Poppers

[Jim Sutter]

All of my reels have braided line. When throwing a popper do I just need to install a monofilament leader?  Also, is it ok to use a Rosco Duo Lock Snap on the end of my line to make quick lure changes.

[Happybeerbuzz]

You can use a mono leader if you want to, but you do not have to.  You can throw poppers on straight braid.  

 

You can also use a snap on a popper.  However, two things.  First, some poppers can be hard to get the snap on them because of where the line tie is and the cupping of the face.  Second, if the first thing permits, take the split ring off.  It can be unnecessary  weight and cause the line foul with the front hook. 

[Deleted account]

If all your setups have braid, and you don't want to change, a mono leader will work, but poppers really want to be fished with straight mono. If you are walking or chugging, a split ring or snap might be ok, if you are going to really fish a popper, tie direct. I'd go with a longish 15 lb leader, and a short med rod were I in your case. 

[E-rude dude]

40 minutes ago, BassWhole! said:

If all your setups have braid, and you don't want to change, a mono leader will work, but poppers really want to be fished with straight mono. If you are walking or chugging, a split ring or snap might be ok, if you are going to really fish a popper, tie direct. I'd go with a longish 15 lb leader, and a short med rod were I in your case. 

This^^^
 

learn the Rapala knot for poppers and walking baits.

https://www.animatedknots.com/rapala-knot

 

[the reel ess]

I always used mono with topwaters until I fished with a guide. He had every combo rigged with braid. So I gave it a try and haven't looked back. But I do use a short mono leader to keep the line away from the hooks. I tie direct to the Pop R because it's hard to get a clip in the concaved face.

[Bankc]

I've used straight braid many times for poppers.  The only real disadvantage is getting it fouled up in the hooks.  Most casts, especially if it's not windy, it probably won't be an issue.  But every once in a while, you might experience that problem, hence why mono is so popular for these lures.  Mono is stiffer and tends to stay out of those treble hooks a little bit better.  

 

I wouldn't recommend a snap.  The reason being that it can add weight to the front of the lure and change it's action.  However, that depends on the size of the popper you're using, it's buoyancy, and the size and weight of the snap.  It's up to you if you want to try.  You'll know the snap isn't working when the lure is just sitting on the top of the water and not moving, and the nose is slanting downward.  Same with FC line.  Heavier FC line might sink and add unnecessary weight to the nose.  Or, it might not matter.  Like the snap, it depends.  You can always give it a try and see if it matters in your particular situation or not.

 

I don't feel there's an advantage to a loop knot or snap for poppers.  They're not like walking baits that almost require them because they need that freedom for that side-to-side action.  You can give it a try, if you want.  But I usually just go with a clinch knot (using mono) straight to the eye, and it works without any problems for me.  With a popper, it's more about the cadence and pace.  Usually, the popping sound draws the fish near, and they'll often bite when the lure is paused.  So the motions you go through are similar to a walking bait with a popper, but the way they work and catch fish are quite different.

[Jim Sutter]

Happybeerbuzz, BassWhole, E-rude dude, the reel ess and Bankc,

Thank you for all of your replies. I'm thinking about changing two reels to mono with no clips. These poles will be strictly for top water lures. Thanks again for all your replies. Please take care and stay safe.

[roadwarrior]

2 hours ago, Jim Sutter said:

Happybeerbuzz, BassWhole, E-rude dude, the reel ess and Bankc,

Thank you for all of your replies. I'm thinking about changing two reels to mono with no clips. These poles will be strictly for top water lures. Thanks again for all your replies. Please take care and stay safe.

Good idea!

[the reel ess]

On 4/30/2021 at 10:33 AM, Jim Sutter said:

Happybeerbuzz, BassWhole, E-rude dude, the reel ess and Bankc,

Thank you for all of your replies. I'm thinking about changing two reels to mono with no clips. These poles will be strictly for top water lures. Thanks again for all your replies. Please take care and stay safe.

One reason I stopped using straight mono is I noticed the line memory would cause the bait to move a little closer to me after it hit the water. This might seem like a small thing, but sometimes they'll bite it if you leave it still for a while. Also, the diameter of 30# braid is close to 8# mono so it can cast better. I just loosened up my drag to compensate for the lack of stretch.

[Boomstick]

I would if for no other reason than to keep the line out of the hooks. It's usually not too much of an issue with poppers unless there is wind.

[Bluebasser86]

I use straight braid with poppers and tie direct. The line getting tangled in the hooks is never an issue. If it's so windy that it's blowing your bait around, a popper isn't a good option anyways imo. 

