Lost my Pop Max! story and advice. 2024
Thane1616 reply :
So here's the situation 4 days ago I bought a Megabass Pop Max at Dicks for $20. There was almost no selection at the store and being that I just took up fishing this year I figured that was kinda the going rate for a decent popper. I fished it and wasn't impressed so I came home, got online, and learned what I really bought. Then went out, spent some time learning to walk it and caught 2 fish in 30 casts, one over 2 pounds. I was amazed and really fell in love with the lure, it walks easier than my frog!! But then being the idiot I am I threw it 30 foot up in a tree. I bought some Rebel Pop-R's to replace because they were cheap and the internet is full of "a popper is a popper" but I'm here to say they don't feel the same at all.
I need some advice should I keep going with the Pop-R's or should I suck it up and get another Pop Max?
buzzed bait reply :
i'd "suck it up" and shimmy up that tree!!
primetime reply :
Simple, Believe in the Rebel, but if you don't, buy a Strike Pro Thunder Pop....You won't be able to tell the difference, or a R2Sea Bubble popper for $7. I can't tell the difference besides hooks and color, but if you have more confidence in something, then you will always catch more fish when confident. If you tie on a lure thinking it is cheap, you will not do as well, that is pretty much in any sport, if you are not confident before a wrestling match, then you are going to lose if you start doubting yourself on the scale. Fishing is the same way, sure luck is involved, but luck is involved in anything you do in life from Sales to Fishing etc. Beginners luck is real, sometimes it is better to have belief in what you are doing, more so than the lure you are using if that makes sense.
If you are new to fishing, I would not be using $20 lures because losing lures is easy since you need to cast them into areas that hold fish. Those areas are almost always not pretty.
If you want the Rebel to walk better, google Zell Rowland and history of the Pop-r and then Zell Pop, the Rebel wins more tournament money ever year than the Megabass and any other popper combined, except for the Skitter Pop which is balsa and has a unique bluegill popping sound.
Megabass is quality, but check out Payo Lures. Same OEM, They make a nice slow rising 110 in nice colors, $7 plus $3 shipping from Korea or Europe. Payo has all the JDM lures, read reviews, you will see nobody knocks them who uses them, I purchased their Ima Skimmer clone, and it is a clone in sound, shape, size, weight, only difference is the hooks. Some colors are the same but Ima is not as expensive as it once was. They were once much more than $10. Payo Makes a lure called the Black Swan that Is awesome, check out the O.S.P Bent Minnow for $25, then the black swan, Payo is Legit, they use the right OEM and invested in own stamp, own marketing, but the reason lures like the RI Vixen looks identical to the Repo Man is because it is, Paycheck says it in the description. Great walkers, but for poppers, Check out the Strike Pro which has colors that look awesome, same with R2Sea, they have cheaper hooks imo, but that is an easy fix.
I have been fishing for 30 years and when it comes to certain lures, I can't tell the difference between a Megabass suspending jerkbait from the Boyd Ducket series, I am sure Pro Angler's can, or guys who are great with suspending jerkbaits, but I am not good enough to know the difference.
I know the Pointer and XRap are agressive, the Rogue won the Classic by KVD the same year he came out with his Jerkbait, I know he had an older one from the 70's with lead rattles, but The Rogue is perfect for cold water, less action compared to say an Xrap. I always need to understand why a lure costs more money, and then if I can rationalize it, which I can do, I buy Duo and own some High End lures, but only lures that perform a certain function that is unique. The Megabass popper with the adjustable lip is a sweet lure but for me, I feel I can make any popper pop, chug, walk, spit, with rod angle, and how I snap or pull it. Maybe I need to sand a lip down or add weight to the back, but I would say if you want a killer looking popper that won't hurt when you lose it (I know the feeling, I have lost $20-$30 lures in the first cast) check out the Duo 64, Sebile Splasher, but I would not buy a Megabass lure until you gain confidence in your casting accuracy, all kinds of stuff so you don't lose them.
However, If you have the money, and enjoy buying them because they look cool (I buy certain lures just to collect) then a Megabass is a awesome looking lure, can't deny that, I am sure it works awesome as well.
Hope that helps. Not trying to knock anything because I understand we all find value in different items and that is all that matters. I would order lures from Tackle Warehouse since they do free shipping after $50 and carry all top brands, all colors, and just a fantastic place to shop. Reviews are good to read imo.
