Bodkin / Patterns

Popper

Topwater · Striped Bass · Bluefish · Jack · Tarpon · Snook · Redfish · False Albacore · Barracuda · Mahi · Tuna · Roosterfish · Panfish · Largemouth Bass · Intermediate · 3 versions

Reference Recipe

  • Hook saltwater popper hook, 1/0-3/0
  • Thread Strong flat waxed, to match 210 denier

Materials

  • Bucktail (tail) Angler's choice (1 clump)
  • Saddle hackles (tail/collar) To match saddle hackle (2-4)
  • Flash Pearl or Flashabou (several strands)
  • Foam or hard popper head (pre-shaped) Angler's choice (1)
  • Stick-on eyes Angler's choice (1 pair)

How to tie it

  1. Lay a thread base over the rear third of the shank.
  2. Tie in a bucktail tail about two shank lengths long, then flank it with a few saddle hackles and several strands of flash.
  3. Palmer a short collar of saddle hackle in front of the tail for bulk and sweep it back.
  4. Whip finish and cut the thread where the popper head will start.
  5. Slot a pre-shaped foam or hard popper head, fill the slot with super glue, and slide it onto the front of the shank with the cupped face forward.
  6. Pinch until set, then press a stick-on eye into each side.
  7. Seal the eyes and any exposed thread with a coat of UV resin or epoxy.

Other versions

2 more in the app: Saltwater Dorado, Micro.

Tying videos

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