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Topwater Caranx Ignobilis: Giant Trevally (GT) => Tackle & Techniques => Topic started by: Brandon Khoo on February 15, 2009, 12:41:56 PM

Title: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Brandon Khoo on February 15, 2009, 12:41:56 PM
updated on 22 April 2012

I regularly get contacted by people seeking recommendations for poppers so I have again decided that perhaps I'll simply start a thread on it with some of my views and we can go from there. It's easier than typing the same e-mail over and over again!

In a nutshell, poppers are available at prices ranging from bargain basement to absolutely scary. At the cheapest end are unmentionables which I do not recommend to the top end where the lures. Some of these lures used to pretty much unobtainable but in the past few years, have become significantly easier to obtain although there are still models that are extremely difficult to get hold of. At this end, I'm not just referring to lures like Carpenters but limited edition pieces which we will rarely see. These generally tend to be very limited lures made of materials like abalone shell. Some of you may have seen Craftbaits abalone shell GT2 but you see the odd very limited offering from Carpenter in this material as well. The most amazing one I have seen is a Shell Shaping lures using mother of pearl shell. On the other hand, Carpenter went down the other end and produced a limited edition Sea Frog which was in natural colours (not painted).

The most collectible of the Hammerheads is done in a watermelon colour scheme but this is much more available these days.

(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/berniek/IMG_0110.jpg)
Limited edition Shell Shaping Lure Glans, Carpenter Sea Frog and Craftbait GT2

There is a general assumption that you get what you pay for. I suppose my opinion on this is that while there is some semblance of fact to this, it is not a rule that should be followed by any stretch of the imagination where GT lures are concerned. I have seen very expensive poppers and stickbaits which don't swim and I have also seen very expensive lures where the construction of the lure has been severely compromised by one fish. I'm not convinced that some of these lures have ever been tested! That said, the best of the premium poppers are truly at the top end of the industry and have earnt the reputations they have.

We get a number of poppers in Australia in some of the tackle chains which are being priced at silly levels for a very poor product. Some of these tackle chains carry poppers which I am sure they have not tested and I feel sorry for anyone who has paid the $60 to $80 being demanded for a particular wooden popper (they're everywhere in shops) when I've seen these in Singapore and Thailand for 1/3 the price. They look well finished but the finish gets scratched off by the hooks and before you know it, the lure is waterlogged. I will only go so far as to say the lures bears a resemblance to a Hammerhead. The problem is that these chains don't generally have people with the necessary knowledge and are simply looking for a product at a wholesale price point where there can make their requisite profit margin.

In terms of lures I do recommend (and I'll work upwards from most reasonably priced to sell your kids but please note - the scale is on price, not performance), the entry level would be with lures like the Halco Roosta, River2Sea Dumbbell and Yo-Zuri poppers like the surface cruiser and GT Bull. These lures are proven GT catchers but anglers using these should consider changing the terminals. Also, I have seen Dumbbells broken by GTs but I believe the incidences of these are much lower than what many people think. Another lure I will mention in this price range is the Jai Bighead - a very reasonably priced lure that is a proven fish catcher. The best of this range of the Jai range of poppers is the original Jai Bighead 130 in my opinion. Subsequent models ahven't been as good in my opinion.

(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/berniek/IMG_0049.jpg)
The original Jai Bighead 130

In the next price group up from this are the Heru lures. These are marketed in Australia as Nomad or Blackjack lures. There are also widely available around the world now under different names. These are among my most highly recommended lures, especially the Cubera popper and the Wahoo/Dogtooth stickbait for the simple reason that you don't have to sell the kids and they work. I can't say enough about these because they're well-constructed and finished and in the case of the cubera, a brilliantly effective popper. The wiring is also excellent. I won't deny I would still use a SS Glans or a Sea Frog in preference to one of these but the price difference is enormous for a small performance difference. I know someone mentioned that they had the middle swivel drop out of the belly on one but I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that the distributors of the lures in Australia would replace them without batting an eyelid. My only reservation over time has been with the swivels used as there have been a very small number of incidences where these have been compromised.

(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/berniek/IMG_0111.jpg)
Heru Ulua, Wahoo, Cubera and Amano (from top)

A bit higher in price than these are the Adhek poppers which are available around Australia if you look hard. Adheks, particularly those with the holographic finish are a brilliant looking lure and are incredibly strong in terms of the wood used and the holographic finish. Wiring is adequate without being outstanding. Adhek makes a range of poppers and I have used most of them. They're also a proven fish catcher but my favourite lures in the range is the Adhek Long Goby. The Goby was designed as a stickbait but can I say, it has proven itself to be one of the most effective lures around Bugatti. You can fish this by simply casting it out and reeling it in at a reasonably high speed. It is almost what I would describe as a skittering popper - sort of a combination between a pencil popper and a stickbait.