I know people may disagree with my rant, I type fast, but I am not knocking any brand, any one who buys high end lures, If I had money, I am sure I would be placing huge orders on TW daily and own 2 packs of every color GYB makes in every bait. But buying lures is addicting, especially if you read a good magazine.
WIGuide reply :
On 8/26/2016 at 12:31 AM, buzzed bait said:i'd "suck it up" and shimmy up that tree!!
beat me to it!
Thane1616 reply :
On 8/26/2016 at 12:31 AM, buzzed bait said:i'd "suck it up" and shimmy up that tree!!
I did try just couldnt get out far enough 
bigfruits reply :
get another pop max and a pop x while you are at it.
I know you lost yours but being a top water bait you shouldn't lose very many.
it noticeably catches more fish for me than any other popper ive used. might be a mental thing but im sold.
Thane1616 reply :
On 8/26/2016 at 12:32 AM, primetime said:Let us know if you can figure out what makes them different besides color on some.
The biggest difference I noticed in my short time with the lure was 2 things.
1. I could hear the bearing in the megabass from 30+ feet away.
2. It basically walked on its own no matter the rod angle.
I think I will stick it out and maybe try the sanding method at least the rest of this season.
On 8/26/2016 at 12:42 AM, bigfruits said:get another pop max and a pop x while you are at it.
I know you lost yours but being a top water bait you shouldn't lose very many.
it noticeably catches more fish for me than any other popper ive used. might be a mental thing but im sold.
Black orochi will be mine again either this year or next! I honestly dont think its mental but Im going to fish this afternoon with my Pop-R again and see what happens. I do not give up on things just because they didnt work the first time.
primetime reply :
On 8/26/2016 at 12:42 AM, bigfruits said:get another pop max and a pop x while you are at it.
I know you lost yours but being a top water bait you shouldn't lose very many.
it noticeably catches more fish for me than any other popper ive used. might be a mental thing but im sold.
Is the Pop-X the one that has the adjustable lip and has that white skeleton color? That is the meanest looking lure I have seen. I plan on getting one for a collection before they make a new version or stop making that color.
I actually lose a decent amount of topwater lures, I would hate the added pressure of making that cast to a tree with a $20 lure on the line. I agree that Topwater lures are less likely to be lost, but in Florida we don't have too much "Open Water" Fishing, if a good Bass grabs a lure over submerged weeds, and heads down fast, you need heavy braid, and that causes issues with trebles, and sometimes in summer, braid and friction can cause issues, same with hooks and action of lures. That 5lb Bass can weigh 30lbs really fast. I guess it all depends on fishing style, and how you like to target fish etc. You said it right, the mental part is huge. It is amazing how you can be having a horrible day and see someone else catch a fish near by, and all of a sudden you start fishing with much more concentration and confidence.
Thane1616 reply :
On 8/26/2016 at 12:32 AM, primetime said:Hope that helps. Not trying to knock anything because I understand we all find value in different items and that is all that matters. I would order lures from Tackle Warehouse since they do free shipping after $50 and carry all top brands, all colors, and just a fantastic place to shop. Reviews are good to read imo.
I know people may disagree with my rant, I type fast, but I am not knocking any brand, any one who buys high end lures, If I had money, I am sure I would be placing huge orders on TW daily and own 2 packs of every color GYB makes in every bait. But buying lures is addicting, especially if you read a good magazine.
Like I said Im just looking for advice I bought it on accident basically. I am willing to listen to someone with 30 year of experience on the topic. I think I will at least stick it out the rest of the year.
primetime reply :
On 8/26/2016 at 12:45 AM, Thane1616 said:The biggest difference I noticed in my short time with the lure was 2 things.
1. I could hear the bearing in the megabass from 30+ feet away.
2. It basically walked on its own no matter the rod angle.
I agree about the one knocking sound. That makes a difference for sure. Many companies label a lure as a one knocker, silent, or multiple rattles, chambers, sliding bearings, I think Megabass uses all of the above, I know they have a nice sound, long cast bearings that shift on retrieve, but I would climb that tree, Sometimes they fall off after a storm, and you get lucky and find it in the water on the shore. Hooks may rust out, but you can get it back. It seems one knockers are really popular these days, almost all the new lures I pick up to look at have a one knocker and I think Tungsten is in many, but steel, lead, all make a different sound. I have caught fish on a rattle trap, then made casts with a one knocker after being done in the area and often you pick up a few extra fish, or bigger fish. So you make a good point about sound. Some of the lures with long cast bearings are dangerous on the first cast because they fly off the rod much further than a standard lure. Good luck getting the lure, or getting some good topwater strikes. Topwater fishing is the best, I try to do it all the time if possible.
