It’s no secret that popper fishing is one of the most exciting ways to fish. The popping and diving action of a popper can result in some explosive topwater strikes from bass, trout, and other gamefish. Popper fishing is a great way to catch fish, and with the right rod, you can make this type of fishing even more exciting. So, what is the best rod for popper fishing?
Best Rod For Popper Fishing Review
Are you looking for the best rod for popper fishing? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will share with you our top-rated rods for popper fishing. So, if you’re ready to catch some big fish, keep reading!
1# Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod
The new Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod is the perfect choice for anglers who demand the best in terms of performance and durability. Featuring Ugly Tech construction with a graphite and fibreglass blank, this rod is designed for increased sensitivity and strength. The Ugly Tuff Guides are designed for maximum line flow and reduced friction, while the one-piece stainless steel inserts provide added durability. The Ugly Stik Clear Tip delivers added power and sensitivity, making this one of the most versatile rods on the market.
2# Berkley Lightning Rod Spinning Rod
The Berkley Lightning Rod Spinning Rod is an all-purpose rod that is perfect for a variety of fishing applications. It is made from 24-ton multi-modulus graphite for exceptional strength and sensitivity and features stainless steel guides with aluminium oxide inserts for smoothness and durability. The double-locking reel seat ensures your reel stays in place, while the rubberized cork handle provides a comfortable grip. This rod is available in a variety of well-matched actions and lengths to suit your specific needs.
3# Abu Garcia Vendetta Casting Rod
Looking for a top-quality casting rod that won’t let you down? Look no further than the Abu Garcia Vendetta Casting Rod. This superb rod is constructed with IntraCarbon technology and a 30-ton graphite blank, meaning it’s built to last and perform at the highest level. It also features micro click reel seat hoods, high-density EVA grips, contour curve handles, stainless steel guides, zirconium inserts, and extreme exposure reel seats. In other words, it has everything you need to fish like a pro. So don’t settle for anything less – the Vendetta Casting Rod is the perfect choice for serious anglers.
4# Shimano Teramar Southeast Spinning Rod
If you’re looking to up your fishing game, the Shimano Teramar Southeast Spinning Rod is a great choice. This beautifully balanced rod is perfect for inshore fishing and is loaded with top-of-the-line features. The TC4 blank is extremely responsive, while the Fuji New Concept Hardloy guides provide smooth, consistent action. The Fuji reel seat and Grade A cork handles complete the high-quality design, making the Shimano Teramar Southeast Spinning Rod a great option for serious anglers.
5# St. Croix Premier Series Spinning Rod
When you pick up a St. Croix Premier Series Spinning Rod, you’ll instantly feel the difference. With advanced IPC Integrated Poly Curve technology, there are no “dead zones” in the blank for a uniformly crisp and clean cast every time. The action is finely tuned for an incredibly smooth experience. The rod is also fitted with genuine Fuji graphite reel seats and select-grade cork handles for supreme sensitivity and easy handling. Plus, they’re now even lighter and stronger than ever! You’ll appreciate the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into each and every St. Croix rod, made right here in the USA.
6# Cabela’s DepthMaster Trolling Rod
Check out the Cabela’s DepthMaster Trolling Rod. Made of durable graphite composite, it’s perfect for a variety of trolling applications. Stainless steel guides reduce line friction and stand up to corrosive environments, while EVA grips provide years of comfortable use. Choose from a variety of actions to suit your needs.
7# Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris CarbonLite 2.0 Casting Rod
Introducing you the Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris CarbonLite 2.0 Casting Rod. Featuring Carbon Coil Technology and an RT4 Graphite blank, this rod is designed for optimum performance and sensitivity. The built-in line ID system also makes it easy to keep track of your line, while the Fuji FaZlite guides are durable and provide smooth action. Plus, with Winn grips providing a comfortable non-slip grip, you’ll be able to fish all day long with ease. And if that’s not enough, this incredible rod also comes with an Extraordinary 10 Year Warranty – so you can be confident in its quality and performance.
