Favorite Popper - Back Bay

[fullcourse]

What's an all around good plug for poppin around the sod banks
in a the back bays and channels. Also ... what catch would we be trying to match this time of year??

[Flynn-S.]

I use the Smack-It Jr.'s. From a boat, I seem to have more success when I get right on top of the sods and throw parallel to them, as opposed to casting from a short distance and popping back away from the sods (towards the boat).
Good question about what we are trying to match as this technique works well early in the season when there are not many baitfish around.
Good luck!

[Brian E. Mullaney]

I like the Stillwater Smack its Juniors - 4" 3/4 ounce - good imitation for peanuts and other small forage.

http://fishermansheadquarters.com/images/Lures/Stillwater/SmackIt_HaloPearl.jpg

[Fly Ty R]

I don't think you're matching anything early in the season. IMO it's more of an aggrivation strike than anything, just like with LMB's.

[striper13]

I only use Smack- It Jr.'s, but in a variety of colors. I think the most overall productive one for me is the gray and white. Seems to work well in clean water as well as murky and low light as well as sunny.

[fullcourse]

Thanks Flynn-s for the tip about casting parallel to the bank I sure will give it a try. There certainly isn't much bait around that is why I asked about match. Just now starting to see some real small peanuts around. Also, which tide is favored. Top of outgoing has been most productive for me. Thanks guys.

[Flynn-S.]

As long as there is water against the grass I can do pretty well. When the water is low and the mud is exposed (and the fish are not in an ambush position), I get far fewer strikes. It's to the point now when I don't pop the sodbanks at low tide.
Conventional wisdom would say anytime the water is moving, however I think Bucktail Willie just said he is having success at slack tide.
Most guys like dawn and dusk.

[KeysKid]

Another vote for smack-it's.
Mirro-lure also makes some awesome topwater popper and spooks.

[CapeMayRay]

Smack-it's gets my vote here two. Had close to 20 bass tonight, two people fishing, up to close to 24 inches. Were using the mullet colored ones. Action died as the moon got bright. There was lots of 1 inch bait around. Think they just wanted something bigger.

[zar2754]

i got the attatched picture on a SMACK IT JR... from a kayak...
This particular fish was taken on a gold and white with a white trail feather on the rear treble hook.

mark another one up for smack it jr's

[zar2754]

I don't think you're matching anything early in the season. IMO it's more of an aggrivation strike than anything, just like with LMB's.

i agree with you to some extent, however, i have had multiple strikes while my lure was stationary (i.e. just entered the water upon cast ) ... i also have had a fish hit my popper while i trying to untangle reel....
makess you wonderr

[longshanks]

I'm a fan of the Mirro Top Pup. It's not really a popper but a real nice surface walker...Anyway I better get to the store before they sell out of Smack-Its:D and give that a try.

[schuylkill fisherman]

another vote for the smack it popper... the noise they make is awesome!

[always fishing]

I think you guys are on to something!:D

[fullcourse]

Found the Smack Its, so I am going to give them them a try tonight. Thanks for your posts. I'll let you know how they work.;)

[moonanight]

these guys for backbay ..habs little necks

[striper2278]

Bob Marley SMACK IT Jr:cool:

[Bill Couch]

As far as poppers go I like the Smack it the best, but I've caught 5 bass on 5 casts with a spook. Never done that with my poppers.;)

http://images1.snapfish.com/347596%3A%3B4%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3254%3E2%3B9%3E935%3E WSNRCG%3D32339373346%3B4nu0mrj

[NJAngler Bill]

SMACK IT! It floats at rest, which is key.

However, a Cotton Cordell Redfin, though not a popper, is my first choice on very calm nights.

[longshanks]

Bill, that's a sweet set-up...Black Smack-It with a Chartruese Mountain Dew teaser!!:D:D

[Bill Couch]

Shanks that's not a teaser it is what the Smack Its get soaked in! They like it as much as I do.:)

[Fly Ty R]

i agree with you to some extent, however, i have had multiple strikes while my lure was stationary (i.e. just entered the water upon cast ) ... i also have had a fish hit my popper while i trying to untangle reel....
makess you wonderr

I never said the popper had to be moving to be aggrivating... ;) I've caught lots of bass on stationary poppers and plugs. I think it's more of a "You're in my space" strike than an "I'm hungry" strike. The plop down into their cone of vision is enough to aggrivate them. Bass pretty much all have the same temperment, fresh and saltwater.

