The Big Fly Rod Popper Build Revisited

[BilletHead]

I acquired a copic air brush system. Well this gave me an excuse to make more poppers. Figured out right away the cans of air were not the way to go so being the el cheapo I am a harbor freight mini compressor would work. It does but of course not a high quality tool but it will work for this. Still using acrylic craft paint for the base with copic highlights. Also did a few assorted smaller and pencil type poppers too. I also did some other color schemes. On the popper build I did the shad.

Now here is the question I have. We all have favorite colors. Just what are these fish seeing looking up at a top water bait? We are taught that trout looking up see a dark image still we try to tie the exact imitation. We are not talking subsurface baits or flys just the floaters. We use bright fly lines, I know a tapered leader and sometime a fine tippet but still they can be seen. What are our other game fish seeing? A shape or form? Do you really think they are seeing color on the floaters? Some of you bass elites are you convinced they are seeing colors? How many have caught on the plain bone color? Anyway here are a few of the latest builds,

My attempt at fire tiger,

A couple views for you yellow likers,

A couple of close ups of other copic results,

BilletHead

[moguy1973]

Those are gorgeous.

[fishinwrench]

Outstanding work there!

Are you gonna wait until April to use them, or are you fixin' to head South ?

Not sure what the facts are regarding popper colors, but white or yellow belly's are as good as any other color.

I do like the looks of that red bellied job though. Alot !

[BilletHead]

Thanks guys,

So neither one of you answered my question Wrench three of those have a place to go. Not sure where he is going to take them. Me going South? Na, not planning in it. Just getting froggy and stocking up for the hybrid run next summer if it happens. Sold my boat, wanting a jet and please don't bash me Wrench. We must talk sometime. I got questions for the boat Guru.

BilletHead

[jdmidwest]

Nice work. I wish I had the time and place to do something like that. I have a little one gallon compressor for my brad nailer that would probably work great for the air gun. I picked my up at Menards for about $40.

The fish are seeing shape and motion. Then there is the belly color mostly, sides come into play too.

When fishing topwater I use gold and black or perch color lures in the day. Black is better in low light or of a night.

[BilletHead]

JD Need a place to do this? I do make them in my recliner. Carve and sand over a waste basket. The copic spray dries instantly and I spray with a cardboard back. So you are also telling me that a bass from below sees colors? Does he come up and study the colors before deciding to smash it? Personally I don't think so on a bait on top. Now maybe during daylight hours a chrome bait they may see a reflection and react. I have seen trout check out a fly or hopper and refuse to take but a bass commits, sometimes he misses but I have never seen one study the popper,

BilletHead

[fishinwrench]

I wouldn't bash ya for wanting a jet pump, they are sweet.

I will if ya bolt it onto a 4-stroke though

[BilletHead]

That's why we need to visit sometime. Keep in mind money is an issue! HA

BilletHead

[fishinwrench]

Double-duty fishinduck rig ?

1648, or bigger?

[BilletHead]

Doubly duty would be perfect in a perfect world, could be even a bit wider and maybe a foot longer. I will work up a PM to you with my (our) wishes. Maybe I could drive up and visit you and get your input sometime? Might even be a popper in your future since that Gavin guy won the one you should of

BilletHead