Baitfish-like Silent Popper

Baitfish-like Silent Popper

An Icon Since 1995 - The Renowned POP X.
Since its launch in 1995, POP X has been a beloved staple in the fishing community. Prior to its introduction, poppers were known for their flashy, water-splashing action. Mr. Ito, the creator, had not achieved significant fishing success with existing poppers nor had he seen other anglers do remarkably better with them compared to other lures. This led to a lack of interest in popper development.
However, on a day when nothing seemed to work, not even jerkbaits or soft-plastics, Mr. Ito tried a prototype of POP X and was amazed by the immediate bass response. Realizing that a popper with a more natural and realistic sound and action could indeed be effective, he decided to develop and launch POP X. This narrative highlights the journey from skepticism to a breakthrough innovation in fishing lure design.

As predicted by Mr. Ito, the POP X has demonstrated explosive fishing results in topwater conditions, even under tough conditions. It has proudly become a globally renowned lure originating from Japan, securing a solid reputation with over a million units sold.

2. Subtle Natural Pop Sound Prevents Bass from Becoming Wary

One of the key attractions of POP X is its natural sound. The duct located near its mouth ensures that excess water flows away, preventing an overly exaggerated sound. This design feature allows POP X to produce a natural 'pop' sound that is more appealing and effective in fishing.

While flashy splashes and loud popping sounds can attract bass from a distance and provoke reactions, they can also make bass wary in clear, calm lakes and tough conditions. The POP X, with its deliberately subdued design, produces a finely tuned, realistically subtle pop sound that can attract bass even in challenging situations. The key to effective splashing with the POP X is to gently and delicately skim the water surface with the lure's chin. This technique gathers and disperses water minimally, creating an action that is especially effective in tough conditions.

3. Subtle Head-Shaking Mimics Surface-Wriggling 'Insects' - Perfect for Targeting Post-Spawn Bass

During the post-spawn period, bass tend to drift in mid to top water layers while being aware of the surface, making it an ideal time to carefully present the lure. Mr. Ito recommends a slow, head-shaking "dog walk" motion. This movement mimics an insect writhing on the water's surface, presenting an irresistible opportunity for bass to strike.

The POP X's unique design, with a duct at the mouth that draws in water and releases it at the rear, creates a streamlining effect. This feature ensures stability during a dog walk motion or high-speed retrieve, preventing the lure from flipping over, thus maintaining its effectiveness and stability.

The POP X also boasts a meticulously crafted specific gravity, designed not to float excessively but to interact effectively with water. This not only creates ripples on the surface but also appeals below the waterline. Furthermore, the lure's weight is carefully balanced—not too light nor too heavy—facilitating easy casting. The subtle splash upon landing minimizes unnecessary noise, thus preventing the bass from becoming wary due to excessive sound.

4. Overwhelmingly Realistic and Aesthetically Beautiful Design

The first aspect of POP X that captivated people upon its release was its remarkable realism, closely resembling actual baitfish. Launched in the 1990s, it made people wonder if there had ever been a lure as lifelike before. It features Megabass's traditional meticulous painting, a testament to the brand's commitment to creating highly realistic lures.
Since its release, it's said that nearly 300 color variations of POP X, including limited and premium colors, have been launched. In the past, some premium versions even traded for over 100,000 yen($834). While these lures have become more accessible over time, popular colors often sell out quickly. So, it's advisable to purchase them when you find them.

5. Choosing Between POP X and POP MAX: Opt for POP X for a More Delicate Approach

While there is the next-generation series POP MAX, this time we will introduce scenarios where choosing POP X is more advantageous, by comparing it with POP MAX.
It is evident that POP X is slightly smaller in size compared to POP MAX.

Top : POPX , Bottom : POPMAX

(Photo by Lure Note)

The floating posture of each lure is also entirely different. As a result, the pop sound and surface ripples are more subdued with POP X, while POP MAX tends to produce relatively louder pops and more pronounced splashes. This means that POP X excels in subtly targeting precise spots, whereas POP MAX is adept at drawing bass from a distance with its larger ripples and sounds.
Based on the feature comparison, ideal scenarios to use POP X include:

1. When Bass are Wary and Subtle Action and Sound are Required:
In crowded fields frequented by weekend anglers or in clear water conditions, bass tend to be more cautious. Here, the subtle and realistic sound and action of POP X come into play, preventing the bass from becoming too wary.

2. For Imitating Insect-like Actions:
During summer, when insects are abundant, bass are more focused on the topwater. Insects that fall into the water don’t typically escape quickly, presenting an ideal opportunity for bass to strike. Gently swim the POP X on the surface to mimic this insect pattern and attract bass.

 These guidelines help anglers utilize POP X effectively in various conditions, enhancing their fishing experience.