QuietJourney Forums - Topwater poppers in the Spring

May 25^th, 2026 at 3:17pm (UTC)

QuietJourney Forums › Boundary Waters / Quetico Discussion Forums › Fishing Tips for the BWCA and Quetico › Topwater poppers in the Spring

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Topwater poppers in the Spring (Read 12394 times)

zski Inukshuk Offline Posts: 447 Location: IL Joined: Sep 30^th, 2010	Re: Topwater poppers in the Spring Reply #10 - Apr 5^th, 2016 at 2:34pm	Quote Print Post
	Like Jax, i've got a heddon tiny torpedo and an ancient smithwick devils horse. Between the two of them they probably get fished and average of 5 min/yr. Also have a little heddon tiny lucky 13 that i've had from a yout. not a true topwater but close. that thing was productive back in the 70's (grade school). it's coming out of retirement this year. Between the BWJ article, this thread, and a friend that can't stop taking about all the topwater action he had last year, I will probably also pick up a Pop-R and focus more on the surface.


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HighnDry Inukshuk Offline Posts: 1056 Location: Minneapolis Joined: Apr 29^th, 2013	Re: Topwater poppers in the Spring Reply #11 - Apr 5^th, 2016 at 9:18pm	Quote Print Post
	I have the same affliction. I have usually given SM a pass but this year they may get more attention. I went to Stu's presentation at Copia and it's always entertaining to see his copious collection of planos (I counted 15) for his guided trips. He admits that he doesn't pack light when it comes to tackle. His articles are always a good read where they pertain to the Grand Slam fishing. I approach these with the perspective that I can't afford nor do I want to pick up all of the lures he suggests. However it's fun to ponder the possibilities and then mix and match color, sizes and types to go with your own fishing approach to any species. If I find an Excalibur Z pop on sale I might pick it up but Super Pop Rs and Skitter pops are more likely to be in my price range. I'm looking at 6'6" 2 pc. graphite rods but haven't seen a Compre-60M2B anywhere (although that one is a 6ft-er). Anyone have suggestions on a good graphite medium-fast at 6'6" that doesn't break the bank?


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chaga Inukshuk Offline Posts: 339 Location: S/W Pennsylvania Joined: Sep 9^th, 2003	Re: Topwater poppers in the Spring Reply #12 - Apr 5^th, 2016 at 9:25pm	Quote Print Post
	I have carried a couple top water lures in the past but always seem to go to the floating Rapala. Pretty versatile and it can be worked so many ways. Have had some very memorable times 'twitching Rapalas'.


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HighnDry Inukshuk Offline Posts: 1056 Location: Minneapolis Joined: Apr 29^th, 2013	Re: Topwater poppers in the Spring Reply #13 - Apr 5^th, 2016 at 9:59pm	Quote Print Post
	chaga wrote on Apr 5^th, 2016 at 9:25pm: I have carried a couple top water lures in the past but always seem to go to the floating Rapala. Pretty versatile and it can be worked so many ways. Have had some very memorable times 'twitching Rapalas'. Good point! I use these as well. I also fish these that I make to break up the monotony of using only say, the poppers: (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links)


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solotripper Inukshuk Offline Posts: 8105 Location: clarkston MI Joined: Mar 14^th, 2005	Re: Topwater poppers in the Spring Reply #14 - Apr 5^th, 2016 at 10:02pm	Quote Print Post
	Quote: I'm looking at 6'6" 2 pc. graphite rods but haven't seen a Compre-60M2B anywhere (although that one is a 6ft-er). Anyone have suggestions on a good graphite medium-fast at 6'6" that doesn't break the bank? I know they're not considered as prime rods by the really serious fishermen, BUT I have one of these Elite rods but it's a 7 ft one. I think for the money it's more than a decent rod and with braid line it's a sensitive as I AM (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links)


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TomT Inukshuk Offline Posts: 1052 Location: Chicago Burbs Joined: Aug 26^th, 2007	Re: Topwater poppers in the Spring Reply #15 - Apr 6^th, 2016 at 11:58am	Quote Print Post
	Stu's reason for two piece rods is he's afraid of snagging them on the trail and he likes the shorter case. I've never gone this route and bring two one piece 7' rods. On travel days they get put in a cordura rod sleeve that goes under the gunwale. I like 7 footers for their leverage when low in a canoe. I use St. Croix.


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solotripper Inukshuk Offline Posts: 8105 Location: clarkston MI Joined: Mar 14^th, 2005	Re: Topwater poppers in the Spring Reply #16 - Apr 6^th, 2016 at 12:31pm	Quote Print Post
	Quote: I've never gone this route and bring two one piece 7' rods. I have 2- 7 ft rods, one is a one piece which is my dedicated trolling rod and the other the 2-piece is my walleye/SM/LT when I casting from canoe or shore. If you set your canoe up for them and carry them with the canoe, I don't think it's any more inconvenient than a case which people have been known to leave on portages. That 7 ft is nice as you say for the leverage.


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TomT Inukshuk Offline Posts: 1052 Location: Chicago Burbs Joined: Aug 26^th, 2007	Re: Topwater poppers in the Spring Reply #17 - Apr 7^th, 2016 at 3:02am	Quote Print Post
	Stu also mentions his switch to braided line. I bought some for the first time in 2015 and I love it. It is a lot more money but it has a lot of good stuff going for it. I'd hate to lose a large fish to frayed mono that broke.


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jaximus Senior Member Offline Posts: 343 Location: wisconsin Joined: May 12^th, 2010	Re: Topwater poppers in the Spring Reply #18 - Apr 7^th, 2016 at 5:22am	Quote Print Post
	as far as i know, gander mountain labled rods are still built on fenwick blanks. i have a large collection of gander brand rods as well as st croix and fenwick. based on my setups, most of my topwater fishing is done on my baitcaster which is a 6'6" gander 'vortex' rod ($19.99 on sale quite often and VERY much worth it) with sufix 832 braid. (832, IMO is thr best braid and ive used/use them all) the gander vortex rods are currently on sale now. the baitcaster version is 6'6" medium heavy action with a fast tip, one piece. great crank/spinnerbait rod. (i like a bit longer for trolling) the spinning version is 6'6" medium action fast tip, again one piece. great jigging rod and excellent for live bait and slip floats (not in the Q!) i own and love BOTH versions. as for carrying them on portages, i have golf club tubes (thin walled plastic pipes) built into brackets made of cedar that have velcro on them. they weigh only ounces. they velcro inside my canoe and hold the rods inside. they act as a holster of sorts. i find taking my 2 piece rods apart for portaging a hastle, so if you own a canoe and dont mind sticking a little velcro on the inside of the hull, i would use 1 piece rods. leftover velcro can be used to secure your plano trays to the front and rear deck lids as well


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TomT Inukshuk Offline Posts: 1052 Location: Chicago Burbs Joined: Aug 26^th, 2007	Re: Topwater poppers in the Spring Reply #19 - Apr 7^th, 2016 at 11:15am	Quote Print Post
	Jax, I'm curious about that rod holster set up you have. If you get a chance can you snap a pic? And agree about 2 piece rods. I feel like an amateur with them. I may BE an amateur but I don't have to FEEL like one! BTW, Stu don't do no baitcaster either. I bought a baitcaster specifically for the BW but found I suck with them. After the 3rd backlash it got put away forever. I wasn't very accurate either and not about to be frustrated learning when a spinning reel is just fine.


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