How to Make Poppers For Fly Hooks

A popper fly is a solid option for bass, as the popper dips and "pops" over and then onto the water surface. The fly is a combination of the marabou and heckle feathers and the popper head. The popper head is typically made of foam or cork, and has a set of "eyes" glued onto the head. Preparing the popper head is done using a basic formula that is modified for your water and fishing area. Change the color, size or eyes for your popper head.

Things You'll Need

  • Foam popper heads
  • Spray paint for fishing fly
  • Fly vise
  • Fly hook -- size of your choice or needs
  • Glue
  • Eyes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Grip the fly hook in the vise. Move the shank up the vise jaws so the majority of the shank is exposed.

    • 2

      Push the foam popper head blank onto the exposed end of the shank all the way down, so the eye hook on the fly hook is out the end of the popper head.

    • 3

      Spray paint the head to your color preference. As a general rule, you need to pass it past the spray nozzle quickly only once or twice to get it properly coated in the paint. Let the paint dry.

    • 4

      Add glue to the back of the eyes and place them onto the foam popper head along the sides (one eye on each side to mimic a small fish). Let the glue dry.