(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/berniek/IMG_0112.jpg)
PomPom, Gecko and Long Goby (from top)

Next is a legendary name in GT circles - Orion lures. Orions look rather agricultural and if you didn't know anything about them, you wouldn't look at them twice but they are one of the first lures reached for by many of the most experienced GT fishermen around. The most famous of the Orions is the Bigfoot - a sinking stickbait. I can't say enough about this lure. It's looks so plain but GTs love them. Orion isn't only about stickbaits though - poppers such as the ConoCono, T-Rex, the unique Flapper etc have cult followings. The ConoCono and T-Rex are among my favourite poppers. Orions used to be quite difficult to get hold of but today, you can get them from a very small number of tackle stores (Gara and Saltywater or direct from Eric Le Guyader himself). I should also point out they are moulded, not carved from wood. Orions take the hits from GTs better than any other lure on the market but whatever you do, don't cast them into rocks! A number of anglers have done so to their sorrow.

Overall, in terms of a combination of price and performance, Orions can't be beaten.

(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/berniek/IMG_0113.jpg)
Big Nambas, Hotdog< Bigfoot, Crazy Dog, Speeder,(from top)


(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/berniek/IMG_0114.jpg)
Big Jim, ConoCono, T-Rex and Flapper (from top)

At the next price level, I'll put a locally made popper which I was heavily involved in developing being Chris Young's Fullscale poppers. Chris' lures are entirely handmade and have the strongest wiring of any popper on the market and are constructed with absolutely no compromise for big fish. Let me put it this way - if I am popping the edge of a deep shelf for monster class GTs, a big Fullscale Kong would be one of the first lures I reach for. The great thing about the Kong is that it is easy to pop and produces a big pop and a lot of presence in the water for its weight.

(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/berniek/IMG_0127.jpg)
Long Kong, Kong 200 Bigmouth, Kong 200, Kong 180 Bigmouth, Kong 180 (from top)

we are now reaching into the entry level of the premium Japanese poppers like Fisherman. Fisherman lures are well known and need no introduction in any company. They're cheaper than many of the super premiums but they're not finished to the same degree. These lures are reasonably widely available but the more popular models cam be hard to find. I'll mention two - the giant Bigmouth HP tails (200g and 220g) are a favourite for big GTs and with the heavy HP tail, they pop beautifully in heavy conditions. Fisherman also make what would probably be the most famous pencil popper of all - the Fisherman Long Pen.

(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/berniek/IMG_0045.jpg)
Long Pen, Krog Bigmouth, S-Pop 160 with HP Tail, Bigmouth 220 with HP Tail (from top)

Another name worth mentioning at this level is a popper which we see rarely in Australia called the Skagit Pump King. The Pump King is a lure that is very easy to pop and swims beautifully and it is a proven fish catcher. On the negative side, the wiring on the Pump King could be stronger and I am aware of examples where the wiring has been compromised by one fish. (comment as at April 2012 - I haven't seen the GT sized Pump King for a couple of years now)

(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/berniek/P2260004.jpg)
Skagit Pump Kings

In the super premium level, you have poppers like Carpenter, Craftbait, Hammerhead and from other boutique producers like Shell Shaping Lures.

The Carpenter Sea Frog needs no introduction and while it is a brilliant lure, a ridiculous mystique developed around them for some time to the fact that they were so hard to obtain. The luremaker, Kenji Konishi is an absolute perfectionist and it shows in his products. Sea Frogs come in sizes from about 120g to 180g with the 140g and 160g models being specially made for rough conditions. Carpenter also make what is the most famous stickbait in the sport called the Gamma. The Gamma has been produced in everything from a tiny size of about 25g to a whopping monster of some 350g.

The Carpenter brand, however, does create some confusion as to what is available or not. The Gamma range remains available when they are produced although the 350g Gamma has not been made beyond its original run. The Sea Frog range I referred to above is no longer available although a thriving second hand market exists for these and all other Carpenter lures. The Sea Frog range is in the process of being reworked and the new 105 and 120 have been released publicly now. Some larger sizes may follow.

Proving to be hugely popular today is a new sinking stickbait, the Pandora and a new pencil called the Kattobi.

