Popper question

[Flysmallie]

Doesn’t high heat paint make them float more better?

[snagged in outlet 3]

I don’t know.   Great color though!  I gotta get the whip out on some smallies.  

[fishinwrench]

I don't know either, but old-school cork out-fishes foam or Styrofoam bodies.  👍

[Flysmallie]

49 minutes ago, fishinwrench said:

I don't know either, but old-school cork out-fishes foam or Styrofoam bodies.  👍

Whatever you think old timer. 

[snagged in outlet 3]

1 hour ago, fishinwrench said:

I don't know either, but old-school cork out-fishes foam or Styrofoam bodies.  👍

 

51 minutes ago, Flysmallie said:

Whatever you think old timer. 

What’s the best topwater fly to catch smallies from now through September?   Popper?   Streamer?  Color?   I just want to break the ice.  

[fishinwrench]

1 hour ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

 

What’s the best topwater fly to catch smallies from now through September?   Popper?   Streamer?  Color?   I just want to break the ice.  

Here's my vote(s) .

 

 

[Flysmallie]

1 hour ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

 

What’s the best topwater fly to catch smallies from now through September?   Popper?   Streamer?  Color?   I just want to break the ice.  

Gurgler. Deaddrift it around stuff and skate it across the current in likely spots. 

[Flysmallie]

I jacked around and didn’t get the yellow divers done but I’m still locked and loaded for some green fish in the morning.

 

[tjm]

14 hours ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

 

What’s the best topwater fly to catch smallies from now through September?   Popper?   Streamer?  Color?   I just want to break the ice.  

In streams I like a simple white Gurgler, fished by just about any method. https://www.jackgartside.com/step_gurgler.htm

Second choice would be a basic Seaducer (Homer Rhode Tarpon streamer) often in all Grizzly or all white https://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/oldflies/part248.php    -  https://www.flyanglersonline.com/flytying/fotw/12497fotw.php

I use both in #4, #6, #8 and 2.5"-3.5"  on or just under the surface, with and without commotion. Floating #6 level line, 5-6' 12# leader.

I haven't tied a popper on in many years, but back when I tried them every week I never had much luck with them, didn't matter one bit what color or cork, wood or foam, none took more than  a rare sunfish. Size didn't matter with those things either, I still have some somewhere I think.

Perhaps I should mention that technically the fish  I take aren't actually SMB anymore, but rather "Neosho Bass", and in very clear water; in colored water I'd darken the flies up for  better contrast. 

[Gavin]

It’s a Gaines Sneaky Pete in Chartruese, size 2. Gaines is out of business, so I’m working on a few.