How to Rig a Popping Cork (Plus an Anti-Line Twist Hack)
- By: Matthew Lanier
- on
Does it seem like it’s supposed to be so easy to catch fish on popping corks, but they never really worked for you?
It might be the way you’re setting it up. In this video, I’ll show you how to rig a popping cork and share a trick that can eliminate one of the biggest frustrations!
How to Rig a Popping Cork
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Essential Equipment
- Dr. Popper Popping Cork
- Four Horsemen Popping Cork
- Round Eye Jigheads
- 2.0 Paddletails
- Prawn USA Junior Shrimp Lures
- Dr. Juice Saltwater Slam Formula
- Ande Monofilament
Key Takeaways
- Start with by tying your main line to piece of 30# – 50# mono using an FG or double uni knot. This trick will keep your main line from twisting up around the top of the popping cork.
- Connect the mono to your popping cork with a modified clinch knot or other snug knot so that it leaves about 6 inches from the main line to your cork.
- For your leader, connect the top section to the popping cork using another snug knot.
- Connect your lure with either a snug knot or a loop knot. Leave 18 – 24 inches of leader line to cover most conditions.
➡️ Learn more about popping cork leader length here!
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I use a loop knot.
Yeah, I remember not putting mono above the cork when I was young. What a mess that was.
And I didn’t know for the longest time that using a lure at the bottom was acceptable. I always thought a popping cork was for live bait.
Great video Matt.
Thanks Matt. I still use the loop knot at the jig attachment. Don’t know if it makes a difference as I’ve never tested the difference. I don’t use a cork much but in really choppy water it seems to be effective.
Good advise
Doesn’t look like you even consider showing how to rig a slotted poppincork.
So here goes tie on 36 to 48 inches of leader ( I use 20# Andy Pink) tie on your shrimp lure with a loop knot.
Take your slotted poppincork (I use a cupped and weighted cork) cupped end up slip it on the leader slid it up with about 18 ” between the lure and the bottom of the cork.
Next take the leader from the top of the Cork and wrap it down and pull it in the slot and up twice .
This creates a non slip connection to the cork install the plastic center pin and you’re done .
And this is adjustable to fish shallower water and deeper water in seconds.
Here is a question for you. But first a lil background I grew up to the age of 11 in Titusville fishing the pier and river all over the area. We (Dad and I) also did surf fishing and some off shore, then moved to CA (Don’t hate me) where I did a lot of deep sea and lake or small river fishing.
now for that question.. When, where and, why would you sue a popping cork? I have never used one and have never seen one used successfully…
Thank you
I’m a former California fisherman (don’t hate me) but I I grown to pull out Poppin Cork first to search for fish.
I have had great success finding trout with it.
I give it to novice anglers because it casts easy and When the Cork is gone they know to set the hook.
And they can’t hardly screw it up.
Great idea with the heavier mono above the cork. I agree with Tammi, Palomar for me. Thanks Matt!
Thanks for the comment Michael! We appreciate you watching!
Why not have both and they’ll eat it too? A snug and loop knot all in one great knot.
Tie a uni-knot, lube, snug it down, then with your fingernail in front against the hook and the knot, slide it back up the mainline while holding the lure and it will transform into an adjustable, to your liking loop knot. It will automatically snug with a Fish On. Try it, you’ll like it.
Cool idea! I’ll give it a try!
Thanks for the video. Great idea putting mono before the popping cork. I will definitely try it out.
Give it a go! Glad this helps! 💪
I always use a Palomar knot for the lure. Has yet to fail me.
Thanks for the feedback Tammi!