(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/berniek/IMG_0115.jpg)
Sea Frogs - 120, 130, 135, 140, 160, 170, 180 (from top)

(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/berniek/IMG_0116.jpg)
Gammas - 200, 160, 140, 120, 90 (from top)

(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/berniek/carplures.jpg)
Pandora, New Sea Frog 120, Kattobi (from top)

Craftbaits are beautifully finished and have a unique wiring system and are quite easily available. The wiring looks awesomely strong but there have been isolated incidences of it failing. That said, their finish is one of the best available and they're a proven popper. Their quality control is somewhat open to question with incidences of significant variation in weights of some of their lures but they are a very popular poppe with good reason.

Craftbait haven't had the same success with their pencils and stickbaits. The Realbait look fantastic but doesn't work well with a higher speed retrieve. it works best with a slow twitch.

(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/berniek/IMG_0119.jpg)
GT3 190 Ultra Bigmouth, GT3 170, GT3 150, GT2 (from top)

(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/berniek/IMG_0120.jpg)
Craftbait Pencil, Realbait 170, Realbait 130 (from top)


Hammerheads are another legendary popper but the big models are hard work. The E cup is a good size as it is still easy to pop and not too painful! Mind you, if you are focussing on BIG fish, the I Cup is a proven performer. Good luck if you think you're going to use one the whole day though! Little known is the Tobi pencil but in my view, this is one of the easiest pencils to use and in my view, one of the best pencils on the market. I have been quite frustrated by Hammerhead as I have been waiting for a production run of the Tobi 169 for a number of years now and ..... well, I am still waiting!

(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/berniek/IMG_0117.jpg)
Tobi 169, I Cup, G Cup (from top)

Shell Shaping Lures are not a particularly well known company, producing only a very small quantity of lures each year but their lures are innovative and quite brilliant. In the past, the luremaker was known to disappear for months on end producing nothing. I note, however, that the company seems to have gone into production mode in the last twelve months and the lures, while  rare, are now at least more widely available. The Manatee and Glans are the pick of the bunch with the Glans being my favourite popper. SS also used to make what I regarded as a brilliant pencil, the Harley but unfortunately, this is now out of production.

It is my opinion, however, that the SS lures are not being made to quite the same standard as they once were. Once upon a time, I would not have hesitated to say that their finish was industry leading. Unfortunately, I do not believe that the finish today is of the same standards as yester-year's lures.

(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/berniek/IMG_0122.jpg)
Manatee, Glans and God knows what the third one is - I've only ever seen one of them! (from top)

(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/berniek/IMG_0121.jpg)
SS stickbaits - the Twister F5, the Twister F3 (from top)

(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w95/berniek/sslures.jpg)
Harley, God knows!, Z-Mame, Bubble-Rise

The one point I will make about Japanese poppers is that they are not all finished to the same standards. I won't make any further comment on it here than that but do not expect that the standard of the finishes to be the same. Clearly, not all Japanese lures are priced at the same levels either. Carpenters sell for a significant premium over the rest of the market but this is driven by the incredibly exhausting program these lures are subjected to.

There are also a few brands which deserve a specific mention which I have not referred to above, particularly FCL Labo and Patriot Design. I will add these when I have time to take photos of their lures. I have used FCLs quite extensively and they are an excellent and innovative product.

There is no doubt that in putting a balanced tackle bag together that we all like to at least have some of the premiums. Personally, I think that it is more important to get a balance of type of lures rather than brands. By that, I mean ensuring you get a balance of poppers, stickbaits and pencils in your kit as your first priority before worrying about brands. Just remember that you don't need to sell the kids to get lures that will perform to a high standard. Also, remember when putting your tackle bag together for a trip that you take into account what you need for that location. For example, some locations are very much more popper conducive than others whilst pencils might be the way to go for some other locations.
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Peter Morris on February 15, 2009, 01:00:10 PM
Great info Brandon. 8)

Twas I who mentioned I had the swivel fall out of a blackack stickbait but in saying that the Cubera's were by far the most successful lure for me over in Fiji.I agree they are a well priced lure and get great results.
I have had only the one faulty one.

Certainly my next step up is to buy some of Chris's full scales.
They look like fantastic lures.

Pete



Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Bwanna Surya on February 15, 2009, 02:05:52 PM
A comprehensive sum up....thank you for sharing Brandon...

For beginner like me...your input always valued....
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Ewan Macleod on February 15, 2009, 04:11:56 PM
Nice read Brandon cheers. For anyone interested in the Adhek range I was looking at the catalogue the other day: http://www.adhek.net/asfeng/popper_catalogue.pdf (http://www.adhek.net/asfeng/popper_catalogue.pdf)
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Geoff Volter on February 15, 2009, 08:10:43 PM
Thanks Brandon, Great wrap up. That makes it much simpler for somebody trying to find their way in the world of GT popping.