8# Bass Pro Shops Micro Lite Glass Spinning Rod
The Bass Pro Shops Micro Lite Glass Spinning Rod is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, lightweight rod. Featuring bonded high-density tubular glass construction, this rod is designed for flexibility and strength, making it ideal for chasing panfish and trout. The smooth ceramic guides and comfortable cushioned cork handle provide a great experience while fishing, and the aluminium reel seats and hook keeper add durability and convenience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, the Bass Pro Shops Micro Lite Glass Spinning Rod is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a great day on the water.
9# Fenwick HMG Spinning Rod
Looking for a versatile spinning rod that can handle any fishing situation? Look no further than the Fenwick HMG Spinning Rod. This premium quality rod is built with high-end lightweight blank technology, making it tough enough to handle whatever you throw at it. Carbon bound spiral wrapping and Fuji guides with Alconite inserts add even more strength and durability, while the positive lock soft-touch reel ensures smooth operation. And for added comfort, the handle is made from premium grade cork. Whether you’re targeting largemouth bass or smallmouth trout, the Fenwick HMG Spinning Rod has the power and performance you need to catch fish after fish.
10# Berkley Lightning Rod Shock Casting Rod
The Berkley Lightning Rod Shock Casting Rod is designed specifically for the super line, making it the perfect choice for your next fishing trip. This rod features a shock-absorbing tip, stainless steel guides, and titanium oxide inserts, making it durable and long-lasting. The split-grip design and integrated reel seat make this rod comfortable to use, while the textured rubber handle provides a firm grip.
11# St. Croix Avid Series Spinning Rod
Check out the St. Croix Avid Series Spinning Rod. These rods are made with high-modulus SCIII graphite blanks and black-framed Fuji Alconite Concept guides for ultimate durability. Plus, they come with Fuji reel seats and select-grade cork handles for added comfort and leverage. Best of all, they’re backed by a manufacturer’s 15-year transferrable warranty. Made in the USA.
12# Bass Pro Shops Graphite Series Spinning Rod
The Bass Pro Shops Graphite Series Spinning Rod is a perfect choice for fishing. Featuring an RT1 graphite blank, stainless steel guides, aluminium oxide inserts, and a graphite reel seat, this workhorse of a rod is built to withstand hard use and still perform at its best. Full cork grips provide comfortable handling, even when wet. Whether you’re casting from the shore or trolling from a boat, the Bass Pro Shops Graphite Series Spinning Rod has the power and sensitivity to help you land the big one.
13# Berkley Lightning Rod Casting Rod
Introducing you the Berkley Lightning Rod Casting Rod. This quality rod is constructed from 24-ton multi-modulus graphite for strength and durability and features stainless steel guides with aluminium oxide inserts for smooth, trouble-free casting. The double-locking reel seat keeps your reel securely in place, while the rubberized cork handle provides a comfortable grip. Best of all, the Lightning Rod is available in a range of well-matched actions and lengths, so you can find the perfect setup for your needs.
14# Goture Travel Fishing Rod
Looking for a versatile, high-quality travel fishing rod that won’t break the bank? Look no further than the Goture Travel Fishing Rods 4Pcs set. These rods are designed with 30-ton carbon matrix construction for the perfect balance of sensitivity, strength and power. The reel seats are made of durable ABS material, and the EVA split grips provide all-day comfort. Additionally, the 4 piece rod design makes it easy to carry, either for air travelling or backpacking. Plus, the guides are spaced perfectly for virtually friction-free line flow and maximum casting performance. So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Goture Travel Fishing Rods 4Pcs set is a great choice for your next fishing
15# PENN Fishing Squadron III Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
The PENN Fishing Squadron III Surf Spinning Fishing Rod was engineered to be versatile and durable, while still being affordable. The graphite composite blank construction is built to last, and the PENN stainless steel Dura-Guides are virtually indestructible. The comfortable shrink tube and EVA grips offer a traditional style and feel, making this saltwater setup perfect for any fishing challenge.
16# Ugly Stik Tiger Elite Spinning Fishing Rod
If you prefer a versatile, durable, and sensitive fishing rod, the Ugly Stik Tiger Elite is perfect for you. With virtually indestructible blank construction and added graphite for increased sensitivity, this rod can handle anything you throw at it. The HT 100 carbon fibre drag washers provide smooth, consistent performance, while the 1-piece stainless steel Ugly Tuff guides eliminate insert pop-outs. Conventional reel seats with stainless steel cushioned hoods round out this versatile and durable package.
