Poppers 2024
Todd2 reply :
I've never been much of top water guy, especially poppers. I've had two forever that never saw the light of day. Recently, I redid my tackle by putting pretty much everything I own in one very big box. So it's got me trying "new things" because I can see everything.
The two poppers I have, or had..lost one last night bank fishing, were the Pop-R and a Norman Top Dollar. Normally, I fish from my boat so I don't expect to lose a lot of these but I want to buy a couple more.
Any reason not to just go back with the Pop-R? My only complaint is that it seems to be a panfish magnet. Are there some better poppers? Also, any tips on working it. I remember the old timers saying to pop it, let all the rings settle before popping again, that's pretty much what I've been doing but want to play around with different retrieves. I read somewhere that burning a popper works sometimes. What have you had succes on?
LL Westside reply :
Love me a Pop-R! Experiment, let the fish tell you what they want. First off I always let the rings disappear before moving the bait, because that is what Homer Circle told me long ago. Hard pop followed by a couple easy pops, walking the dog, one pop wait, so many ways to work it. Letting the bait pause next to a piece of cover till ol bass can't stand it anymore and the explosion will get my heart pumping every time. Great summertime tool.
Big Rick reply :
There is such a wide range of poppers on the market with many able to do dual things. And a huge factor is the sound chamber. If your fish have seen many poppers then you need to do something a little different.
The Pop-R is a great plug. However, they are so widely used that fish may ignore them at times. And, contrary to some opinions, color REALLY matters on these because that action draws the attention but the color often determines whether the fish just swipes at the bait or inhales it. Again, the top color doesn't matter much on Pop-R's because they don't roll side to side very well. The BOTTOM color makes all the difference, however. You should have white, orange, and chartreuse BOTTOM colors. If the fish are hitting one and you're not hooking up then swap colors. You'll be surprised at the difference it makes.
Also, some poppers pop, some spit, and some chug... You have to experiment. I've found the spitting ones work more consistently for me. My biggest fish come off the ones that'll spit the water forward yet not chug the water and slightly submerge.
The biggest thing with poppers is the sound chamber. And that's where the money comes in. There are quite a few poppers in the $15-$20 range that have very unique sounds that fish aren't much exposed to because anglers won't spend the money. Some of the best are Rico's, Evergreen OB poppers, both MegaBass versions, and Don Iovino's Splash-It. These are well worth their money. The Rico's don't "walk" too well, but they flat out catch fish with a 3 jerk and pause retrieve.
One more thing.... Poppers that will walk. These dual action baits will change your life. My favorite is the Evergreen Shower Blows in the 105 size. This thing is amazing. And it is so easy to work. Just remember, you need a moderate action, parabolic rod and mono line to effectively work these baits. The hooks aren't the strongest because big strong hooks will kill the action and defeat the purpose of a $20 bait. You can get better hooks, just don't upsize them.
If panfish are giving you fits the upsize your bait. I use the larger size in the Rico's and Splash It's. However, the Shower Blows 105 is perfect already and it's the smallest version.
Hope this helps.
scaleface reply :
I'm in the minority here but I prefer a A 5'6" to 6" med hvy pistol grip rod for poppers and walking baits .They are much easier to impart the desired action than long rods . If you have one of those try it . I use those original Lightning rods . The poppers i use are Pop R's , a big fat vintage Pop R , vintage Pico Pop and Chug Bug .
Dens228 reply :
I just started using poppers the last few weeks too. I was having good success. The only problem I had a few outings ago a few egrets flew over as I was using it and then they started diving on the popper to the point I had to keep quickly pulling it away from them. LOL
Mobasser reply :
On 9/3/2018 at 11:04 PM, scaleface said:I'm in the minority here but I prefer a A 5'6" to 6" med hvy pistol grip rod for poppers and walking baits .They are much easier to impart the desired action than long rods . If you have one of those try it . I use those original Lightning rods . The poppers i use are Pop R's , a big fat vintage Pop R , vintage Pico Pop and Chug Bug .
