Topwater poppers catch bass all season but really kick into gear during the post spawn period. Wired2Fish contributor Seth Feider discusses when he throws a popper over a walking bait, characteristics he looks for in a good big fish popper, and the equipment he uses to make accurate casts while achieving excellent hookup ratios.
Seth stresses the importance of putting poppers in tight places adjacent to cover. Baits like the Storm Arashi Cover Pop can be fished with less forward movement than walking baits which is desirable because cover-oriented post spawn bass often won’t chase a bait. The subtle kicking and sputtering action of a popper working in place calls bass from cover and generates bites.
Feider makes a strong case for braid and a short leader over straight monofilament for all his topwater fishing and why he uses a clip instead of a loop knot for his line-to-bait connection. Several good fish catches support his preferences so hopefully there are a few takeaways for beginners to advanced topwater anglers.