FAQ
Conclusion
When it comes to fishing for bass, popper fishing is one of the most exciting and adrenaline-pumping methods around. To capitalize on this type of fishing, you need the right gear. In this article, we’ve recommended some of the best rods for popper fishing so that you can make the most of your next outing. We hope that you find our buyer’s guide helpful and that you have a great time catching bass with poppers!
I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).
All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.
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As an angler who loves to fish for Giant Trevally (GT), I couldn’t agree more with this article about the importance of having the right popping rod to tackle these powerful fish. I’ve learned the hard way that using the wrong gear can result in broken rods, reels, and lines, and it can be a frustrating and expensive experience.
Their popping rods are designed specifically for throwing poppers on the water’s surface, and they are incredibly strong and capable of handling the aggressive nature of GT fish.
One of the things I appreciate about GT fishing rods is their parabolic blanks, which provide a similar bend throughout the entire length of the rod. This design allows for more torque transfer and can help wear out the fish instead of the angler. The length of the rod is also essential, with most GT rods ranging from 7.5 to 9 feet long. Choosing the right length depends on various factors, including where and how you’ll be fishing.
Offer GT rods with different ratings and features, such as purpose, max drag, max lure size, line poundage, weight, and length. I always make sure to evaluate these characteristics carefully before making a purchase, and their knowledgeable staff is always ready to help me compare different options and find the perfect gear for my needs.
As an experienced angler who has fished for Giant Trevally many times, I can attest to the importance of having a GT rod with a long butt section. GTs are incredibly powerful and can put up quite a fight, which can be exhausting for anglers. The longer butt section allows you to use your upper body while fighting the fish, which helps combat fatigue and gives you more control when transitioning out of your fighting belt.
When shopping for GT popping rods online, I always turn to top brands like Daiwa, Penn, and Shimano. These brands offer some of the best GT fishing gear for sale on the market, with a range of models and characteristics to choose from. I particularly appreciate the variety of options available, such as construction material, length, line strength, and lure cast weight.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned GT angler, there are GT rods available at various price points. You can find affordable entry-level options or premium models that offer supreme performance to meet the needs of serious anglers. Plus, with ZIP PAY, you can purchase the GT rod you want now and pay for it later, interest-free.
I can tell you that a popper fishing rod is a type of rod designed specifically for throwing poppers on the water’s surface. These rods are built to be strong and durable, able to withstand the aggressive strikes of fish like Giant Trevally (GT).
Popping rods typically feature lighter, parabolic blanks, which means that the bend of the rod is similar throughout the entire length. This design allows for more torque transfer, which helps wear out the fish instead of the angler. They also usually come with Fuji guides and other premium brand guides, ultra-tough EVA grips, and are often paired with spinning gear.
One of the most important features of a popper fishing rod is its length. Most GT rods range from 7.5 feet to 9 feet, with longer rods typically providing more casting distance and leverage when fighting fish. However, the ideal length depends on your specific fishing circumstances, so it’s important to carefully evaluate your needs before choosing a popper rod.
Another important factor to consider when selecting a popper rod is the rating and features. These can include max drag, max lure size, line poundage, weight, and length, among other characteristics. It’s essential to choose a rod that is suitable for the fish you’ll be targeting and the conditions you’ll be fishing in.
In conclusion, a popper fishing rod is an essential tool for any angler looking to target fish on the water’s surface. With its specific design and features, it’s the best choice for throwing poppers and other surface lures. By carefully selecting a high-quality popper rod from top brands, anglers can increase their chances of success and enjoy a more rewarding fishing experience.
As an angler who enjoys fishing in the inlets of my local lake, I’ve been experimenting with a specific topwater lure that is incredibly light. It’s so light that it feels like I’m casting out just a hook! While it’s great for catching small bass, I’ve been thinking about upgrading to a bigger one soon. However, I’m not entirely convinced that a bigger lure would be much better, given how light my current one is.