MIbassyaker reply :
Two words, man: Roll Cast
bigfruits reply :
On 8/26/2016 at 12:53 AM, primetime said:Is the Pop-X the one that has the adjustable lip and has that white skeleton color? That is the meanest looking lure I have seen. I plan on getting one for a collection before they make a new version or stop making that color.
I have the white python one. is that the skeleton?
I did not notice an adjustable lip. i'll have to take a closer look but I think I would have noticed. its the smaller version of the pop max.
blckshirt98 reply :
Regarding that tree, bring an extendable pruning saw and saw that branch off!
Gundog reply :
On 8/26/2016 at 1:13 AM, blckshirt98 said:Regarding that tree, bring an extendable pruning saw and saw that branch off!
Chainsaw will do just nice. And you won't have to worry about getting it stuck in that tree ever again. Plus free fire wood. Win-win.
timsford reply :
The pop max is nice but the 2 lures primetime mentioned are great alternatives. Lots of poppers can be made to walk like the skitter pop, zell pop, and chug bug, and lots of baits designed to be walked have popper mouths like the gunfish, showerblows, and chug-n-spook. Just starting out I'd try some of the cheaper versions or buy some used lures til you figure out what you like and master target casting. I use a lot of roll casts and side arm casts if there are overhanging objects. Also if you have that happen quite a bit Maybee consider using stout braid so you might get your lure back
Thane1616 reply :
On 8/26/2016 at 1:38 AM, Gundog said:Chainsaw will do just nice. And you won't have to worry about getting it stuck in that tree ever again. Plus free fire wood. Win-win.
I honestly thought about getting a saw and cutting the branch off as far out as I could but this is in a public park lol
bigfruits reply :
On 8/26/2016 at 2:00 AM, Thane1616 said:I honestly thought about getting a saw and cutting the branch off as far out as I could but this is in a public park lol
sounds like a night mission 
S. Sass reply :
On 8/26/2016 at 2:00 AM, Thane1616 said:I honestly thought about getting a saw and cutting the branch off as far out as I could but this is in a public park lol
Pole saw early early in the AM they have the ones that use battery pack like cordless drills.
Thane1616 reply :
hahaha I find it hilarious people would go to the effort of cutting down branches for $20. Dont get me wrong $20 is $20 but I figured almost everyone would just say whelp shes gone for good.
Brett's_daddy reply :
Nah, that's part of the thrill...lol.
J Francho reply :
On 8/25/2016 at 11:32 PM, Thane1616 said:suck it up and get another Pop Max
That's my advice. And maybe get a limb cutter on a long extension pole.
rippin-lips reply :
I've taken a swim for a $75 swimbait. Depending on the amount of effort involved I might cut off a limb or 2 for a pop max.
J Francho reply :
Post some GPS coords, lol.
S. Sass reply :
On 8/26/2016 at 2:48 AM, Thane1616 said:hahaha I find it hilarious people would go to the effort of cutting down branches for $20. Dont get me wrong $20 is $20 but I figured almost everyone would just say whelp shes gone for good.
Well I for one don't buy $20 lures so this won't happen to me.
As for my pole saw comment I would want to cut a limb but I was teasing as much as anything.
When a $20 lure causes you a headache your fishing lures out of your pay grade. 
Otherwise go buy 10 more and forget about it.
Brett's_daddy reply :
I would get either a River2sea Bubble Walker 80 or a Strikepro Thunder Pop...both can be had on eBay for around $7 - $8. I myself just went with 2 of the Bubble Walkers after being really tempted by the Pop Max but I just can't bring myself to gamble with a $20 bait!
roadwarrior reply :
Get another PopMax. It is by far my best topwater producer.
bigfruits reply :
everybody needs a pop max or two.
not my pic, stolen from the webz
J Francho reply :
On 8/26/2016 at 2:48 AM, Thane1616 said:hahaha I find it hilarious people would go to the effort of cutting down branches for $20. Dont get me wrong $20 is $20 but I figured almost everyone would just say whelp shes gone for good.
Who said it was OUR lure we were getting. Heh!
I find good baits left behind all over the place where I fish.
rippin-lips reply :
On 8/26/2016 at 4:25 AM, bigfruits said:everybody needs a pop max or two.
not my pic, stolen from the webz
That's a buddy, Jerry's collection. He's added to it over the past couple weeks. The addiction is real.
deaknh03 reply :
On 8/26/2016 at 1:04 AM, bigfruits said:I have the white python one. is that the skeleton?