[striper13]

Bob Marley SMACK IT Jr:cool:
Speaking of the Bob Marley smack-it, a bass took off with mine stuck to his lip this morning due to a Sh!ty knot I tied:mad: Guess I'll have to buy another one:rolleyes:

[zar2754]

I never said the popper had to be moving to be aggrivating... ;) I've caught lots of bass on stationary poppers and plugs. I think it's more of a "You're in my space" strike than an "I'm hungry" strike. The plop down into their cone of vision is enough to aggrivate them. Bass pretty much all have the same temperment, fresh and saltwater.


i absolutely agree...solid points...

maybe we should suggest striper anger management:rolleyes:

[RuddeDogg]

Yo-zuri Hydro Tigers and Knuckle Heads.

[Land Locked]

I've used the Yozuri Mag Popper and a Gibbs popper until I read this post. So I went out and bought a few. The Smack It Jr. out fished those other poppers. I've caught more fish and because of its small size improved hook up ratio.
The Smack IT Jr. is my new go to popper!

[always fishing]

Hydro Tiger has landed me my biggest bass. Smack-it, the most bass. But it's this new lure I've been using that has to be my new favorite! Working on some pics now... I'll keep everyone posted............;)

[zar2754]

uhhttt ohh....secerete weapon????!

[DeadPhish]

I use a Gibbs 1oz Polaris Popper. Every night around sunset i go out on a sidebank and just about always catch 1-2 bass. Sometimes they are even keepers.

[NJ Joe]

What color combination is the "Bob Marley" Smack-It lure?

[capt. ed]

I've been using the Smack-it poppers for a couple years now and vastly prefer them over other topwater lures. Deep loud rattle, nice profile in the water at rest, cast a mile, solid construction, and so on. I still have a selection of Knuckleheads, Lonely Anglers, etc., but don't find the need to use them much.

[fishanuk]

I have used the storm poppers just at sunset along the westside banks of backwater flats. They can be deadly. Used to use frog pattern, they are hard to find. Now use gold or silver with black back. When conditions are right the bass explode on this lure!:D

[hipkvw]

I've been using the Smack-it poppers for a couple years now and vastly prefer them over other topwater lures. Deep loud rattle, nice profile in the water at rest, cast a mile, solid construction, and so on. I still have a selection of Knuckleheads, Lonely Anglers, etc., but don't find the need to use them much.

Ditto.....I also like Mirro Lure Top Dogs and Top Dog Jr.s

[JerseyBrian]

WOW! I'm definitely going to have to try these Smack-it Jrs! I never heard of them until I read this post today! What colors do you guys suggest? So far, I've heard people use the smokey joe and black patterns - I think I also saw a pic of the holographic pearl?

Striper13 - do you use the holographic smokey joe pattern?

My favorite popper has been a Freshwater Rapala Skitter Pop in Silver/Blue with the hooks changed out for saltwater hooks (for the size 7, the size 9 already has stainless steel hooks). The Storm Chug Bug in Phantom Chartreuse Pattern has also worked well for me along the sod banks. It caught my first striper and bluefish :)

For right under the surface, the Mirrolure Wide Body Catch 5 Suspending lure (25MR) in the Green back, White Belly and Silver holographic sides is my fav. It helped me hook a 8-10 lb Bluefish in the BACK BAY of Absecon.

Thanks for all the info guys!