My favorite rod for poppers and walking baits is a 6 ft pistol grip too. I like the storm chug bug- both sizes. When I want to walk a bait I use a Zara Spook. Do a search on Ozark basser Charlie Cambell. One of the best at topwaters fishing.I also use a pop r, and the river 2 sea popper from Academy.But, the Storm Chug Bug has been my favorite for years
Big Rick reply :
Medium-heavy will work well as long as the ACTION isn't a fast taper. Moderate action is necessary to keep from snatching the bait from the fish, I've found.. A MH with a fast action will not allow the rod to flex enough while fighting a bigger fish and they'll pull off the smaller, lighter hooks necessary to these baits.
As far as the Chug Bug goes.....well, I wasn't intending on divulging ALL my secrets!!!
Eric J reply :
Lunkerhunt popper is my go to topwater. It blue top and soft white under.
Has a great rattle and produces nicely for me. Generally the topwater bite in my locals is either on, and I mean on! Or non existent.
I do better when rigged on a spinner with mono than on my caster with braid...
moguy1973 reply :
I've been using a Storm Arashi Cover Pop this year with good results. It casts great and it has a popping/walking action that keeps it in the strike zone longer.
A-Jay reply :
I am a a stout believer in the Megabass Pop Max ~
The perch pattern in particular which has accounted for quite a few 5 lb plus smallies for me.
I don't leave home with one (or three)
A-Jay
Todd2 reply :
So many poppers, so liittle time....and money, lol. I'm going to check some of these out tonight when I get home. Thanks....
soflabasser reply :
Reading these threads make it hard to not give in to the topwater bait monkey. lol
A-Jay reply :
On 9/4/2018 at 2:49 AM, Todd2 said:So many poppers, so liittle time....and money, lol. I'm going to check some of these out tonight when I get home. Thanks....
On 9/4/2018 at 2:53 AM, soflabasser said:Reading these threads make it hard to not give in to the topwater bait monkey. lol
Well then this probably isn't going to help any . . .
A recent solid Pop Max bass . . .
A-Jay
flyfisher reply :
Megabass PopMax and PopX have been my go to topwater poppers for the past two years and i haven't seen any reason to change that. They seem to consistently produce for me in many different conditions.
NHBull reply :
The beauty of the pop max is that you can fish it so many ways I don't use to many one trick pony's
soflabasser reply :
Thank you @A-Jay and others that suggested the Megabass Pop Max, I will consider getting it. Plan on going up north later this year for more smallies and muskies. It looks like it would be a good peacock bass lure which is a fish I love to catch on topwaters.
Harold Scoggins reply :
On 9/4/2018 at 2:16 AM, A-Jay said:I am a a stout believer in the Megabass Pop Max ~
The perch pattern in particular which has accounted for quite a few 5 lb plus smallies for me.
I don't leave home with one (or three)
A-Jay
Listen to A-Jay. (top water box doesn't look this clean end of season)
Bankbeater reply :
I like a 6'6" med. fast spinning rod when I use a pop-r. I have had really good luck this year fishing them around exposed vegetation.
J.Vincent reply :
I rarely throw a popper (and probably should) but when I do it’s either a Storm chug bug or a BPS Knock off. I have more confidence with longer style poppers because I can pop them or walk them . I also like the Zman plastic popper frog in cover...it’s exceptional
NYWayfarer reply :
On 9/3/2018 at 9:45 PM, Todd2 said:
Any reason not to just go back with the Pop-R? My only complaint is that it seems to be a panfish magnet.
Ahhhh the curse of the popper. Panfish love that feather covered rear treble for sure. I have tried the rebel, lunkerhunt and Rapala Skitter Pop and the results are the same. Sunfish hit that rear treble. Saved me from the Popper skunk many a time.
Dom Hendricks reply :
I almost always have a chug bug or Zara spook tied on. Every once in a while I’ll throw a jitterbug.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Save yourself some money and get a River2Sea Bubble Walker 80 instead of the Megabass Popmax. I have both and can't tell the difference except I'm not nearly as worried about losing the Bubble Walker.
