When it comes to picking a good topwater lure, fishing poppers are always high on any anglers list. Every angler is going to pick different lures, from their own favoured techniques, brands, to ease of use when working the lure, and most importantly what species you are chasing.
5 of our Favourite Options when Fishing Poppers
Every angler has their favourite style of topwater fishing. For me, there is nothing more exciting than watching that topwater explosion just as the popper comes to rest.
To only list 5 of my favourite poppers will be hard but let’s give it a crack.
Heru Cubera
I don’t think you will find many hardcore anglers who don’t have a Cubera or two in their tackle bag. The Cubera is very easy to cast and is also one of the easiest poppers on the market to work properly. When it comes to target species, there aren’t many fish in the ocean that won’t have a go at a Heru Cubera. From triggerfish to big yellowfin tuna – this lure entices all types.
- Treble Hooks: BKK GT-REX Treble 4/0 – 5/0
- Single Hooks: BKK Lone Diablo Inline Single Hooks 11/0 or Decoy Castin Single 10/0
- Split Rings: CB One Max Power Ring #10 or Decoy Split Ring #10
Amegari Urpekari
The ultimate fishing popper for the stick bait crowd – Amegari was one of the first to really nail the diving popper with the Urpekari 190 FDP. All topwater anglers know the pains that you will endure after popping all day, this is the reason why the Urpekari will always have its own spot in my tackle bag. This diving poppers’ massive bubble trail and nice little wobble on each sweep really seem to stir the curiosity of a large array of species including Spanish mackerel and large napoleon wrasse. Spanish mackerel really seem to be drawn to this popper and this is the reason I will only fish barbless with this popper as it has a high chance of being snipped off. It’s always nice to see your hundred-dollar bill float back to the surface after you have been snipped…
Rigging the Urpekari is quite simple, I prefer to run twin barbless trebles.
- Treble Hooks: BKK GT-REX Treble 5/0
- Single Hooks: BKK Lone Diablo Inline Single Hooks 11/0 or Decoy Castin Single 10/0
- Split Rings: CB One Max Power Ring #10 or Decoy Split Ring #10
Halco Rooster
An old favourite, although it’s like casting a wet blanket into the wind. When it comes to ease of use, price, and consistent catch rate you would be mad not to have one of these guys in your tackle bag. In Vanuatu, the Rooster is one of our go-to lures when it comes to fishing the fads, yet I have seen big G.T and doggies hammer these poppers.
- Treble Hooks: BKK GT-REX Treble 4/0 – 5/0
- Single Hooks: BKK Lone Diablo Inline Single Hooks 11/0 or Decoy Castin Single 10/0
- Split Rings: CB One Max Power Ring #10 or Decoy Split Ring #10
Black Ledge VLF 100g Popper
When it comes to Australian-made lures, Black Ledge lures really speak for themselves. The success of their stick baits and popper collections over the last couple of years have dominated the sport fishing scene. But it takes more than just being an Australian company to harbour my support. The build of wood, the extremely thick coat of epoxy to the through wire construction, is just the start. The large “bloop” and bubble trail created seem to be irresistible for most of the species we chase as anglers. Another worthy point is that you don’t need a broomstick to work this lure. With its low tow point, a softer tip rod allows you to work the lure with ease whilst not losing the effectiveness of the popper.
- Treble Hooks: BKK GT-REX Treble 6/0
- Single Hooks: BKK Lone Diablo Inline Single Hooks 11/0 or Decoy Castin Single 10/0
- Split Rings: CB One Max Power Ring #10 or Decoy Split Ring #10
MB Customs – Moses 180mm
MB Customs adventurous Le, took brief hiatus from lure building so he could tackle the extreme course of Australia’s ninja warrior. His engineering background and passion for fishing means you can trust that these lures are not only structurally strong but have been tested in some of the best fishing spots around the world. The 180mm really hits home for me because the mid-size popper range has a full resin build and internal weights which allows the lure a swimming motion after the pop. This entices even the fussiest, hook shy G.T.
- Treble Hooks: BKK GT-REX Treble 6/0
- Single Hooks: BKK Lone Diablo Inline Single Hooks 11/0 or Decoy Castin Single 10/0
- Split Rings: CB One Max Power Ring #10 or Decoy Split Ring #10
Having a selection of different lures, from poppers to stick baits, is a no-brainer when embarking on a trip where you know you’ll be chasing different species and facing ever-changing conditions. Everyone will agree, having the lure do the work makes fishing easier. My main criteria for choosing a popper include sturdy construction, ease of use, castability and most importantly is perfectly weighted.
Having these 5 poppers in my tackle bag may be the difference between a good and great day on the water.
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