How to Paint Bass Popper Flies
Bass poppers are floating flies that imitate frogs on the surface. There are also smaller versions made for panfish, like bluegill. The buoyant foam or balsa wood body makes it float, and the dished face of the fly makes a loud popping noise when it is pulled through the water. Poppers can be painted in a variety of colors, from natural frog patterns, to bright primary colors. They are one of the easiest types of flies to create. You can buy pre-formed bodies, or make your own by carving them from balsa wood or styrofoam blocks.
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Things You'll Need
- Fly vise
- Hook
- Thread
- Balsa or foam body
- Epoxy
- Small paintbrush
- Nail polish or model paint
Instructions
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1
Place a hook in a fly vise and attach the popper's body with a few tight wraps of fly-tying thread. The thread will be covered by the paint, so the color does not matter.
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2
Mix up some liquid epoxy according to the manufacturer's instructions. Quick-drying epoxy is best, but you don't want to use one that sets up so fast you don't have time to paint. Five- to 15-minute epoxy works well.
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3
Brush the epoxy onto the body of the popper using a small paintbrush, getting an even coat. Wait for the epoxy to begin to harden. You want it at the point where it is still tacky.
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4
Brush your chosen colors onto the popper. Let the paint dry overnight before adding decorations or a second coat.
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5
Add eyes or spots by dipping a large nail or the pointy end of a paint brush into the paint, then applying it to the popper.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are going for a two-tone color pattern, paint the entire body in the lighter color and wait for it to dry, then add the darker color.
