A small popper is just a downsized version of a regular popper. Like other topwater lures, it can do well in the warmer months and this particular bait does very well when you are at a pond or if your fishery has a lot of pressure. I personally throw this lure when I’m at a local pond with bluegill around so I usually stick to bluegill colored lures, however you can also use shad imitating colors if you want to use one in an area where there’s shad around.
As far as specific lures go I currently like the Berkley Bullet Pop 70, and my favorite colors to use are ghost bluegill and mf bluegill. I also prefer to throw a smaller popper on spinning gear since it weighs less than 1/2oz, however you could also use casting gear and there are plenty of people out there that throw one on a casting rod. I also swap out the treble hooks with single inline hooks and I’ll probably post an article on doing that at some point in the future.
Lure Summary – Small Popper
Suggested Rod Length: 6’10” – 7’3″
Suggested Rod Power: Medium or Medium Heavy
Suggested Rod Action: Fast or Moderate Fast
Suggested Reel Type: Spinning Reel
Suggested Reel Size: 3000
Lure Weight (est.): .4oz
Tackle Required
- 20lb Sufix 832 Braided Line
- 12lb Sunline FC Fluorocarbon Leader
Suggested Baits
- 70mm Berkley Bullet Pop