Popping Cork question

[Problem Child]

My son and I tried a little Bay fishing this past weekend. We had heard about "Plastics under a Popping Cork" and bought some of the pre-made rigs from Wally World.

These were about two feet long and we figured out, they didn't work too good out of a Kayak.Both my son and I were using 7' rods but it was still a chore to throw the Popping Corks.

This was our 1st Saltwater trip and we don't have a clue what we're doing.Do yall use Popping Corks and if you do,what do you use ??

[Ring King]

I use them all the time. They are actually a go to bait for most saltwater kayak fisherman. Usually you just need 18" from the cork to the bait. You can go deeper if you need too but it becomes a chore to cast the longer the leader. Tie on a 1/8 or 3/16oz jig head and slip on a white Gulp shrimp. Throw it out near oyster rakes, grass lines, or current breaks. After the rig lands rip it hard three times and then let it sit still for a ten count. If nothing grabs it then rip it one more time and let it sit for another 10 count. The sitting part is hard to get used too, but the fish are coming to the sound of that cork ripping through the water and they need a chance to find the jig.

This is usually considered a "gimmie" style of fishing and is deadly on speckled trout. Flounder, redfish, ladyfish, jacks, and blues will all hit the same rig fished the same way.

Just get out and give the rig a decent chance to work. Chances are you'll put fish in the box!!

[Hanover_Yakker]

Let's just say that there are other options to use under the cork. A suspending lure will also work. Double your chances and work a moving lure on another rod while that one sits out in the current and drifts. Don't be afraid to take the pre-tied rig and take it apart and make your lower line under the cork different lengths. Experiment and see what happens.

[jslager]

DOA deadly combo is great for trout. I know some guys who will swap in a gulp! shrimp and say they do well on the reds too.

I usually use it as a skunk remover on slow days. or is I need a trout to slam and it's getting late.

[jazd78]

Good tips so far. I like to pop it twice, then pause. You can experiment and see what works best for you. Be patient on the pause. That is when the strike will come.

[Plasticpirogue]

Here in Luzanna we love them. But, we don't like the long ones typically seen in Wal-Marts all across the country, but much prefer the short "clacker" style built on a titamium wire frame. THAT's important as the titamium wire doesn't rust nor bend so although they cost a little more, they last forever. By "clacker" style what I mean is this....
On a titanium wire you have a large styrofoam float that will slide up and down the wire. On one end of the wire is a swivel (tie ur mainline here) and some small plastic noise-making rattles, then the sliding "cork", then some brass beads for weight, then a swivel to tie a short (about 18") leader. Some people prefer a popping cork for rougher conditions, or a cigar shaped cork for slick conditions.

I usually rig mine with a 1/8oz jighead with a Gulp 3" Shrimp. But feel free to rig it with a single khale hook with a live shrimp or cocahoe....or the soft plastic of choice, or as HY said, even a subsurface artificial.

[Lt.FireDog]

This is the skunk remover that jslager mentioned.....very few times that you'll see a kayak in florida without a Deadly Combo orange float on at least one rod.
These are required equipment for my 11y/o son!

Cigar & Oval floats-



10 minute tutorial on the Deadly Combo with DOA Lures owner Mark Nichols.

[SnookOne]

DOA Deadly Combo...Great item to have the Lt. mentioned! I love to toss one when the bite is slow. Lt. can tell you how we fished the D.O.A. tourney together two years ago and we could not find the fish anywhere! I finally decided to toss one and finally hooked up with a decent 17.5" trout...which prevented a full blown skunking!

[jslager]

Pulled a 19 in trout this year at the DOA with the deadly combo, as well. saved me from a skunking

[Bass & BBQ]

Looks like I am going to need to pick me up one of these.