I did not notice an adjustable lip. i'll have to take a closer look but I think I would have noticed. its the smaller version of the pop max.
The xpod has the adjustable lip.
MassYak85 reply :
On 8/26/2016 at 12:31 AM, buzzed bait said:i'd "suck it up" and shimmy up that tree!!
There are few lures I own that I would go swimming for or climb onto a tree limb....if I ever get a Pop Max though it's going to be on that list.
Molay1292 reply :
It always hurts to loose an expensive bait but it does happen. My advice is you should wait until you can control your casts a little better than putting them 30 ft. into the trees to use an expensive bait, there are several good baits in a much more affordable price range.
Sorry you lost your bait.
Thane1616 reply :
On 8/26/2016 at 3:17 AM, S. Sass said:Well I for one don't buy $20 lures so this won't happen to me.
As for my pole saw comment I would want to cut a limb but I was teasing as much as anything.
When a $20 lure causes you a headache your fishing lures out of your pay grade.
I can go buy another one its not like $20 is going to bankrupt me but I was trying to see how much respect Pop-R's hold against one of these newer fancy poppers. As an update I did fished the Pop-R again today after some sanding and did catch a fish but it was a very small white bass. Im still thinking about the tree trimmer in the garage going with me for a walk in the morning haha.
Molay1292 reply :
Some other very good poppers are the Yellow Magic and Rio Rico, these are both of more a traditional design. I do like the Megabass but sometimes the traditional style out produce the newer versions.
Master Bait'r reply :
Gundog reply :
On 8/26/2016 at 2:00 AM, Thane1616 said:I honestly thought about getting a saw and cutting the branch off as far out as I could but this is in a public park lol
Listen, if the state I live in didn't have a winter where the water temp goes down to the 30's I'd have a lot more lures. The things I'll do to get my bait back include, but are not limited to.....climbing a tree, skinny dipping, greasing my self up to slip into a rocky crevice, wrestling a bear, slapping a swan, imitating a female turkey vocally, and dressing like Betty White. And I don't even own a $20 bait.
Thane1616 reply :
I am going to see what I can do in the morning with that kind of inspiration haha
MikeWright reply :
Popr from Revel has worked for me A LOT...but if you are going to use them I would change out the hooks. Brought in a 4 lber and 2 feet from my grasp the hook broke off and I lost the fish. You might have to sacrifice losing the little feather on the back but it's better than losing a fish because of a weak hook. Good luck.
Also check out the Shibuki Popper from GYM.
Gundog reply :
On 8/26/2016 at 12:19 PM, Thane1616 said:I am going to see what I can do in the morning with that kind of inspiration haha
Good luck and don't give up. You'll get that lure back.
Big-Bass reply :
Iovino Splash-It is a pretty nice popper. I haven't used a Pop Max but heard they are nice. All depends on what you want to do.
snake95 reply :
The suggestion to work on your casting is a good one.
A friend who is serious about tournament fishing gave me what I thought at first was sort of condescending and obvious advice: every cast you have to stop, think about your cast, then make the cast. If you don't want to lose a lure, be especially careful and weigh the risk. It seemed abundantly obvious to me when I first got back into fishing about two years ago. Then after losing a few favorites I started to realize I really needed to take that advice to heart and practice it: think strategically and consciously ever single cast. Your fishing gets a lot better too because you land more casts on target instead of spooking fish.
Well, that, and I usually take my wife's van and load it up with her extendable tree pruner and an extendable lure retriever every trip I can.
Wind Knot reply :
We all know too well that instant disappointment when you feel a lure get snagged on something. I've waded into a scummy pond to retrieve a $5 squarebill that hooked a submerged log... not worth it. Turns out that pond has snapping turtles.
On 8/26/2016 at 4:25 AM, bigfruits said:everybody needs a pop max or two.
not my pic, stolen from the webz
I cried inside a little upon seeing that
bigfruits reply :
im worried about Thane1616. he hasn't reported back after climbing the tree. i hope he didn't get locked up. or attacked by an eagle.
