Fishing Poppers for Spring Bass

Fishing for spring bass with poppers is a popular technique among anglers. Poppers imitate the action of a struggling baitfish on the water's surface, attracting bass to strike.

How to Fish Poppers for Spring Bass

When it comes to fishing poppers for spring bass, there are a few tips that you can keep in mind to increase your chances of success:

Choose the right gear: Depending on the size of the popper, they can be fished on either spinning or casting gear. You’ll want to use a 6.5-7.25-ft medium or medium-heavy power, fast action rod and matching reel with 10-17-lb monofilament line that can handle the weight of your popper.

Look for active fish: Bass tend to be more active in the spring, so look for areas where they may be feeding on baitfish near the surface.

Use a slow retrieve: To make your popper look like a natural meal, use a slow and steady retrieve. Start with short, gentle pulls, and increase the speed as needed.

Vary your presentation: If you’re not getting bites, try changing up your presentation. This could mean using a different retrieve cadence, or trying a different popper color/size.

Watch for strikes: When a bass hits your popper, you’ll see a splash or hear a “pop” sound. Be prepared to set the hook after feeling the weight of the bass on your line.

Popular Popper Brands/Models

There are many different brands and models of poppers on the market. Some of the most popular brands include Rebel, Storm, and Rapala. Some of the most popular models include the Rebel Pop-R, the Storm Arashi Cover Pop, and the Rapala Skitter Pop.

Take a moment and watch as Rapala/Storm pro Seth Feider discusses his preferences for springtime popper fishing and how one particular popping bait is a pretty good walking topwater as well...