Any chance of a similar wrap up on reels? ;D
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Luke Wyrsta on February 15, 2009, 08:25:12 PM
Very useful post Brandon. Thanks  ;D
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Brandon Khoo on February 15, 2009, 08:25:46 PM
hell, no.


Thanks Brandon, Great wrap up. That makes it much simpler for somebody trying to find their way in the world of GT popping.

Any chance of a similar wrap up on reels? ;D
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Brock Arifovic on February 15, 2009, 09:12:14 PM
OOOOHHHHH Brandon well said, great info to everyone, keep up the good work.
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Andre van Wyk on February 15, 2009, 11:34:21 PM
Thanks for this Brandon, awesome info....

Now can you post up pics with the names of each popper/stickbait for us all please and give us a breakdown on all of them?  ;D :D ;D

< Andre runs and hides chuckling evily to himself!!! >

HAHAHAHA....

Just kidding Brandon.
Awesome wrap up and obviously put together with a ton of knowledge and thought, and most importantly experience...
My Thanks
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Jay Burgess on February 16, 2009, 12:29:23 AM
Yep, as already mentioned, extremely valuable info there. Thanks Brandon.

Should be stickied Luke.  ;D
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Marcus Lee on February 16, 2009, 01:55:12 AM
Awesome post Brandon  ;D
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Robert Palcak on February 16, 2009, 08:48:42 AM
Great wrap up there Brandon... you make some very interesting points!
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Jason Wormald on February 16, 2009, 10:32:29 AM
Good stuff Brandon just what i needed.
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Mick Cunningham on February 16, 2009, 07:29:36 PM
nice collection there  ::) ::)

i bet you have more  ;D ;D

that is a great help.
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Chris Young on February 19, 2009, 07:21:49 PM
Wow...those SS Lures look fantastic, does anybody fish with them? Are they readily available??
I think if I had one I would frame it and hang it on the wall ;)
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Duncan O'Connell on February 19, 2009, 07:30:29 PM
Crusty, re SS lures - watch this space or actually the Fish Head section on the forum............ or if you are going past stick your head in.  One word - stunning BUT extremely limited quantities!!!!!!! (and yes the one Duncan is keeping for himself is going in my private show case)

Cheers,

Janelle
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Chris Young on February 19, 2009, 07:36:52 PM
OOooooh.....Why does he get to keep it???
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Brandon Khoo on February 19, 2009, 07:46:27 PM
I fish them, Crusty, but the Fullscales have had priority in the recent past.

SS have a couple of models that are fantastic but also some rather mediocre ones. I don't know they manage to get some so right and others so wrong.
 
That said, the finish on them is amazing. As I wrote in the original post on thos thread, they are industry leading. Check out the first lure in the first photo of my original post. It's a Nemo in a mother of pearl type finish.

The good models are harder to get hold of than sea frogs!
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Chris Young on February 19, 2009, 07:52:41 PM
That lure is the Mona Lisa :o

It's a Nemo in a mother of pearl type finish.
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Brock Arifovic on February 19, 2009, 08:16:16 PM
Janelle, welcome home, can't wait to hear all about your trip. BTW have you sold any gear to Jason? i think he is going to need some for PNG, & what new goodies have you got?
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Janelle O'Connell on February 19, 2009, 08:49:10 PM
Hi Brock,

sent you a PM.

Will do a trip report in the next week when we get back on deck.  We are teaching 130 kids how to fish tomorrow so after the trip and then that it will take the week to recover.

Janelle
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Brock Arifovic on February 21, 2009, 04:16:49 PM
Brandon,
Are those pictures that you have posted with your information "personal pictures" of your own collection?
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Brandon Khoo on February 21, 2009, 04:44:29 PM
they're just pictures of the lures I have described so people know what they look like - and yes, they are poppers from my collection


Brandon,
Are those pictures that you have posted with your information "personal pictures" of your own collection?
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Brock Arifovic on February 21, 2009, 05:09:46 PM
Hahaha thought so.
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Stephen Polzin on March 01, 2009, 11:22:25 AM
Brandon are you sure this post isn't just an self-indulgent display of your enormous and enviable tackle collection?  In particular displaying lures that the average punter has no hope of ever acquiring, let-alone sacrificing to some dirty reef thug? :D  ::)

I also note that all the lures are in perfect condition, you must have buckets of dinged up retirees lying around as well!

Please accept my comments as humourous jealousy and nothing more  ;D

cheers,

steve
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Brandon Khoo on March 01, 2009, 11:48:55 AM
I had to have a laugh at what you just wrote, Stephen, but I maintain the post is purely for information purposes. :D

The photo of the Pump Kings aren't of my lures - I simply thought that I'd add that to the post seeing I had just put that photo up for Brock and Pump King is worth a mention. The rest of them are mine, however. There realy is nothing that is unobtainable per se but some are extremely difficult to source. I do use them but the moment I commit a lure to use, I use it until it is lost or rendered beyond use but very few get to this stage because some GT has taken it as jewellery.

