I’ve got the itch to build a ‘high end’ combo for fishing a popper. Before I go on I am fully aware that ‘high end’ is 100% unnecessary for popper fishing. That being said, it’s my favorite technique and I figured it would be fun to mess with. 
 

I’ve got the reel sorted out (most likely an aldebaran) but really wanted to focus on the rod. I’m looking for something to throw 1/2 oz poppers and something less than 7 feet long. What would you suggest for the rod?

 

I know high end means different things to different people…so all suggestions are welcome. 

Falcon Cara Headturner.  6'10" 1/4-3/4, H/F.  The heavy part is a falcon power 6 heavy so its closer to a lot of other's medium heavies.  Its what I throw 1/2 oz walking baits on and its a perfect rod for it.  I'm throwing 16 lb sunline mono.

 

I use the Topwater/finesse jig model (6'10", 1/4-3/4, MH/F) for poppers myself, but that's 5/16 and 3/8 weight.  I throw the 1/2 oz dawgs on it too and its great for that, I just like the little extra power from the Headturner anymore.

I can likely build you something better and custom fit to you within budget. Email me with some likes and dislikes and a quote for you. 

Mike will build you a great rod!

10 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

Mike will build you a great rod!

Indeed he will!!

P5 popx stick  is built just for poppers 

Go custom first. If not, p5 popx would be my choice

Very Sensitive and stout: BPS Bionic Blade. Really like mine using a chug bug. Nope, not high end.

 

Good Fishing

69MLxf St Croix blank builds a great popper rod

Not expensive Don Iovino’s NAC - T681M/SI Splash’It rod, 6’8” MF, 1/4-1/2 oz lures is ideal for poppers. Don put a lot of his experience designing this rod and suggest you try this rod for a baseline before buying a custom or higher end rod.

This rod is no longer available off the shelf, contact Don.

Tom

On 1/18/2024 at 3:15 PM, casts_by_fly said:

Falcon Cara Headturner.  6'10" 1/4-3/4, H/F.  The heavy part is a falcon power 6 heavy so its closer to a lot of other's medium heavies.  Its what I throw 1/2 oz walking baits on and its a perfect rod for it.  I'm throwing 16 lb sunline mono.

 

I use the Topwater/finesse jig model (6'10", 1/4-3/4, MH/F) for poppers myself, but that's 5/16 and 3/8 weight.  I throw the 1/2 oz dawgs on it too and its great for that, I just like the little extra power from the Headturner anymore.

I also throw poppers on a head turner although I prefer the Expert since it’s a bit more moderate action. 
 

In your case I think the custom route makes the most sense. 

I would normally say a G. Loomis 844C but I recently purchased a Mebabass P5 Z-Crank Elsiel and it has fantastic tip for popper baits. It have tried a Pop Max on it and it the tip has a quick snap to it. It's hard to explain. The rod is soft like a Mod-fast but has a quick hook set with a softer middle. It fantastic for a 110 and especially the 110 jr. I need some more time with it but so far, it's amazing. 

Poison Adrena 610 M

PR 844 C GLX

7'0"

Medium

Fast

1

8-17

1/4-5/8

A

$425.00

JDM P5 Destroyer 110 stick is an excellent little popper rod, but if I threw them all the time I'd get the dedicated Pop-x stick they have in the same line.

 

If money is no object, those JDM P5 rods are really amazing.   I wish I had more of them that's for sure. 

I have used the St Croix Mojo Bass 6’8” M/XF “Toowater” rod for poppers. It has a perfect action and bends throughout the blank and also makes an excellent jerkbait rod. I would imagine the same rod in an upper line would be good although personally I am okay with the cheaper rod for poppers.