Thane1616 reply :
I tried but basically would have had to cut the tree down to get it. The branch hung over the river bed which is about bone dry right now making it even higher. I ended up just buying another Megabass Pop Max in Black Orochi this afternoon. This was an expensive way to learn to slow down my casting and think about everything including THE WIND.
timsford reply :
Try the Zell pop if you like the pop r. It's basically a Zell Rowland tuned pop r with better colors. They were made by caliber and are discontinued, but can still be found. Some other poppers I like and that are a little more affordable are made by duo, lucky craft, and yo zuri. They aren't the same as the pop max but if you want to try a regular popper these are all good ones.
CybrSlydr reply :
.
S. Sass reply :
On 8/27/2016 at 4:47 AM, CybrSlydr said:That's kind of a crappy sentiment.
Kind a crappy to not see the smiley waving the sign with LOL on it as in I'm kidding. Duh
But hey if that is all you could comment on in this entire thread I can see how you missed the joking 
CybrSlydr reply :
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Bluebasser86 reply :
Get a telescoping lure retriever. I have one and get all kinds of baits that guys like yourself leave in trees, including at least one Megabass and over a dozen Lucky Craft. They run about $40, but I've pulled well over $100 worth of baits out of the trees in a single trip with it (other peoples baits, not my own), so it's paid for itself many times over.
S. Sass reply :
On 8/27/2016 at 5:16 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Get a telescoping lure retriever. I have one and get all kinds of baits that guys like yourself leave in trees, including at least one Megabass and over a dozen Lucky Craft. They run about $40, but I've pulled well over $100 worth of baits out of the trees in a single trip with it (other peoples baits, not my own), so it's paid for itself many times over.
Good idea.
http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Telescopic-Lure-Retriever/product/37104/?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensions
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/27/2016 at 8:01 PM, S. Sass said:Good idea.
http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Telescopic-Lure-Retriever/product/37104/?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensions
That's the exact one I have in the 18' version. When it gets really cold, I'll go lure hunting, just cruising the shorelines looking in the trees and along the shoreline. My best day ever was actually while I was fishing early in the season at Table Rock. I found a Megabass Vision 110 Magnum, a LC 100 pointer, 2 LC 100DD pointers, a LC 78 DD pointer, a pre-rap wart, 2 War Eagle spinnerbaits, a SK KVD spinnerbait, and a few less expensive baits. I actually caught most of my fish that weekend on the MB until the bill fell off.
Jaderose reply :
I used to be upset when I lost lures until I figured out it was affecting my fishing. I would shy away from throwing into areas that I knew had fish in it. Now I just figure it to be the cost of doing business. On my home lake you can go out into this one particular little stump field that is covered in muck and see my frogs decorating a bunch of stumps. Like some kinda crazy art installation. I have no way of getting them back until winter. I buy plenty, tie on another one and keep on fishing. If you can't afford to do that, this is the wrong hobby for you.
CybrSlydr reply :
On 8/27/2016 at 8:09 PM, Bluebasser86 said:That's the exact one I have in the 18' version. When it gets really cold, I'll go lure hunting, just cruising the shorelines looking in the trees and along the shoreline. My best day ever was actually while I was fishing early in the season at Table Rock. I found a Megabass Vision 110 Magnum, a LC 100 pointer, 2 LC 100DD pointers, a LC 78 DD pointer, a pre-rap wart, 2 War Eagle spinnerbaits, a SK KVD spinnerbait, and a few less expensive baits. I actually caught most of my fish that weekend on the MB until the bill fell off.
How do you use those lure stick... things? I've never heard of them and assumed they'd have some sort of grabber on the end - but how's the corkscrew thing work?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/28/2016 at 12:06 AM, CybrSlydr said:How do you use those lure stick... things? I've never heard of them and assumed they'd have some sort of grabber on the end - but how's the corkscrew thing work?
Your line goes in the center of the corkscrew and you followthe line down to the bait when it's under water. When it's a bait in the trees I just tangle the hooks in the corkscrew and pull. If I can't get the hooks I start swinging and hope the branch isn't too strong.
Gundog reply :
On 8/27/2016 at 4:47 AM, CybrSlydr said:.
Agreed.
On 8/27/2016 at 5:46 AM, CybrSlydr said:.
You should be banned for that comment. That is totally uncalled for and does not add anything constructive to the conversation. Where is a Mod when you need them? Think about the children for pete's sake. 
Thane1616 reply :
On 8/27/2016 at 8:27 PM, Jaderose said:I buy plenty, tie on another one and keep on fishing. If you can't afford to do that, this is the wrong hobby for you.
I already bought another and trust me I know its just part of the "fun". As long as I keep my rod and reel out of the water Im happy at the end of the day lol
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