JD,

I would also appreciate a little lesson in popper fishing for stripers. What should the action look like? Does it sit on top of the water or underneath? I’m an ultra novice who wants to learn. Thanks!

–Frank.

The action depends on the style of surface lure you’re using. “Walk-the-Dog” type lures like Zara Spooks should have a zig-zagging motion. Poppers, on the other hand, have more of a…see if you follow me on this one…straight chug…chug…chug action to them. Yes, true surface baits stay on the top, though wake baits are very popular too and the fish right under the surface film.

When you get bit…here’s really the tough part….don’t set too quickly. Let the wight of the fish pull the rod tip down before you hit ’em.