance their action and appeal.
Hooks: Poppers usually have treble hooks attached to the underside of the lure. These hooks provide a better chance of hooking the fish when it strikes the lure.
It’s important to ensure the hooks are sharp and in good condition before each fishing outing.
Size and Color: Poppers come in various sizes and colors to imitate different types of baitfish or match the preferences of the target species.
Smaller poppers are generally used for freshwater fishing, while larger ones are more commonly used in saltwater environments.
Retrieve Technique: Anglers employ a specific retrieve technique to use a popper lure effectively.
The popping action creates sound and surface disturbance, simulating a distressed or injured baitfish.
Pauses between pops allow the lure to imitate a vulnerable prey item, often triggering predatory fish to strike.
Target Species: Poppers effectively target many fish species, including bass, pike, muskie, trout, snook, redfish, tarpon, and more.
Different species may respond to different sizes, colors, and retrieval techniques, so you must consider the specific fish you target.
Experimentation with retrieval techniques and attention to the fish’s behavior will help determine the most effective approach on any given day.
How to rig a popper lure
To rig a popper lure, follow these steps:
- Select the appropriate size and style of Popper lure for your target species and fishing conditions.
- Tie your main fishing line (monofilament or braided) to the eyelet of a swivel using a strong knot like an improved clinch knot or a Palomar knot.
- Attach a leader to the other end of the swivel using a suitable knot, such as a uni knot or a surgeon’s knot.
- The leader should be made of a strong, abrasion-resistant material, such as fluorocarbon or monofilament.
- Tie the leader to the popper lure’s split ring or directly to the lure’s hook using a secure knot like a loop or snell knot.
- A loop knot allows the Popper to move more freely and enhance its action.
- Ensure that the Popper is securely attached to the leader, and check that all knots are properly tied and tightened.
- Optionally, you can add a small or snap swivel between the leader and the Popper to prevent line twists during retrieval.
- Inspect the rig for any tangles or twists before casting.
- Once rigged, cast the Popper to lure it to the desired location, retrieve it with jerks, twitches, or pops, and be ready for aggressive strikes from fish attracted to the surface disturbance.
Remember to adjust your rigging setup based on the specific requirements of your fishing situation, such as the target species, water conditions, and personal preference.
Fly fishing popper
A fly fishing popper is a specific type of artificial fly used in fly fishing designed to imitate the behavior of insects or baitfish that create a popping or splashing sound on the water’s surface.
Poppers are primarily used in freshwater fly fishing to target species such as bass, panfish, and trout, although they can also be effective for certain saltwater species.
How to use a fly fishing popper, follow these steps:
- Choose the right fly fishing gear for the target species and fishing conditions.
- Select a popper fly that matches the size and color of the natural prey.
- Cast accurately near target areas.
- Allow the Popper to settle on the water’s surface.
- Retrieve the Popper with short strips, creating popping or splashing sounds.
- Pause occasionally and watch for strikes.
- Adjust retrieve speed and cadence if necessary.
Remember to experiment with different retrieves and observe fish behavior to find the most effective technique for the day and target species.
Surf fishing popper
A surf fishing popper is a specific type of fishing lure designed for surf fishing, which involves casting from the shoreline into the ocean.
Surf fishing poppers are designed to imitate baitfish or other prey items on the water’s surface, attracting predatory fish that inhabit the surf zone.
How to use a surf fishing popper, follow these steps:
- Choose the right surf fishing gear, including a long surf rod, a sturdy reel, and an appropriate fishing line.
- Select a surf fishing popper that matches the size and color of the baitfish or prey in the area.
- Cast the Popper beyond the surf zone using a powerful overhead or sidearm casting motion.
- Allow the Popper to settle on the water’s surface, imitating a vulnerable or injured baitfish.
- Retrieve the Popper with steady retrieves, occasional pauses, and twitches to create splashes and commotion.
- Vary the retrieve speed and cadence to find the most effective presentation for the target species.
- Pay attention to any signs of fish activity, such as boils, splashes, or fish following the Popper.
