Pro fisherman Casey Ashley, the reigning Bassmaster Classic champion, loves his popper fishing. He’s particularly fond of the XCalibur Zell Pop, but even though the bait comes ready for action, Ashley makes a few adjustments to ensure he gets the performance he needs.
• Split ring. A little extra mobility on the nose helps him keep the bait moving.
• Upsize hooks. “This bait comes with No. 6 hooks, but I change it to No. 4s. What that does is it makes the bait sit down in the water a little more and allows me to work it faster,” he said.
“Changing hooks also makes the bait sit flatter. That way, when you chug it, the bait doesn’t dive; it just spits and walks.”
• Seeing red. “Sometimes I have red hooks in both positions, but I always have a red hook in the middle of the bait. That gives them an aiming point. It’s just a little something different that will help you catch more fish on topwater.”
• Flare in the rear. When he replaces hooks, Ashley makes sure he keeps a feather on the back treble. Contracting and flaring with the bait’s motion, a feather adds a lifelike appearance that often pushes hesitant fish over the edge.
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