Popper
Topwater — cupped-face popper
The popper has a cupped face that spits and pops when twitched, letting you tease one spot with subtle surface commotion. It excels on calm Central Texas mornings, around cover, and for schooling fish that want a slow surface bait.
Why: Spit, pause, get bit.
Evidence: Verified knowledge from Bryan Cotter, 26+ years guiding all 16 Central Texas lakes.
Related: Popper · All bass lures
Verified Answered by Bryan Cotter, Texas Hawgs guide · Updated Jul 12, 2026
Why it works
A subtle, in-place spit imitates feeding activity and tempts fish that won't chase a faster topwater.
Brands that make this style: Berkley Bullet Pop sponsor, Rebel Pop-R, Strike King KVD Splash
As an Amazon Associate, Texas Hawgs earns from qualifying purchases. Brands marked sponsor are companies Bryan proudly represents — see the sponsors page.
Popper at a glance
- Family
- Topwater
- Sizes
- 2.5-3 in
- Weights
- 1/4-3/8 oz
- Water temp
- 60-88°F
- Skill level
- ●●○○○
- Bryan's confidence
- ●●●○○
Catches: Largemouth Bass, Guadalupe Bass, White Bass
When to throw it
Best seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
Best conditions: Calm / Slick Conditions, Cloud Cover
Where to throw it
Depth: 0-2 ft; cover: Open, Wood, Grass; structure: Points, Laydowns, Bait Schools.
How to fish it
Rig it with: Popper.
Retrieve: Twitch-pause cadence to spit and sit; longer pauses on calm, pressured water.
Color selection
By water clarity — Clear: bone, shad · Stained: chartreuse, white
By forage — Shad: shad, bone
Common mistakes
- Working it too fast
- Not pausing long enough
- Setting on the splash
Pro tips
- A feathered rear treble adds draw on the pause
- Let the pause do the work in calm conditions
Keep exploring
All bass lures · Popper · All techniques · Central Texas bass fishing guide
Want to catch 'em on a Popper? All tackle is provided on a guided trip. See rates and book or call 512-762-0190.