bluegill poppers

[flyred06]

I called up LRO and ordered some of the foam rods that you guys told me about. I also like that they come in different colors that you can purchase. I was going to try and use regular hooks over buying special popper hooks. Will this work?

[Troutman]

For bass poppers, I like the Gamakasu Stingers.
For bluegill, I started using the TMC 104SP size 8
http://www.umpqua.com/pc-1577-117-tmc104sp.aspx
They have a nice wide gape for clearance and easy to get forceps onto the bend when removing a deeply hooked fish.
Notice the clearance on these two flies tied on a size 8

SB

flashdancer

[flyred06]

I am tying on the mustad 3366 and the stinger hook you mentioned also. Thanks for the information.

[jeffnles1]

Originally Posted by flyred06

I called up LRO and ordered some of the foam rods that you guys told me about. I also like that they come in different colors that you can purchase. I was going to try and use regular hooks over buying special popper hooks. Will this work?

I don't see why regular hooks wouldn't work. Just make sure the gape is wide enough (as Troutman said). The drop or two of super glue on the thread wraps before putting the foam on the hook should hold it in place just fine.

When I first started using these, I used an Xacto knife and cut a slit in them to place on the hook. I have found that running a needle / bodkin through them to "poke a hole" and then sliding over the hook eye saves a lot of time and reduces the chance of slipping with the Xacto knife cutting a deep valley in your finger and the resulting teaching of new words to the wife and children.

Jeff

[flyred06]

what did you use to cut a straight edge through them when cutting off a body? I always seem to cut and slightly get off a little and have a angle to my cuts.

[Wade Blevins]

My father was the creator of "Sam's -L-Eye-Bee" and " The One Bug" both tied with livebody foam cylinders. Orange, white and yellow tend to be the best colors. I have modified the bug a little over the years but have caught dozens of species of fish and it can be tied in multiple sizes for redfish, bass or bream. Durable enough to catch 300+ fish on one fly.

[Byron Begley]

Troutman,

Please e-mail me so I can e-mail you.

Byron

[jeffnles1]

Originally Posted by flyred06

what did you use to cut a straight edge through them when cutting off a body? I always seem to cut and slightly get off a little and have a angle to my cuts.

I use either an Xacto knife or scissors. The scissors seem to give a good straight cut. Just go slow.

Also, speaking from painful personal experience, Xacto knives are quite sharp.


Also, LRO has every hook one can imagine.

Here are the popper hooks I use:
http://littleriveroutfitters.com/sto...at=1171&page=1

Here are the ones Troutman mentioned:
http://littleriveroutfitters.com/sto...at=1171&page=1

http://littleriveroutfitters.com/sto...at=1173&page=1


Jeff

[flyred06]

Thanks jeff I had not thought of the scissors. I always tried the exacto knife as you. I thought about using one of those paper cutters like used in an office but I wasn't sure it would work. I will try the scissors.

[Troutman]

Here is how I do it. Box cutter blade.
If you need to cut the slit for the hook shank. Insert the foam cylinder in the vice itself and cut a slit with the stiff BC blade.
These popper bodies are pre-slit. front for a popper and back for a slider. Piece of cake!





nothing fancy but they work. thats all that counts!