Topwaterdude reply :
Rebel pop r, 7ft med action spinning rod,10lb braid and hold on !!!!!
flyfisher reply :
On 9/4/2018 at 1:53 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Save yourself some money and get a River2Sea Bubble Walker 80 instead of the Megabass Popmax. I have both and can't tell the difference except I'm not nearly as worried about losing the Bubble Walker.
you ever throw the bigger one?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/5/2018 at 10:17 AM, flyfisher said:you ever throw the bigger one?
Yes, it's huge and I couldn't get it to work like I wanted it to. IMO, if you want a large profile popping bait, I'd go with a pencil popper style bait.
TBAG reply :
I just got a new topwater rod, and going to throw some poppers and 90 Whopper Ploppers with it. St. Croix Mojo Bass 68MXF. I'd rather not use braid, so what would be better 12 or 15 pound Big Game? Or do you have another suggestion?
Also, great thread, thanks for the suggestions.
NYWayfarer reply :
On 9/4/2018 at 2:16 AM, A-Jay said:I am a a stout believer in the Megabass Pop Max ~
The perch pattern in particular which has accounted for quite a few 5 lb plus smallies for me.
I don't leave home with one (or three)
A-Jay
The frugal fisherman inside me screamed no, but my topwater Smallmouth addiction screamed yes. I picked up one of these last night in Secret Gill color. It perfectly matches the redbreast and longear sunfish that inhabit my local rivers and lakes. Can't wait to try it this weekend.
On 9/5/2018 at 8:45 PM, TBAG said:I just got a new topwater rod, and going to throw some poppers and 90 Whopper Ploppers with it. St. Croix Mojo Bass 68MXF. I'd rather not use braid, so what would be better 12 or 15 pound Big Game? Or do you have another suggestion?
Also, great thread, thanks for the suggestions.
12 pound Big Game will be fine. I have been throwing my WP 90 on 10 pound Big Game with no issues. Don't forget to retie every so often.
J Francho reply :
On 9/5/2018 at 8:46 PM, NYWayfarer said:The frugal fisherman inside me screamed no, but my topwater Smallmouth addiction screamed yes.
Congrats. Popmax has been my top producer for three seasons.
islandbass reply :
On 9/4/2018 at 5:39 AM, NYWayfarer said:
Ahhhh the curse of the popper. Panfish love that feather covered rear treble for sure. I have tried the rebel, lunkerhunt and Rapala Skitter Pop and the results are the same. Sunfish hit that rear treble. Saved me from the Popper skunk many a time.
Nice!
I second the rapala skitter pop. It has accounted for some of the bigger bass I caught and it casts surprisingly well for being a light bait. Its popping sound is also intriguing and unique.
Todd2 reply :
On 9/5/2018 at 9:04 PM, J Francho said:Congrats. Popmax has been my top producer for three seasons.
Interesting... I ended up grabbing some cheaper H20 Xpress Poppers that look pretty good but the selection on Poppers at Academy wasn't great.
These is probably no way to answer this but I wonder what makes the Popmax that much better. Can the fish even see anything other than the bottom? Maybe the bubbles from the gill openings?
BassWhole! reply :
On 9/5/2018 at 8:46 PM, NYWayfarer said:The frugal fisherman inside me screamed no, but my topwater Smallmouth addiction screamed yes. I picked up one of these last night in Secret Gill color. It perfectly matches the redbreast and longear sunfish that inhabit my local rivers and lakes. Can't wait to try it this weekend.
12 pound Big Game will be fine. I have been throwing my WP 90 on 10 pound Big Game with no issues. Don't forget to retie every so often.
12 BG will be fine, but I'd give the nod to 15 for a WP (were I ever to throw one) 
NorthE97 reply :
On 9/5/2018 at 9:04 PM, J Francho said:Congrats. Popmax has been my top producer for three seasons.
