With the fall feed fast approaching, topwater baits will be getting more face time; especially poppers. Tantalizing sound, eye-catching action and a generally vulnerable nature presents an irresistible image to hungry bass.
“In the fall, the fish are keying on shad; that’s pretty much what fall fishing revolves around,” said 2019 Bassmaster Elite Rookie of the Year Drew Cook. “A popper is a really great way to fish targets.
“It’s not like a walking style bait where you throw it up there and 3 seconds later, you’re out of strike zone. You can throw a popper all the way up to rock, or a tree, or whatever you’re targeting and pop it, stop and the bait stays in the strike zone a lot longer than a walk-ing style bait.”
Cook’s a big fan of poppers and he’s liking the new SPRO E-Pop that was introduced at this year’s ICAST. This 1/2-ounce 80 mm bait has the same characteristically concave face, which produces the classic surface disturbance, while it’s lengthy profile allows it walk like a stick bait.
“The E Pop is a hybrid – it’s larger than most. You can throw it up there, pop it three or four times and then walk it back to the boat,” Cook said. “Also, you can throw it far, which is good for when you’re around schooling fish.”
Whatever popper you choose, Cook’s advice applies across the board.