You're one of the few people here with access to tackle in Japan so it's not like you're an average punter!   :D
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: luke peters on June 01, 2009, 12:02:26 PM
Hi Brandon, Great post Thankyou. It's great for people that are new to the scene of GT Fishing like myself to be able to have access to this sought of info. Are you able to tell me where the PR Labs poppers fit it the picture and you opinion of them.Thanks again

(http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss267/sw-luca/PRLabsJokerCobraPopmaster.jpg)
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Peter Morris on June 01, 2009, 04:16:22 PM
Something about those PR labs poppers.... ???....They just look so ugly.!!

The fish probably think they are ok but I just cant bring myself to buy one... :D :D

Pete
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Travis Heaps on June 01, 2009, 04:21:56 PM
Something about those PR labs poppers.... ???....They just look so ugly.!!

The fish probably think they are ok but I just cant bring myself to buy one... :D :D

Pete

Ditto that  :D
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Nathan Cefai on June 01, 2009, 04:32:36 PM
thank you for some help there brandon,that pink flapper looks interesting!!!!
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Brandon Khoo on June 02, 2009, 07:53:44 AM
Luke, the PR Lab poppers are a mid-priced product. They never caught on because of the crazy designs and I think they'd have been better off going with a more conventional look. I tested one some time back and didn't really like the way it popped. You used to find them quite readily around Australia but I noticed that has really fallen off in the past 12 months of so. I think a pretty clear sign that they're not selling. Some people may like them but I would personally opt for other poppers in that price range.


Hi Brandon, Great post Thankyou. It's great for people that are new to the scene of GT Fishing like myself to be able to have access to this sought of info. Are you able to tell me where the PR Labs poppers fit it the picture and you opinion of them.Thanks again

(http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/ss267/sw-luca/PRLabsJokerCobraPopmaster.jpg)
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Khaled Altaher on July 13, 2009, 07:04:17 PM
Hi guys, this is my first post. Great deal of info here. I Need help finding & buying some good poppers for my trip to Fiji next month (Aug). I'm a beginner in the popping field, so all comments & advise are welcome.

Thank you.
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Khaled Altaher on July 13, 2009, 07:50:04 PM
Any idea or feedback about Mangrove Studio & FCLLabo products? They seem like a good quality products.
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Jay Burgess on July 13, 2009, 07:55:54 PM
Any idea or feedback about Mangrove Studio & FCLLabo products? They seem like a good quality products.

The FCL Labo poppers have been re designed with a stronger construction, I'm sure other members probably know more details.
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Luke Wyrsta on July 13, 2009, 07:56:16 PM
Some good poppers for beginners include River2Sea Dumbells, Heru's and Jai's. There are a few other brands but i'm largely out of touch in respect to the entry-level poppers as I simply never use them!

Depends on how much you are willing to invest - FCL Labo poppers are very good and available at a good price from our sponsor. Mangrove Studio make fantastic products but I do not tend to use them - they are also expensive in terms of beginner GT anglers.

Plenty of other brands but I'm not sure how far you want to take it - starting GT fishing generally signals the beginning of a very large and expensive collection of lures....
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Khaled Altaher on July 13, 2009, 08:07:18 PM
Price is not a problem as long as quality is worth it. I tried searching for most of the premium recommended lures, but couldn't find any available online.
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Luke Wyrsta on July 13, 2009, 08:11:36 PM
Search of the threads here will produce a wealth of information....

Some of my favourite include Craft Bait GT2 and GT3, Hammerhead G, E and I cup, Fisherman Big Mouth HP Tail, Fisherman Long-Pen, Orion Bigfoot, Orion Crazy Dog, Orion Cono-Cono, FCL Labo Ebi Pop, FCL Labo Squid Pen, Carpenter, Smith Runboh etc...

Perhaps some more specific recommendations can be made if you tell us a bit more about where in Fiji you are fishing and the tackle used.... casting line, rod and reel....
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Luke Wyrsta on July 13, 2009, 08:18:12 PM
Oh - and Crusty's Full Scale Big F**kas!
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Brock Arifovic on July 13, 2009, 09:40:20 PM
Go the King Kong or You'll Be from Crusty
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: David Clumpner on July 13, 2009, 09:43:42 PM
Any idea or feedback about Mangrove Studio & FCLLabo products? They seem like a good quality products.