Have you used the Pop X with any success?
J Francho reply :
On 9/6/2018 at 1:37 AM, NorthE97 said:Have you used the Pop X with any success?
I wouldn't really ever throw any popper that small, so no chance of success. 
NYWayfarer reply :
I couldn't wait till the weekend. After dinner last night it was still blazing hot out so I took a quick trip to the river. Cast the Popmax a few times in 2 different areas no bites. Moved to the third spot and on the second cast, first pop got this decent Smallmouth.
I can see why @A-Jay ,@J Francho and other recommend this lure. It is very versatile. You can pop it or you can walk the dog with it. I noticed it has a unique rolling action when walking the dog. The fact that I got a Smallmouth with it in this area instead of a Sunfish is very promising.
J Francho reply :
Gotta love it!
Todd2 reply :
Will you guys stop, everytime you mention this thing my bait monkey wakes up? He's close to winning this time, who am I kidding, he always wins. ????
bait__Monkey reply :
u by dem plop-maxers
u by dem now cuz i sed s0
flyfisher reply :
On 9/5/2018 at 1:10 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Yes, it's huge and I couldn't get it to work like I wanted it to. IMO, if you want a large profile popping bait, I'd go with a pencil popper style bait.
I ordered a couple of the smaller ones that should be here tomorrow and hopefully if i can get out in between rain showers i can chuck it this weekend
On 9/6/2018 at 1:37 AM, NorthE97 said:Have you used the Pop X with any success?
I have, and caught some good sized smallies and largemouth on it. Sometimes the smaller baits produce better for me for some reason. I don't argue with success
ChrisD46 reply :
On 9/4/2018 at 3:56 AM, soflabasser said:Thank you @A-Jay and others that suggested the Megabass Pop Max, I will consider getting it. Plan on going up north later this year for more smallies and muskies. It looks like it would be a good peacock bass lure which is a fish I love to catch on topwaters.
*Similar to Megabass Pop Max if you are cost sensitive - take a look at the River To Sea Bubble Walker 80 in Loon , Bluegill , Bone and I know It Colors (these colors would cover every situation - see them at TW) . Also check out the Yo-Zuri 3DB Popper in the opaque and translucent colors (similar to above) .
Big Rick reply :
On 9/5/2018 at 10:13 PM, Todd2 said:Interesting... I ended up grabbing some cheaper H20 Xpress Poppers that look pretty good but the selection on Poppers at Academy wasn't great.
These is probably no way to answer this but I wonder what makes the Popmax that much better. Can the fish even see anything other than the bottom? Maybe the bubbles from the gill openings?
Until you actually hold one in your hand and see, hear, and feel the difference anything we say can't convince you enough. You truly have to fish it to believe it. But, to answer your question as best I can.....
The gill pattern causes water to exit the bait in such a way the no other can imitate. (sight and sound)
The rattles inside and the material it's constructed with are so unique. (sound)
The shape and balance create an action that is so seductive. (sight)
And, YES, the fish can see the sides of THIS bait. When it is "walked" it has a severe roll side to side that flashes the colors to the fish. It just flat out catches fish. Period.
Harold Scoggins reply :
On 9/6/2018 at 8:24 PM, J Francho said:Gotta love it!
Here's one for you...
J Francho reply :
Whoa!
soflabasser reply :
On 9/8/2018 at 8:01 PM, ChrisD46 said:*Similar to Megabass Pop Max if you are cost sensitive - take a look at the River To Sea Bubble Walker 80 in Loon , Bluegill , Bone and I know It Colors (these colors would cover every situation - see them at TW) . Also check out the Yo-Zuri 3DB Popper in the opaque and translucent colors (similar to above) .
Thank you @ChrisD46, I will consider the River to Sea Bubble Walker as well. I am very fond of topwater fishing so I tend to buy lots of topwater lures, even if I don't use them all.