- Be prepared for aggressive strikes and set the hook firmly when a fish takes the Popper.
Adjust your technique based on the conditions, target species, and the fish’s response.
Surf fishing poppers can effectively attract predatory fish in the surf zone.
How to make a fishing Popper
Making a fishing popper can be a rewarding and creative project. Here is a basic guide on how to make a fishing popper:
Materials needed:
- Popper body material: Cork, balsa wood, foam, or any other buoyant material that can be shaped into a popper body.
- Popper hooks: Choose the appropriate size and style for your target species and fishing conditions.
- Adhesive: Epoxy, super glue, or a strong adhesive that bonds well with the popper body material.
- Paint: Acrylic or enamel paints in desired colors for decorating the Popper.
- Clear coat: A clear, waterproof coating protects the paint and provides a glossy finish.
Steps:
Shape the popper body: Using the chosen popper body material, shape it into the desired popper shape.
This can be done by cutting, sanding, or carving the material to the desired size and shape.
Ensure the popper body is lightweight and buoyant enough to float on the water’s surface.
Attach the popper hooks: Securely attach the popper hooks to the popper body.
This can be done by drilling small holes or using a strong adhesive to bond the hooks to the body.
Paint the Popper: Use acrylic or enamel paints to decorate the Popper with colors and patterns that mimic natural baitfish or attract the attention of the target species.
Experiment with different color combinations to make the Popper visually appealing.
Apply a clear coat: For a glossy finish, apply a clear coat after the paint is dry to protect the paint.
Epoxy or a clear waterproof sealant can be used for this purpose. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
Let it dry: Allow the Popper to dry completely before using it. This ensures that the adhesive, paint, and clear coat are fully cured and durable.
Remember, making a fishing popper allows for customization and personalization, so feel free to experiment with different materials, shapes, and designs to create a popper that suits your fishing preferences.
Conclusion
A fishing popper, also known as a popper lure or topwater Popper, is a type of fishing bait or lure specifically designed to create a popping or splashing sound on the water’s surface.
It is commonly used in freshwater and saltwater fishing for various game fish species, including bass, pike, muskie, trout, redfish, and snook.
The design of a fishing popper typically features a buoyant body made of hard plastic or wood, shaped like a small fish or insect, with a concave or cupped face on the front.
When the Popper is retrieved by reeling in or twitching with the fishing rod, the concave face catches the water and creates a disturbance, producing a popping sound and a splash.
This action imitates wounded or struggling prey, attracting the attention of predatory fish.
Fishing poppers are usually used in calm or slightly choppy water conditions, where the surface disturbance created by the lure is more visible and appealing to fish.
Anglers often target areas near structures such as weed beds, lily pads, fallen trees, or rocky outcrops, as these locations are often prime habitats for fish.
To fish with a popper, anglers typically cast the lure near the desired target area and let it settle for a moment.
This causes the Popper to create a popping sound and splashes, attracting fish to strike. It’s important to pause periodically during the retrieve to allow the fish time to strike the lure.
When a fish strikes, anglers should wait a moment before setting the hook to ensure a solid connection.
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FAQs
What does a popper do in fishing?
A popper in fishing is a lure that creates noise, splashes, and commotion on the water’s surface.
It imitates injured or struggling baitfish, attracting predatory fish from below.
The popping or splashing action of a popper lure triggers aggressive strikes from fish, making it an exciting and effective fishing technique.
What is Popper baiting?
Popper baiting refers to using a popper lure, which is a specific type of fishing lure, to attract and entice fish.
The popper lure is designed to create noise, splashes, and commotion on the water’s surface, imitating injured or struggling baitfish.
This technique aims to trigger aggressive strikes from predatory fish species that feed near the surface.
What fish like popper lures?
Many predatory fish species are attracted to popper lures. Some of the fish that commonly respond well to poppers include bass (both largemouth and smallmouth), pike, muskie, trout, snook, redfish, tarpon, and various saltwater game fish.
Different fish species may show varying interest levels in poppers, so it’s essential to consider the specific target species and fishing conditions when selecting a popper lure.