Khaled,
I have a Mangrove Studio stickbait that I bought here in Japan last year.  I have never been able to get it to consistently work properly, even though I've still managed two hits on it (just dragging it across the water's surface in frustration).  I fish from a kayak, so my rod tip mobility is limited, but I have heard of similar difficulties with this lure from other Aussie GT fishermen.
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Khaled Altaher on July 14, 2009, 05:22:35 AM
Search of the threads here will produce a wealth of information....

Some of my favourite include Craft Bait GT2 and GT3, Hammerhead G, E and I cup, Fisherman Big Mouth HP Tail, Fisherman Long-Pen, Orion Bigfoot, Orion Crazy Dog, Orion Cono-Cono, FCL Labo Ebi Pop, FCL Labo Squid Pen, Carpenter, Smith Runboh etc...

Perhaps some more specific recommendations can be made if you tell us a bit more about where in Fiji you are fishing and the tackle used.... casting line, rod and reel....

My main destination is Kadavu Island, but I might also try doing a trip from the main island to the coral cost. Any idea about the size of GTs in these areas during August?

Where can I buy Orion Lures from?
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Nathan Cefai on July 14, 2009, 10:24:22 AM
Nomad Sportsfishing are now selling Orion poppers.
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Mick Cunningham on November 10, 2009, 02:30:39 PM
hi brandon  or anyone else who can help..

if you mind tell me more about those orion stickbait  

as i know thr big foot is sinking stickbait..

but wanted to know more about those Big Nambas, Hotdog, Crazy Dog stickbait  
and how they work,s on slow or fast speed etc  
what they do ??
your help would be grat ..
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Chuen Fan on November 10, 2009, 08:59:39 PM
Bigfoot = Sinking stickbait
Big Nambas = Floating stickbait
Hotdog = Floating (me thinks)
Crazy Dog = Floating stickbait

Work each lure at various speeds to suit fishing condition.
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Angus Hulme on November 11, 2009, 11:15:10 AM
Anyone know about FCL Squid Pencils? I have recently purchased one of these (140 size I think), and want to know if there's any particular retrieves or techniques that suit this lure best. Also, can they be rigged back to front for a different action? I seem to recall Brandon mentioning something along those lines, but couldn't find any posts about it.

Thanks fellas
Angus



Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Scott Maybury on November 11, 2009, 12:44:24 PM
I don't know about rigging them both ways, but I know that with a fairly consistent downwards jerk of the rod tip they have a very sexy side to side rolling action through the water...I really like the way they look
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Angus Hulme on November 11, 2009, 01:44:16 PM
good one, thanks Scott. Obviously I'll be trying different stuff with this lure once I'm on the water, but an early heads-up like that is great.

Cheers
Angus

Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Brandon Khoo on November 11, 2009, 01:47:06 PM
Rigging them the way the manufacturer intended rsults in a surface stickbait. Rigging them the "wrong" way round results in a sub-surface stickbait. They work both ways.

The only negative about them is casting them into a strong wind - they float like a bloody kite!
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Angus Hulme on November 11, 2009, 02:27:32 PM
Cheers Brandon, that's what I was after!

Much appreciated
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Marc Vandaele on January 06, 2010, 10:21:17 PM
hi
i am new here but i can tell you...it's a great site with a lot of information and they love it too share all this.thanks to all ;)
i am looking for the fully scale poppers and i find on that site a lot of info but here they talk from long,bigmouth...
i see only the kong 180 and 200 there
and i try to contact this manufacturer but i dont get in there by email,it's always coming back(failure)
is there someone that can give me the right address when they still exist...?
thanks anyway
marc
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Travis Heaps on January 06, 2010, 10:28:29 PM
hi
i am new here but i can tell you...it's a great site with a lot of information and they love it too share all this.thanks to all ;)
i am looking for the fully scale poppers and i find on that site a lot of info but here they talk from long,bigmouth...
i see only the kong 180 and 200 there
and i try to contact this manufacturer but i dont get in there by email,it's always coming back(failure)
is there someone that can give me the right address when they still exist...?
thanks anyway
marc


Send a PM to Chris Young or alternatively click the FishHead banner above, they stock them when there are supplies available.
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Brandon Khoo on January 06, 2010, 11:31:53 PM
Chris is currently on holidays and will be back end of this week.

What e-mail address have you been using?
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Marc Vandaele on January 07, 2010, 02:26:22 AM
thanks,
i try to  contact Chris first and i used his own emailaddress that i find on his site,the link to contact
and then i tryed [email protected]
but tesame problem
i give it a try again on the end of the week,maybe it's working then...
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Geoff Volter on January 07, 2010, 07:45:38 AM
Completing the form at

http://www.fullscalelures.com.au/contact.html (http://www.fullscalelures.com.au/contact.html)

will definitely reach him.
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Marc Vandaele on January 07, 2010, 06:32:24 PM
that's the one i used but they let me know this:
Hi. This is the qmail-send program at web1.smghq.com.au.
I'm afraid I wasn't able to deliver your message to the following addresses.
This is a permanent error; I've given up. Sorry it didn't work out.