Big Rick reply :
On 9/8/2018 at 8:01 PM, ChrisD46 said:*Similar to Megabass Pop Max if you are cost sensitive - take a look at the River To Sea Bubble Walker 80 in Loon , Bluegill , Bone and I know It Colors (these colors would cover every situation - see them at TW) . Also check out the Yo-Zuri 3DB Popper in the opaque and translucent colors (similar to above) .
These do favor the Megabass. However, there is one major difference.. Well, major difference for me anyway. And, please understand, I am not at all saying the Bubble Walker is inferior as I love River2Sea. Just pointing out a difference in the two products. The difference I've noticed is the thickness of the material. The Megabass is VERY thin and transmit sounds really clear and distinct. the River2Sea products are much thicker and the sounds are a bit muted. Again, not trying to say one is superior to the other..... just saying that the bass may hit one and not the other even though they favor because they certainly SOUND different.
ChrisD46 reply :
On 9/10/2018 at 10:49 AM, Big Rick said:These do favor the Megabass. However, there is one major difference.. Well, major difference for me anyway. And, please understand, I am not at all saying the Bubble Walker is inferior as I love River2Sea. Just pointing out a difference in the two products. The difference I've noticed is the thickness of the material. The Megabass is VERY thin and transmit sounds really clear and distinct. the River2Sea products are much thicker and the sounds are a bit muted. Again, not trying to say one is superior to the other..... just saying that the bass may hit one and not the other even though they favor because they certainly SOUND different.
*While I like the River to Sea Bubble Walker - I now believe the Megabass Pop Max to be worth it ... I'll look to add a couple next time TW (or similar) has a sale .
Comfortably Numb reply :
On 9/4/2018 at 4:25 AM, Harold Scoggins said:Listen to A-Jay. (top water box doesn't look this clean end of season)
I really like the Pop Max. Start out with pops and then walk it back to the boat.
You can also try some of the Pop Max KO's (knock offs) that guys custom paint. The ones with the gill slots are very close to the MB and work excellent.
I see Ima Roumbas in that box. Not a popper but my favorite Wake bait.
looking45 reply :
On 9/4/2018 at 2:16 AM, A-Jay said:I am a a stout believer in the Megabass Pop Max ~
The perch pattern in particular which has accounted for quite a few 5 lb plus smallies for me.
I don't leave home with one (or three)
A-Jay
This is the color that works for me on the smallies and spotted bass here on Lake Shasta in Ca. They both love bright colors
soflabasser reply :
On 9/17/2018 at 3:09 AM, looking45 said:This is the color that works for me on the smallies and spotted bass here on Lake Shasta in Ca. They both love bright colors
Looks like a good color for peacock bass as well.
YoTone reply :
I feel like a bass looking at a popmax. the longer i look some of the awesome colors something inside of me makes me feel all antsy and makes me want to jump out of my chair and grab it.
Harold Scoggins reply :
Chart Tiger
the reel ess reply :
I love the Pop R and the Chug Bug. They've both been killer for me this season. I don't like the magnum sized Pop R. Thus I bought the Chug Bug to fill that niche. Here's a tip. Use a snap or split ring on the line tie and you'll get a better walking action. It is true that most of the time you should wait for the rings to dissipate, but not always. Sometimes the action of the bait starting right up will turn them on. It's a great bait for when schools are busting bait on the surface. Then you'll need to make noise to attract their attention. You won't spook them in this case. The bigger size would probably be better for that situation. Just like the retrieve, you'll need to let the fish tell you if you should wait a few seconds before you start. Sometimes, they'll hit it on the stop. They just can't stand it sitting still.
On 9/5/2018 at 8:45 PM, TBAG said:I just got a new topwater rod, and going to throw some poppers and 90 Whopper Ploppers with it. St. Croix Mojo Bass 68MXF. I'd rather not use braid, so what would be better 12 or 15 pound Big Game? Or do you have another suggestion?
Also, great thread, thanks for the suggestions.
