One of My Favorite Virginia Smallmouth Flies: The Bass Popper

Hello, anglers! I'm Jeremy Cunningham, and today I want to share with you one of my absolute favorite flies for fly fishing: the bass popper. Whether you're a seasoned fly fisher or just starting out, this versatile and exciting fly is sure to add a new dimension to your fishing adventures. Let me tell you why the bass popper is one of my go-to flies and how you can use it to target bass in Virginia effectively.

What Is a Bass Popper?

A bass popper is a type of topwater fly designed to imitate small prey such as frogs, insects, or even small fish. The fly features a foam or cork head that creates a "popping" sound when it hits the water's surface. This noise mimics the splashing and movement of natural prey, attracting the attention of bass and other predatory fish.

Why I Love the Bass Popper

There are several reasons why the bass popper is one of my favorite flies:

1. Exciting Topwater Action

There's nothing quite like the thrill of watching a bass explode on a popper fly. The visual and auditory experience of topwater fishing is unmatched, and the strikes can be heart-stoppingly exciting.

2. Versatility

Bass poppers come in a variety of colors, sizes, and designs, allowing you to match the hatch or experiment with different patterns to find what works best. You can target not only bass but also other species such as panfish and even some saltwater fish.

3. Ease of Use

Bass poppers are relatively easy to use and are a great option for beginners. The simple casting and retrieval techniques make them accessible to anglers of all skill levels.

4. Effective in Various Conditions

Whether you're fishing in a calm pond, a flowing river, or a weedy lake, bass poppers can be effective in a range of water conditions. They work well in both open water and near cover.

Tips for Using Bass Poppers

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your bass popper fishing:

1. Retrieve Techniques

Experiment with different retrieval techniques, such as slow pops, fast pops, or even pausing the fly between pops. Find the rhythm that works best for the fish in your area.

2. Target Structure and Cover

Bass love to hide near structures such as submerged logs, rocks, or vegetation. Cast your popper near these areas to increase your chances of a strike.

3. Match the Hatch

Observe the natural prey in the area and choose a popper that closely resembles it in color and size. Matching the hatch can lead to more successful outings.

4. Be Patient

Topwater fishing can sometimes require patience. Give the fish time to respond to your popper, and don't be afraid to try different patterns or retrieval speeds.

The bass popper is a versatile and exciting fly that offers anglers the opportunity to enjoy thrilling topwater action while targeting a variety of fish species. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fly fishing, give the bass popper a try on your next outing—I think you'll find it as rewarding as I do!

Tight lines, Jeremy Cunningham