<[email protected]>:
211.29.133.14 does not like recipient.
Remote host said: 553 5.3.0 <[email protected]>... No such user
Giving up on 211.29.133.14.

--- Below this line is a copy of the message.

it's look me very strange when you send email to contactlink by the site from Chris that they say andrew grabham not exist
i try it with pm to Chris
thanks to all
marc
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Duncan O'Connell on January 07, 2010, 07:26:55 PM
Dear Marc,

Fish Head is a stockist of Full Scale lures.  Currently in stock we have the Big 180, Big 200, Kong 180, Kong 200, Pencils and Long Kong Poppers.

Click on this link and it will show you the lures

http://fishhead.com.au/catalog/index.php?cPath=181_182_207 (http://fishhead.com.au/catalog/index.php?cPath=181_182_207)

or you can email [email protected]

Let us know which ones you are intersted in and I will give you a quote on shipping. Remember if you do not live in Australia and you spend over AU$300 you do not have to pay Australian tax. 

Cheers,

Janelle
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Mark Harris on July 15, 2010, 07:58:11 PM
Being very new here,  but having been around the traps for a while, I have to say that is probably the best review of its type I have ever read.  Thank you very much Brandon.

And I am delighted to read that you are a fan of Adhek's range. I love these and my favourite is also the Long Goby which is a fantastic, straightforward fast cranker. One that you did not mention but in my experience is a great popper for choppy conditions, is the 30 cm Ocean Lady.

Thanks again for a most informative post.
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Craig Maree on May 02, 2011, 09:37:33 PM
Used the Cubera 180's recently in Mozambique - fantastic lure casts easier, pushes loads of water, does not cartwheel and reasonably priced!
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: mark kyriacou on May 05, 2011, 12:38:10 AM
khaled

i went to kadavu in march and the cuberas worked well and i took allot of adheck lures they worked great over there also would take gt slider and cono conos they were all the best performing lures for the trip
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Ryan Theyer on June 23, 2011, 11:07:31 PM
Great post mate. Interesting to see the difference between brands. Cheers
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Paul de Bruijn on July 05, 2011, 11:28:17 PM
Thanks for the info all, always very useful for a novice like myself...

April 2012...1st chance to try and catch my 1st GT
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Michael Burton on August 29, 2011, 09:34:50 AM
Thanks this information was helpful but left my wallet empty chasing quality lures over cheaper ones...

will post who i go in the reports forum
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Brandon Khoo on August 29, 2011, 10:41:58 AM
Lol  ;D
I do suggest some more reasonably priced ones.


Thanks this information was helpful but left my wallet empty chasing quality lures over cheaper ones...

will post who i go in the reports forum
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Ben Rivers on October 05, 2011, 11:43:53 AM
Brandon - where would the FCL Ebipop lures rate in your rankings?
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Brandon Khoo on October 05, 2011, 01:11:05 PM
They are a very good popper, particularly the Extreme.
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Sam Loh on November 17, 2011, 04:04:20 AM
I fish them, Crusty, but the Fullscales have had priority in the recent past.

SS have a couple of models that are fantastic but also some rather mediocre ones. I don't know they manage to get some so right and others so wrong.
 
That said, the finish on them is amazing. As I wrote in the original post on thos thread, they are industry leading. Check out the first lure in the first photo of my original post. It's a Nemo in a mother of pearl type finish.

The good models are harder to get hold of than sea frogs!

Hi Brandon,

I have recently bought SS Twister F1 & F2 and love the way they swim. I saw you have their bigger brothers in your collection can I ask if F3, F5 and F6 swim as good or will not be as lively because of their biggest size and heavier weight?

I will be using the EP82/38. If this rod cannot work the larger Twister mentioned above properly, would you recommend the TBL711/35 or BLC83/40 instead if target are both GT and Kingfish?

Cheers
Sam
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Brandon Khoo on November 17, 2011, 06:05:52 AM
Hi Sam
all the Twisters have a similar action. F3 and F5 are supposed to be same size with only difference being weight but I have had a F3 that weighed as much as the F5 before so I got a bit confused. F6 is a lot of lure - its 200g+. You'd do a F3 and F5 with a TBL711 but a F6 is a big ask. I think that the BLC, while able to cast both these lures would oversaturate a bit when working them. It'd do it but not ideal. F6 is too much lure.
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Sam Loh on November 17, 2011, 12:56:01 PM
Brandon, a local tackle shop ever told me that the weight of SS is plus minus 10g hence it is very possible that sometime a F3 can weight the same as F5 since they are different by 20g accord to SS website. F6 may be use as hammer for mackerel.

