Poppers on spinning or baitcasting?

[SoCalRob]

I'm in the market for a setup to fish poppers. Most of the ones I have only weigh 1/4 - 3/8...so the question is...

Do you fish these lures on baitcasting or spinning? I find they don't cast too well with the equipment I currently have.

Can you please also post which rod/reel you use for this as I'm going to purchase something based on the opinions of everyone here.

[shorefisher]

I've been using a Megabass Popmax in GG Bass color 1/2oz and it casts like a rocket on my baitcast. I've been killing them with this bait. 3 of the 20 fish I caught yesterday (on a killer topwater bite) I caught just by casting and waiting. 10-20 seconds after it landed the fish just exploded underneath it. It's been the only popper that's done that for me in open water. I'm not talking about the instant strike you sometimes get by dropping one close to a floating log for example.

But once I get to some of the smaller poppers I'm not good enough on the caster and have to switch to a spinning reel.

[Sam]

I use a baitcaster for treble hook baits along with mono line.

You can always use spinning tackle but I like the power of the baitcaster for topwaters.  

[plastic ninja]

I would recomend a baitcaster with a 7ft medium rod if you're new to top water. Spinning vs casting is a personal choice, I prefer casting because it offers more distance, less arm fatigue, and accuracy for me. This is something every fisherman has to figure out for themselves. I have two spinning reels. I use one for small cranks,wacky rigs, and weightless worms. I call my other spinning reel the crappie killer.

[siiilent]

I've used the same popper on both spinning and baitcast and I've found I get better sound and action out of it with my baitcaster.

Cast, let it sit for about 20 seconds.. (be patient) then leave a bit of slack on the line and give it a quick jerk then pause for a few seconds then repeat. Patience and slow retrieves have worked great for me with poppers

[islandbass]

I use both types and it just depends which is in my hands at the time.

Both work well.  The only limiting factor when using a casting set up is making sure you use a bc reel that can handle lighter weights. Most new reels can but some don't handle them well.

[J Francho]

It depends on the weight of the bait.  A small Pop-R is easier to throw on spinning gear, but I have no problem chucking a Chug Bug on BC gear.

[Gone_Phishin]

What's your budget?  If you don't mind shelling out the dough, give the Shimano Core a look.  It's super light, has a good IPT rate, and your wrists will thank you at the end of the day.  

The black Core would look pretty sweet on the 6'3" M Zillion rod.  I plan on buying that exact rod for my topwater duties.  I am currently using a 6'6" rod, and though it's not bad I definitely want something a bit shorter.

[Bassyak]

I use a Shimano Curado 100DSV on a G Loomis CBR781C for small topwater baits and crankbaits and it does a fantastic job.  Very lightweight and the moderate action of the rod helps keep me hooked up.  I don't like fishing baits like poppers and spooks on spinning gear as the jerking and trying to reel up slack tends to cause loops to form in my line as it lays on the spool.