good popper rod?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chad Simon on October 15, 2010 at 1:40pm

A lot of top water rods you will find have a fast action; however, you will wan't a moderate-fast action for poppers to increase your hook up ratio. I would use the longest rod your comfortable with. Although I'm a Loomis guy, you might wan't to look at a Lamiglas xps 703.

Permalink Reply by Nick Berto on October 15, 2010 at 6:13pm

I use a G-Loomis SMR753 for small poppers and jerkbaits, it's great because it is 6'3" so you can point the rod towards the water for small pops and snaps yet it has a fast action and tons of backbone for when you get a big fish and need to pull it out. Combo that with 10 or 12lb mono or braid and it's great.

Permalink Reply by eric mccarthy on October 16, 2010 at 9:26pm

I picked up a lamiglas excel 703 spinning rod for dropshotting next time out I am going to try that. It may be somewhat like the xps 703. I like braid but usually run a short mono leader because the braid would wrap around my hooks. Thanks

Permalink Reply by P.J. Koshi on October 17, 2010 at 8:33am

I have been using a Lamiglas 661 for poppers and jerks this year with 8lb cajun red mono and love it. I like having a battle when I hook fish in open water plus the bend of the rod helps keep the trebles stuck.

Permalink Reply by Ronald Hobbs, Jr. on October 17, 2010 at 11:10am

If you are going to use that heavy of line with small poppers you might to switch out the hooks they will straighten especially if you have to put extra pressure on a fish that is diving into weeds or docks. Trust me I have done it.


NickBerto said:

I use a G-Loomis SMR753 for small poppers and jerkbaits, it's great because it is 6'3" so you can point the rod towards the water for small pops and snaps yet it has a fast action and tons of backbone for when you get a big fish and need to pull it out. Combo that with 10 or 12lb mono or braid and it's great.

Permalink Reply by Nick Berto on October 18, 2010 at 6:37am

Thanks Ron. I'll have to go through some of my topwater box this winter and switch a few out... I don't throw small topwater's very often but it would be smart to switch them out.

Ron~ What do you like to use for a rod and line setup for small poppers? I noticed it was in your top baits for the year...






Ronald Hobbs, Jr. said:

If you are going to use that heavy of line with small poppers you might to switch out the hooks they will straighten especially if you have to put extra pressure on a fish that is diving into weeds or docks. Trust me I have done it.


NickBerto said:

I use a G-Loomis SMR753 for small poppers and jerkbaits, it's great because it is 6'3" so you can point the rod towards the water for small pops and snaps yet it has a fast action and tons of backbone for when you get a big fish and need to pull it out. Combo that with 10 or 12lb mono or braid and it's great.

Permalink Reply by Rick Innocenti on October 20, 2010 at 10:10pm

Nick I recommend a glass rod. You are throwing typically smaller baits most pop R's are 3/8 or less usually small back hooks. Most of those hooks do not penetrate all the way through the fish's skin barb and all. Therefor a glass rod will help keep the hooks in the fish that are often skin hooked on the inside of the mouth. If you are using graphite with braid you are more than likely going to tear those hooks out. Hope that helps.

NickBerto said:

Thanks Ron. I'll have to go through some of my topwater box this winter and switch a few out... I don't throw small topwater's very often but it would be smart to switch them out.

Ron~ What do you like to use for a rod and line setup for small poppers? I noticed it was in your top baits for the year...






Ronald Hobbs, Jr. said:

If you are going to use that heavy of line with small poppers you might to switch out the hooks they will straighten especially if you have to put extra pressure on a fish that is diving into weeds or docks. Trust me I have done it.


NickBerto said:

I use a G-Loomis SMR753 for small poppers and jerkbaits, it's great because it is 6'3" so you can point the rod towards the water for small pops and snaps yet it has a fast action and tons of backbone for when you get a big fish and need to pull it out. Combo that with 10 or 12lb mono or braid and it's great.