Thanks
Sam
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Brandon Khoo on November 17, 2011, 12:58:24 PM
I would actually suggest that a deviation from mean of 10g is being very kind
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Ben Rivers on December 22, 2011, 12:37:29 PM
Sebile Splasher 190 and Stick Shadd 182 seem to be getting a lot of coverage these days - used heavily on Nomad.

What are your thoughts on these two models?
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: roberts kurpnieks on April 20, 2012, 01:50:53 AM
Reading this thread cost me more than 600 USD in new lures! :D
Thanks! Great stuff!
Thank you very much!
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: joe sciberras on July 27, 2012, 08:05:00 PM
great information very useful thanks Brandon
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Gerhard Ziehenberger on October 23, 2012, 12:11:22 AM
Hi Brandon,
the waiting has an end, the Tobi 169 is available since some weeks; I got mine at JDM tackle USA
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Stuart Kelly on November 05, 2012, 07:59:10 PM
Great info
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Jack Benson on July 11, 2013, 11:32:33 AM
thanks for the sum up brandon, saved a lot of time
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Leigh Turner on July 18, 2013, 09:16:13 AM
Thanks for the info guys. Leigh
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Andy Klaus on January 19, 2014, 09:34:28 PM
Anyone knows how much were the Carpenter Sea Frogs retailing for when they were available? Very limited information...
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Trevor Skinner on January 19, 2014, 09:55:39 PM
From memory about $130ish




Trevor
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Mark Harris on January 19, 2014, 10:28:00 PM
Less than they cost now used!
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Andy Klaus on January 20, 2014, 05:14:51 AM
Thanks Mates! Hope to get a few used Carpenter Sea frogs to try out. 
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Mahmoud Salem on July 02, 2014, 09:11:38 PM
Dear Brandon
I'm sure teh previous two years since you put this great artcle reveald many great lures
Aren't you considering adding some to the original list??!!
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Marco Slotboom on April 07, 2015, 04:41:31 PM
The future?

http://www.dutchanglers.nl/artikelen/engineering-an-indestructible-gt-popper-english/ (http://www.dutchanglers.nl/artikelen/engineering-an-indestructible-gt-popper-english/)

Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Richard Ghalayini on June 03, 2015, 07:36:24 AM
Great write up and advice as always Brandon, it never seems to amaze us on the invaluable information you give us anglers all for the love of GT fishing and pelagic brutes. Well done mate great report.

Regards Richard
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: rudigonzales on February 27, 2018, 03:17:54 PM
Great helps for me as I now start GT popping.
Thanks a lot Brandon
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Brandon Khoo on March 01, 2018, 09:08:49 PM
The market has exploded beyond my ability to be able to cover. My prinary observations are that while there are some good products among the newcomers, there is a whole lot of stuff being produced and sold at premium prices which just isn’t much good at all. Some of the stuff shows a fundamental lack if understanding of lure design. This is particularly the case with stickbaits where there is a lot of rubbish in the market today. Some of this stuff looks wonderful. Beautifully finished but they just don’t swim well.

If I was to look at lures I would actually recommend, I would have difficulty moving away from the lures contained in this guide currently. I would note that I do not believe that the Shell Shaping lures are as good as before. There have been issues with the wiring in the Craftbaits in recent years.  Fullscales are no longer being made by Chris Young so I cannot express any opinion on whether they are as good as before. Skagit are no longer in production. 
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Leo Sorbello on March 03, 2018, 01:28:27 PM
Hi Brandon,

I read your recent post with interest.

Could I please ask you...if you don't mind elaborate more on when you advise that the Shell Shaping you believe are not as good as before. Is with wiring and/or quality finish and/or swimming and/or balance...could you please detail.

Appreciate your insight.

Regards
Leo
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Brandon Khoo on March 03, 2018, 09:19:51 PM
In its early days until about seven or eight years ago, Shell Shaping lures were a part time enterprise for their maker. He produced tiny quantities but his poppers like the Glans were amazing. They stayed in the water so well and the action was first class.

Something happened about seven or right years ago. I suspect production was outsourced but the quality fell through the floor. They did not swim consistently, weights were all over the place etc. i stopped buying them
Title: Re: Recommendation for poppers
Post by: Leo Sorbello on March 04, 2018, 09:02:44 PM
Thanks Brandon  :)