That said, I do believe that the right line and reel combo can make a huge difference in how far you can cast a lure, even if it’s light. I’ve been using a Hula Popper with a 10lb braid on a light spinning reel and an 8lb fluorocarbon leader, and it’s been able to cast a lighter lure a decent distance.
Bass are known for their greediness, and they don’t necessarily need the lure to fully fit in their mouth to strike at it. While a heavier lure may be more suitable for some situations, I’ve found that with the right gear and technique, even a lightweight topwater lure can be effective. So, whether you prefer to use light or heavy lures, always remember to match your gear to your target species and fishing conditions to maximize your chances of success on the water.
It’s not ideal, but it works for me. I own a 7’4″ Mag Heavy because I primarily use it for C-rig throwing with 3/4oz weights. However, I also use it for frogs and punching grass. Additionally, I have a Champ Extreme H that I can move the reel to as well. I usually keep fluorocarbon on the H rod since I use it for swim bait and T-rig.
For lighter weights, such as wacky rigs, I have a 7’4″ M/H Extreme. The only M power rod I own is a Dobyns Champ spinning rod that I use for drop shots and other finesse techniques. I might fish one power more than I need, but I often fish in heavy grass, so when pulling out a 5-8lb bass out of the gunk, I prefer to have some power behind it.
Fortunately, I have access to a great lake where I can catch a 5lb bass almost every trip. My fishing partner even landed a DD out of it last fall! I buy Dobyns rods because they are reliable with an excellent warranty, and I tend to break my gear quite often. Although MegaBass makes great rods, their warranty isn’t transferable, and I usually buy used rods at half the price of new ones.
I’m always on the lookout for the best top-water rod that I can afford. While some may opt for the expensive boutique Carpenter or Ripple Fisher rods, my budget doesn’t allow for such luxuries. Plus, I know my limits and need a rod that’s not too long or grunty, so I can battle fish without exhausting myself.
After some searching, I came across the Shimano Ocea Plugger. Despite being rated for a maximum of just PE6 (60lb/27kg) braid, the company representative assured me that it could handle heavier lines without breaking. Skeptical as I was, I decided to give it a try.
To my surprise, the rod performed beyond my expectations. I’ve used it to catch giant trevally and kingfish, and it hasn’t failed me yet. I credit this to my improving fighting technique, which involves a smooth and steady pump and wind, as well as keeping the rod tip at a low angle. The tip section is forgiving enough to avoid panicking the fish, yet firm enough to effortlessly cast poppers and stick-baits.
I particularly love the versatility of this rod, as it can handle both poppers and stick-baits with ease. It’s not too powerful that stick-baits are wrenched from the water, but it’s powerful enough to create watery explosions with poppers. Overall, I highly recommend the Shimano Ocea Plugger to any angler looking for a reliable and versatile top-water rod.
I completely agree that there’s nothing quite like the excitement of popper fishing. The ability to choose exactly where to cast your lure and see the fish’s reactions to it is simply thrilling. The heart-stopping moment when a big predator charges at your popper and engulfs it is something that every angler lives for.
Of course, the real challenge comes when it’s time to actually reel the fish in. Kingfish is the most common target for popper fishing here in New Zealand, and they put up a real fight. Kahawai is also a frequent by-catch, and further out you might get lucky and hook a yellowfin tuna or mahimahi. For those who are really up for a challenge, striped marlin can also be caught using poppers, but you’ll need some customized gear and a lot of luck to make it happen.
While popper fishing is great here in New Zealand, it’s in the tropics that it really shines. The variety of impressive species that can be caught using poppers is amazing, and I never go on a fishing trip without a rigged popper outfit. When we’re specifically targeting fish with poppers, it’s like being in heaven.
I completely relate to how your fishing tackle collection can change over time as your fishing style evolves. For me, it’s been all about the lure-fishing gear lately, especially when it comes to top-water fishing. There’s just something so visually exciting and rewarding about popper fishing, and I want to keep doing it for as long as I can!
Of course, using the right gear is key to successfully hooking, fighting, and landing big fish. When it comes to the powerful kingfish in American waters, it’s definitely a case of “might is right.” You don’t want to risk losing a fish due to using too light of a setup. It’s important to have the right tools for the job to ensure a successful and ethical catch.