[YoTone]

I try to put a mono leader. nothing drives me batty more than making that perfect cast in that perfect spot  only to get  ruined by my braid getting caught up in the front trebles. 

[the reel ess]

7 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I use straight braid with poppers and tie direct. The line getting tangled in the hooks is never an issue. If it's so windy that it's blowing your bait around, a popper isn't a good option anyways imo. 

I actually had a hook go through the strands of braid. I had to cut it and retie. That would be quite the hassle of I was in kayak with no scissors. I carry them for that reason now.

[Jim Sutter]

roadwarrior, the reel ess, Boomstick, Bluebasser86,Yotone and Accept No Imitations, Thank you for all of your tips and advice. I sure do appreciate it. I hope you all have a wonderful and safe day.

 

[Bluebasser86]

19 hours ago, the reel ess said:

I actually had a hook go through the strands of braid. I had to cut it and retie. That would be quite the hassle of I was in kayak with no scissors. I carry them for that reason now.

That's a risk you take with braid in general though. I've had Ned rig hooks go through my braid, just used the pliers to smash the barb down and it comes right back out.

 

 I've fished straight braid with almost all my treble hooked topwater baits for several years now and the tangling is just a nonissue. The pros to it so far outweigh the cons for me, there's zero reason to tie a leader to maybe avoid one or two tangles a trip. Tying a leader is a guaranteed hassle trying to avoid a potential hassle, plus it's adding a weak spot to my connection to the bait via the leader knot and knot on the bait since the leader is surely lighter than the braid. One of those solutions that creates more problems than it fixes. 

[ChrisD46]

Braid main line + 1 or 2 rubber bobber stops on the braid main line snugged up against the nose of the popper . Keeps the braid just stiff enough pointing straight ahead to prevent line from getting into the front treble hook . *Especially good option for walking baits (spooks) .

[the reel ess]

4 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

That's a risk you take with braid in general though. I've had Ned rig hooks go through my braid, just used the pliers to smash the barb down and it comes right back out.

 

 I've fished straight braid with almost all my treble hooked topwater baits for several years now and the tangling is just a nonissue. The pros to it so far outweigh the cons for me, there's zero reason to tie a leader to maybe avoid one or two tangles a trip. Tying a leader is a guaranteed hassle trying to avoid a potential hassle, plus it's adding a weak spot to my connection to the bait via the leader knot and knot on the bait since the leader is surely lighter than the braid. One of those solutions that creates more problems than it fixes. 

True but I want the barbs on my trebles. Mono also floats. This matters more when you fish from a kayak because your rod tip is lower than it would be from a boat. So you might start your retrieve off by pulling the bait under until your retrieve is closer. If you tie a good leader knot you're not going to have an issue. And if you break  a 20 lb  mono leader using a topwater, your drag was tightened way too much.

[Deleted account]

I use a Big Game leader, Big Game line, and Big Game backing, I'm considering doing away with the knots between them...  

[Deephaven]

All braid for me as well.  Fouled casts are rare and not worth the hassle of the leader IMO.

[Fishes in trees]

When it comes to throwing poppers & walking baits I'm a mono guy.   I'm not real comfortable with braid on bait casters in general - most likely that is just me.   I'll generally use 17 or 20 lb mono.

I'm not a fan of tying direct to a top water walker or popper, unless I'm tying to a split ring.  I like a loop knot in this situation, just because I think it helps the bait move better.

[Jim Sutter]

Bluebasser86, ChrisD46, thereeless, BassWhole, Deephaven and Fishes in trees Thank you for all of your suggestions. Much appreciated. Hope all of you have a wonderful and safe evening.

[Bankbeater]

I fish a pop-r on straight mono, and a snap, if it will fit.  I've never had a problem with the line fouling in the hooks.

[Jim Sutter]

Bankbeater,  Thank you for replying to my question about using poppers.

[WRB]

Not a fan of using snaps on top water lures like poppers for all the reasons noted, kills the action.

The exception is Owner Hyper weld snap size 0 or 1, small light weight snap. Storm Chug bug can be fished using a light snap for example but a 1/4 oz Pop-R type poppers should be tied direct. 

Most anglers fish Pop-R type spitting lures too slow, if you like a slower popping lure use a Chug Bug.

Tom

[ChrisD46]

On 5/4/2021 at 1:43 AM, Bluebasser86 said:

I use straight braid with poppers and tie direct. The line getting tangled in the hooks is never an issue. If it's so windy that it's blowing your bait around, a popper isn't a good option anyways imo. 

*What is your preferred braid size for top water poppers & spooks -  I'm trying to decide between #30 lb. & #40 lb. braid Power Pro ?