Skittering a popper is best accomplished by repeatedly snapping the rod toward the water, in much the same retrieve used for walking a Zara Spook. Several models are shaped and balanced to walk in a perfect left-right cadence, while others are less predictable. For such retrieves, a shorter (5 1/2- to 6 1/2-foot) rod provides the best snapping action. Precise length depends on the angler's height and the height of the boat's deck above the water. Fishing, for example, from a johnboat requires the shortest rod because your feet may be below water level. But in the bow of a large multispecies boat, a much longer rod works well.

For the fastest retrieves, tie directly to the eye of the popper. Using a snap, split ring, or loop knot gives the bait more freedom of movement, which gives a walking bait more lateral movement.

Line Considerations: In fishing poppers, match line to lure style, as well as to lure weight and rod power. Finesse poppers like Lucky Craft's Bevy Popper or the smallest Pop-R perform best with lighter line (6- to 10-pound test). Larger-diameter lines (12- to 17-pound test) work fine for most poppers from 1/4- to 3/8-ounce.

Monofilament sinks, but larger-diameter lines remain on the surface more readily because of their greater water resistance. As a result, many anglers like to fish poppers on heavy monofilament (17- to 20-pound test), particularly over thick vegetation or around timber. One trick is to apply wax to the last 3 or 4 feet of line, which makes it buoyant.

Lines of Spectra fiber also float, including "superbraids" like SpiderWire, Berkley FireLine, SpiderWire Fusion, and Bass Pro Shops Nitro. These lines keep the nose of poppers floating high for a stronger spitting action. In ultraclear water where bass may get too good a look at the optically dense braided lines, use a 3-foot fluorocarbon leader at the terminal end for minimal visibility and excellent lure action.

When using low-stretch and no-stretch braids, though, the adage about not setting the hook until you feel the weight of a fish is particularly true. And fish these lines on lighter-action rods than you'd use with monofilament, to avoid bending hooks or tearing them from the fish's mouth.

Fine-Tuning: Whatever the fishing situation, try to read the position and disposition of the bass. A certain retrieve may work best at first light but strikes dwindle as the sun rises. Often, changing the cadence or speed of the retrieve will renew the bite. Colors, too, can make a difference.

When fine-tuning lure action, experiment with different models of popper. While many look almost identical, nearly all have a slightly different action when retrieved a particular way. It's not unusual for two experienced anglers to enjoy varying success with poppers, even while sharing a boat.

Not long ago, I considered myself fully equipped for popper fishing, with a selection of about a dozen lures. After fishing this category of topwater baits extensively over the last three years, I have several tackle boxes containing no other lure, much as I do with diving baits. I have a smallmouth selection for rivers and lakes, one for summertime largemouths, and another for night fishing and lunker hunting. Some overlap in lure models occurs, but I select colors and sizes for each application.

The more you fish poppers, the more you'll learn about this fascinating category of lures. Whether you count your poppers by the bait or the boxful, count on catching bass and having a blast doing it.