Brian

[Fly fish]

Jersey Brian,
I have had incredible success with bule over white and green over yellow(I am assuming it's the Bob Marley) Smack it's. There are a couple of sizes available, but the 4-5" seems the most productive for me(not exactly sure what size it is). It causes a ton of comotion and the bass kill it. By far the most noise and water thrown out of any other poppers I have tried. I cast them out of my kayak at sun down to the edges of sod/grass banks (high tide is best) and have never been dissapointed. I very rarely have the Smack It pull under water. 9 out of 10 times it throws a huge amount of water which pisses bass off and causes them to strike. I have no need for any other popper than the Smack it and Smack it Jr.
You will not regret the purchase.:)

[JerseyBrian]

Jersey Brian,
I have had incredible success with bule over white and green over yellow(I am assuming it's the Bob Marley) Smack it's. There are a couple of sizes available, but the 4-5" seems the most productive for me(not exactly sure what size it is). It causes a ton of comotion and the bass kill it. By far the most noise and water thrown out of any other poppers I have tried. I cast them out of my kayak at sun down to the edges of sod/grass banks (high tide is best) and have never been dissapointed. I very rarely have the Smack It pull under water. 9 out of 10 times it throws a huge amount of water which pisses bass off and causes them to strike. I have no need for any other popper than the Smack it and Smack it Jr.
You will not regret the purchase.:)

Great post! Thanks for the review buddy! I found the Smack-It Jrs. at Fishermansheadquarters.com but they don't have the Bob Marley Pattern. I can't find it online anywhere :( Anyone know where I can order it online? I just might have to buy every Smack-It Jr. I find! haha

I'm gonna try and get out during Labor Day weekend and hopefully try these bad boys out!

Thanks again!

Brian

[rockdoc]

I agree with the opinions on the Smack-it poppers...cast well, throw alot of water, have a great rattle, and are very durable...They look great too--- asthetically pleasing to us humans, and also a color combo to match the hatch and just about any condition.....HOWEVER----in terms of drawing more strikes with a topwater plug (esp in the back bays), the Storm Chug Bug has been my top producer....It may not look as nice as the Smack-its, but it certainly does the job.....casts a mile; can even use the larger ones out front. The amount of rattle is unbeatable, and best of all they're very reasonably priced.............Mike

[JerseyBrian]

I agree with the opinions on the Smack-it poppers...cast well, throw alot of water, have a great rattle, and are very durable...They look great too--- asthetically pleasing to us humans, and also a color combo to match the hatch and just about any condition.....HOWEVER----in terms of drawing more strikes with a topwater plug (esp in the back bays), the Storm Chug Bug has been my top producer....It may not look as nice as the Smack-its, but it certainly does the job.....casts a mile; can even use the larger ones out front. The amount of rattle is unbeatable, and best of all they're very reasonably priced.............Mike

What Chug Bug pattern would you recommend? I was gonna pick up one 3 and 1/2 inch (3/8 oz) in the Phantom Chartreuse color.

Thanks in advance!

Brian

[schuylkill fisherman]

In my experience with poppers, color doesnt matter. If its a smack-it, it'll catch fish.

[NIGHTSTRIKES]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid181/p116ad40945a264d52083dcee4444e85c/f2df87d8.jpg

Front Row From The The Left ~Plugs #2,3 & 4

ReHead,Weakfish & Blue/Orange Chrome..

The Red/Head has just been a awesome fish catching lure over the years.
I actually had a Bass jump out of the water after it as I was sitting on a bulkhead and dangling it above the water. - "True Story" :D

[rockdoc]

As was said above, color doesn't seem to matter.....don't know the manufacturer's color scheme names off the top of my head, but have been partial to the black or blue over silver (mullet pattern?).....Have been thinking about putting a coat of black paint on one for nighttime use......Mike

[Steve-o]

The smack-it jr's are my first choice for a popper. The small and medium storm poppers also work good. The knuckle head chuggers are good on choppy nights too.

[Fishenough]

The blue/orange chrome is my fav chug bug. Have done well with it and have had it for a long time.

[baitball221]

For me, the Black Smack It Jr. has worked very well.I like catching bluefish of any size, but when there is and aboundence of bait it is hard for the fish to pick yours out of the crowd, and for me thats where the smack it thrives.Also in the evenings into night i have caught stripers of the sod banks on the smack it, which makes the smack it my favorite back bay popper......:cool: