How to Rig a Popping Cork for Hybrids

Set up a popper rig for catching hybrids.

Hybrid bass are most commonly known for their strength and tremendous fighting ability when hooked. A favorite among many game fish anglers, Hybrid bass are bred in hatcheries and cannot reproduce in the wild. One popular lure rig used to attract hybrids is the popper rig. This rig provides a topwater popping sound as may be produced by top water feeding fish that may attract fish. Trailing the popper in the water is the bait ready to be taken by curious hybrids.

Things You'll Need

• 7 foot medium heavy rod with matched reel
• 8 to 10 pound test monofilament line
• Bead (plastic)
• Popper cork float
• 3/0 EWG (extra wide gap) hook
• Swim bait

Instructions

1. Slide a plastic bead onto the end of your monofilament fishing line. Position the bead at a point where the float should stop and suspend the bait at a determined level beneath the water. The position of the bead will depend on the depth of the water and will vary based on each situation. Tie the bead in place with the monofilament fishing line. Secure the bead by threading the line through the hole in the bead two times followed by a simple overhand knot. Tie the overhand knot by forming a loop and feeding the free end of the line through the loop and pull tight.

2. Slide a popper float onto the line with the concave end pointing up the line. Do not tie the float in place as it should be able to slide up and down the line during casting.

3. Attach a 3/0 extra wide gap hook to the end of the line with an improved clinch knot. (See Resources.) Moisten the knot before pulling tight and cut excess line.

4. Place a soft plastic swim bait or small bait fish on the hook. Rig soft plastic baits as if it were a Texas rig so that they are weedless. (See Resources.)

5. Cast the popper rig to water that is no more than 6 feet deep. Allow the bait to drop below the popper and then pull the popper sharply through the water to achieve a popping sound. Let the popper sit motionless for a few seconds and repeat.

Tips & Warnings

• If a weight is needed or desired, consider using a crimp on split shot several inches above the nose of the bait.

References

• Oklahoma Game & Fish: Heating It Up With Hybrids

Resources

• Minnesota Fly Fishing: The Improved Clinch Knot
• Bass Fishing USA: How to Rig Up Texas and Carolina Rigs