popper advice?

[ness]

I enjoy popper making, though I don't do it often. I'm not looking to crank out the cheapest, fastest popper -- I like the craftsmanship aspect.

I like the Perfect Poppers as a starting point. When I first did them I used Testors model spray paint and glue on eyes. I now use an airbrush and 30-minute epoxy to seal them (Devcon). Since BilletHead introduced me to stippling, I've gone to that method for adding eyes and spots for a really appealing look. For me -- the fish can't see much if any of it. Lots to read through, but the recent bass fly swap thread has some good flies including poppers and some discussion of technique and materials. 

Here's the BilletHead step-by-step thread, if you want to make poppers the way the native Americans did 600 years ago  

 

 

[fishinwrench]

these look awesome Wrench!! I would love to learn how to make those!

Easiest thing in the world.   Once you have stuck some sheets of craft foam together and cut out your rectangles you can whip them up in about 5 minutes.  No painting, and extremely durable.  

[Travis Swift]

17 minutes ago, fishinwrench said:

 

 

Easiest thing in the world.   Once you have stuck some sheets of craft foam together and cut out your rectangles you can whip them up in about 5 minutes.  No painting, and extremely durable.  

do you have a guide on here for how you tie them/create them by chance?

[fishinwrench]

22 minutes ago, Travis Swift said:

do you have a guide on here for how you tie them/create them by chance?

No, I suck at video editing.  But basically you just use spray adhesive to stick sheets of foam together, figure out the size you want, and cut out rectangles. Tie on your tailing goodys, then put a thread base over the hook shank for the head to stick to. Poke a hole in the middle, slip it over the eye of the hook, put on some super glue gel and fold it over.  Use strong thread to cinch down the waist while the gel is still gooey.    I like cheap googly eyes because they add even more bulk and bouyancy.   You can dress it up even more with a sharpie if you want, or add rubber legs when you cinch down the waist.

[Travis Swift]

thanks so much, I appreciate it. 

[Travis Swift]

a friend on here shared some of his poppers with me and I'm blown away with them and can't wait to try them out.  I am one however that also likes to build and fish my own stuff if I can.  I make almost all my own regular bass gear and trout jigs and fish the stuff I make about 80% of the time I'm guessing.  Just a lot of satisfaction in doing that as I'm sure you are all aware also.  I have ventured into trying to make my own poppers as well now, I got some of the surface seducer double barrel heads in the mail last night and started making a few.  Not near as good as what you guys make on here but I'm pretty sure they will catch fish and I can't wait to find out. 

[Travis Swift]

[BilletHead]

             Look great Travis! Just seen your PM this morning. Get out and fish those bad boys 🙂,

  BilletHead

[Travis Swift]

3 minutes ago, BilletHead said:

             Look great Travis! Just seen your PM this morning. Get out and fish those bad boys 🙂,

  BilletHead

my new 8wt rod should be delivered today so there will be some poppers being thrown this weekend for sure!

[BilletHead]

2 minutes ago, Travis Swift said:

my new 8wt rod should be delivered today so there will be some poppers being thrown this weekend for sure!

          Good luck and enjoy!

    Remember there will be a learning curve. The poppers are light but you will be dealing with some wind resistance on the popper faces. Watch your ears and be ready to duck ,

      BilletHead