Ploppers

[ollie]

A couple of weeks ago when Buzz and I were tearing them up on the river we did notice one thing about the hook-up ratio. When the bass hit the plopper from the side it was almost never a solid hook-up and most of the time we lost those.  Only the ones hitting the lure from behind seemed to be hooked really well. Just an observation we had.

[Coosa]

I like the 190 for largemouth. But it's not for everyone. Its HUGE. I like the 90 on rivers

[Seth]

I've thrown the 130 plopper on a nearby lake that is full of dinks and it does seem to weed through a lot of the small fish and find some little better quality fish. There have been plenty of 8-10" eat it too though so who knows.

[semble]

On 8/1/2018 at 1:12 PM, ollie said:

A couple of weeks ago when Buzz and I were tearing them up on the river we did notice one thing about the hook-up ratio. When the bass hit the plopper from the side it was almost never a solid hook-up and most of the time we lost those.  Only the ones hitting the lure from behind seemed to be hooked really well. Just an observation we had.

Interesting, I've had days with lower hookup averages and have wondered if it was size or mood of the fish.

Which hook seeems to be sticking them most? Almost ALL of my fish have had the front hook in their mouth with the rear outside, some have had the front hook in the mouth with the rear of the plug in their mouth, but only a few have had the rear hook only.

[semble]

On 8/1/2018 at 4:00 PM, Seth said:

I've thrown the 130 plopper on a nearby lake that is full of dinks and it does seem to weed through a lot of the small fish and find some little better quality fish. There have been plenty of 8-10" eat it too though so who knows.

I'd say less than 10% of my fish on the 110 in rivers have been under 14".  I've only been fishing it for a month, the law of averages may catch up sometime soon but, I hope not.

[Seth]

1 hour ago, semble said:

Interesting, I've had days with lower hookup averages and have wondered if it was size or mood of the fish.

Which hook seeems to be sticking them most? Almost ALL of my fish have had the front hook in their mouth with the rear outside, some have had the front hook in the mouth with the rear of the plug in their mouth, but only a few have had the rear hook only.

The ones I land usually have hooks stuck everywhere. If I had to guess, most have the front in the mouth and the rear ends up stuck in the body or elsewhere in the head. They can be a booger to get unhooked. It makes you wonder how anything bites those ploppers without getting stuck.

[ollie]

I have to go with Seth's answer, they usually have hooks everywhere! When I do hook them that is. ☺️

[Gavin]

If they are not hitting the front hook solid every time, change something. Size, color. Tail hooks are usually smalls.

[fishinwrench]

Think the size, and color was ok on this one?  😊 

[rps]

On 7/29/2018 at 10:00 PM, semble said:

Talked to a buddy last week that was telling me about the new 75 size. I might have to stop in to check them out in person. Same buddy has a few 90s he doesn't throw that I was planning on picking up to try.

I've gotten away from throwing any WTDs. Used to fish them quite a bit for largemouth, they just never made their way into my river arsenal. The plopper has me wanting to get back to them though. I've been fishing the plopper in places that I would normally throw a buzz but also in areas I think a Walking plug would be better suited for. With so many options out there now, any recommedations on sizes and styles to get me started?

Lately, I have found the Ima Skimmer effective. Add to you possibilities the Gunfish and the Sixth Sense Splash back.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Ima_Skimmer_Walking_Bait/descpage-ISK.html

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/6th_Sense_Splash_Back_Topwater_Popper/descpage-6SSBTP.html