What lb. Test for PopR and Chug Bug?

[papajoe222]

I've been using 12lb. test Original Stren for years for these two topwaters.  I'm wondering if going lighter, 8lb., would add more action to them. I use a loop knot for attachment and always figured it allowed enough freedom of movement, but I also know that lighter line can improve the action of soft plastics and, to a lesser degree, crankbaits.  Your thoughts.  If you're wondering why I'm asking this in December, I'm doing my winter reel cleaning and need to add Mono to my list of things to buy with my BPS gift cards.

[GreenPig]

I use 14 lb Original Stren for standard size Chugbug & PopR

[WRB]

The Pop-R has gone through several modifications over the years starting with Zell Roland. The original Pop and rest presentation  changed to faster Pop and spit to shower water forward. Reducing the cup shape mouth and streamlining the body. The 1/4 lure doesn’t cast well using line over .012 diameter. Mono or Copoly line that stays on surface is still preferred.

Chug Bugs come in different sizes so take your pick.

Loop knots work although not a strong knot.

Big Game 10 lb is a good choice for both top water lures.

Tom

[casts_by_fly]

I use 14 lb sunline which is 0.012" diameter for all of my hardbait topwaters in open cover.  That would be the same as 10 lb Stren original.  

[Choporoz]

I use 12# Suffix Elite for PopRs and never thought it'd be better to go with lighter line, except maybe for casting distance.   I'm happy with the action 

[FishTank]

I have been using 10lb Sufix Seige for medium size poppers and some topwater and 16 Sunline Machinegun Cast for the bigger stuff but most of my topwater fish have been caught on 6lb Sunline Invisible FC with small poppers like the Baby Pop-X. I know FC sinks but as long as I don't let it sit too long, I'm good. 

 

This little guy below has probably brought around 150+ fish in the past two years, all on FC. I also am using a San Diego Jam knot. I get plenty of action out of it.

 

[Peacedivision]

I don't have any popr or chug bugs but I throw 1/4oz size poppers, pop-x, bubble popper on 6lb trilene xl and a 610ml bfs rod.

[Reel]

I go in the opposite direction.  I use 17 lb mono because it floats better and gives a different action.  

[BassinCNY]

For the 3" chug bug I use 10 pound mono. I did a test comparing a loop knot to an improved clinch with the chug bug and I thought I got a better walk with the improved clinch which was not what I expected.

[Swamp Girl]

I am nowhere as particular as you guys when it comes to kinds of line and test poundage. When I fished smallmouth in rocky lakes, six-pound mono was just fine, but nowadays, catching lmb from weeds demands line much heavier, so I'm casting most of my lures with 30 lb. braid. Since I throw surface lures the majority of the time, I'm throwing them with 30-pound braid. When I do use mono, it's 12-pound. 

 

I do fine without a different rod, line, and reel for each lure I throw. 

[king fisher]

Currently I am using 30 pound J Braid, with three foot leader of 15 pound Maxima Ultragreen mono.

I use a plug snap instead of a loop knot.   I like the snap because I also use the same set up on my mid diving, and square bill crankbaits.  I change back and forth quite often, I like the ability to change lures quickly, and haven't had any troubles with the snap impeding the action or breaking, with the poppers or crankbaits.  I use a 7 foot medium fast action bait caster for the rod.  I also use the same rod with most of my topwater baits as well as other baits. 

 

If I had more space for more rods, I would probably use 12 pound mono on a popper specific rod.  15 pound if throwing near thick cover for plus size bass.

[Mike L]

30 lb braid for all top water except frogs. 
Won’t use mono for anything 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[FryDog62]

Being in a kayak, having versatile rods is key. I use a Dobyns 685cb for both jerkbaits and topwater poppers.
 

I usually tie 8 lb Trilene XT on to

my braid as a leader. That’s a similar thickness to many 10-12 pound mono lines. But I have found it to be flawless - even with pike or snagging on Lilly pads. It has its limits, but I haven’t found them yet! 

[Reel]

There is no wrong way when you are catching fish but heavy mono was the advice given to me by Zell himself 20 years ago.  He said, because it's a little stiff, it floats the front of the lure higher.