Bigger mono is usually better because mono floats. Therefore 15 lb is more buoyant. It also seems to me to be a better compromise between stretch and strength. I use 15 lb. Big Game. But the regular size Pop R can be a little tough to cast on a baitcaster with heavy line. I use a 6'6" M. But a longer rod can help.
the reel ess reply :
On 9/5/2018 at 10:13 PM, Todd2 said:Interesting... I ended up grabbing some cheaper H20 Xpress Poppers that look pretty good but the selection on Poppers at Academy wasn't great.
These is probably no way to answer this but I wonder what makes the Popmax that much better. Can the fish even see anything other than the bottom? Maybe the bubbles from the gill openings?
IMO, this is the type of bait that color matters the least. I think one reason is that I almost never catch a fish in direct sunlight with a popper. Even when they bite it during the day, it's in the shade. I think the action is way more important than the color.
TnRiver46 reply :
H20 express bone popper is my favorite
Harold Scoggins reply :
On 9/4/2018 at 2:16 AM, A-Jay said:I am a a stout believer in the Megabass Pop Max ~
I've been wanting to show you this one @A-Jay. Been going through the man cave and finally found it. I carried this one to a tackle show in Japan few years back and had the man himself (Yuki Ito) autograph it for me. Think I better have a shadow box frame made so I don't misplace it again.
A-Jay reply :
On 10/18/2018 at 10:24 PM, Harold Scoggins said:I've been wanting to show you this one @A-Jay. Been going through the man cave and finally found it. I carried this one to a tackle show in Japan few years back and had the man himself (Yuki Ito) autograph it for me. Think I better have a shadow box frame made so I don't misplace it again.
Sweet Bait and the autograph definitely kicks it up a notch.
A-Jay
Harold Scoggins reply :
On 10/18/2018 at 10:28 PM, A-Jay said:Sweet Bait and the autograph definitely kicks it up a notch.
A-Jay
It is no longer a bait, it is a Holy Relic.
J Francho reply :
On 10/18/2018 at 10:24 PM, Harold Scoggins said:I've been wanting to show you this one @A-Jay. Been going through the man cave and finally found it. I carried this one to a tackle show in Japan few years back and had the man himself (Yuki Ito) autograph it for me. Think I better have a shadow box frame made so I don't misplace it again.
Uhhhh, dayum!
Derek1 reply :
They work better for me then other poppers. It’s like a bubbling walking bait the the way I use it. You guys are posting colors and boxes I’ve havnt seen yet. Pretty cool I might be grabbing another tonight.
YoTone reply :
This year Ive taken poppers seriously. Early in the season I used the Storm Cover pop to win me my first tournament. One thing I liked about that popper was how thick and meaty the trebles are.
Like everyone said varying the retrieve is good but my main one is the twitch, twitch pause twitch. That retrieve on a megabass popmax helped me catch a monster muskie last weekend. I only used it a handful of times but I think im going to retire it!
Derek1 reply :
On 10/18/2018 at 11:01 PM, YoTone said:This year Ive taken poppers seriously. Early in the season I used the Storm Cover pop to win me my first tournament. One thing I liked about that popper was how thick and meaty the trebles are.
Like everyone said varying the retrieve is good but my main one is the twitch, twitch pause twitch. That retrieve on a megabass popmax helped me catch a monster muskie last weekend. I only used it a handful of times but I think im going to retire it!
You know what they say about no pics lol.
YoTone reply :
On 10/18/2018 at 11:33 PM, Derek1 said:You know what they say about no pics lol.
Derek1 reply :
That’s awesome, that must have been a blast thanks for the link.
Munkin reply :
On 9/4/2018 at 4:25 AM, Harold Scoggins said:Listen to A-Jay. (top water box doesn't look this clean end of season)
Those MS Black baits in the lower right corner are big fish catchers around here.
Allen
Harold Scoggins reply :
On 10/19/2018 at 7:26 AM, Munkin said:Those MS Black baits in the lower right corner are big fish catchers around here.
Allen
You bet. I've had a lot of luck with the Gunfish. I wish MB would develop a Diamante with the same mouth.
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