How To Rig A Popping Cork For Redfish (Best Knots, Corks & Rigs)
- By: Joseph Simonds
- on
Are you rigging popping corks correctly?
Here’s the deal: if you want to catch big redfish, every tiny little detail matters…
From the way you rig your cork, to the knots you use, to the type of cork you use.
Capt. Mark “Hollywood” Johnson from FloridaKeysFunFishing.com is back today to help us nail down all of those details and make sure we’re giving ourselves the best chance to put fish in the boat.
Ready to catch more fish on popping corks?
Watch the video below.
Best Rig, Corks, & Knots For Popping Corks [VIDEO]
Get the exclusive Slam Shady paddletail here
Related videos:
- How To Fish Artificial Lures Under A Popping Cork (Plus Top 4 Mistakes)
- How To Rig A Shrimp Under A Popping Cork Like A Pro
How To Choose A Popping Cork
The first question you need to answer is which cork to use.
Capt. Mark has caught fish on all types of corks, but he does prefer corks with concave tops because they make a little more noise and move more water.
He also prefers the more heavy-duty corks with large beads and bendable wire because sometimes jacks, sharks or even big redfish will try to eat the actual cork.
In addition, the large beads make a rattle that sounds similar to mullet or pogies being active on the surface.
Now, you might need to pay a little more for the corks he recommends in the video, but because they’re more durable and attract more fish, it’s worth it.
To see the corks he recommends, click here.
How To Rig A Popping Cork
Now that you’ve chosen a popping cork, you need to rig it properly.
The key here is to match your equipment with the environment and fish you’re targeting.
In this video, we were fishing the murky waters in Louisiana for 40 lb redfish, so we were using 60 lb leader.
If you’re fishing the flats for 3-10 lb reds, 20 lb leader is a better option.
As far as leader length, that depends on how deep the water is that you’re fishing.
For shallower water, you can go as short as 18 inches, and for deeper water you can go up to four feet.
Any leader longer than four feet on a popping cork makes it hard to cast, so Capt. Hollywood won’t go any longer than that.
Pro-tip for using popping corks and braided line:
Braided line has essentially no memory and easily doubles back on itself, so if the line is not tight, it’s easy to get wrapped up around the cork.
To combat that, Capt. Mark ties on a 15-18″ buffer of mono between the braided line and the cork.
This makes it much less likely that you’ll wrap your main line around the cork and compromise its strength.
Finally, Capt. Mark mentioned that uses a clinch knot on nearly all of the connections in this rig.
He uses it for the:
- Leader to hook/jighead
- Leader to popping cork
- Mono buffer to popping cork.
The only connection he did not mention was the braided line to mono buffer.
For that connection, we recommend tying the FG knot.
To see our full breakdown and test of all the best fishing knots, check out this post here.
Conclusion
If you’re fishing with popping corks, remember this:
- You want a cork that makes lots of noise that mimics baitfish and attracts predator fish
- Take your time rigging them because there’s no heartbreak like having a trophy red break you off because of careless rigging
- Clinch knots are quick, strong and easy knots for rigging up these corks
- If you’re using braided line, a buffer of mono between the braid and the cork can help decrease tangles and wraps
And if you’re down in the Keys, you can book a trip with Capt. Mark or one of his captains at FloridaKeysFunFishing.com.
Have any questions about using popping corks?
Let us know in the comments below!
And don’t forget to TAG or SHARE this with someone who uses popping corks!
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The No Name knot was mentioned for braid to mono connection. Great information for cork selection, will try to find his selection here in Florida.
How can I order slam shady 6 inch soft plastic lures, do you sell them or z-man?
Hey there! We only have the Slam Shady in 5inch. You can find it here on our shop page: shop.saltstrong.com
Hi Mark,
I find Z-man Bait too by hard too get on a hock correctly. Wonder, about corks here in Lemon Bay Englewood Florida in the winter November to end of April.? I fish for Reds,trout sheep heads, flounder, blues and Spanish macs. Have Boat
Fish in Ontario Canada all summer for Walleye and Musky Bass.Sunfish and huge crappies. Do well with jigs and Plastic.
Find it harder to caught fish down south. Hope Corks will up my chances.
Best Regards
john Martin
Hi, from Southeast LA. Glad to see you boys doing a report from God’s country. We have some awesome fishing over here and our limits are awesome too.
Great info. Thank you much.
Great info as always ! This is my 1st post after a year of enjoying all the best of Salt Strong ????!
I’m a Brevard Co. guy, & your tips ( & Tony’s!) have been tremendous.
1st cast with my cork pulled a 5-6 lb Red & then the Snook started after the shrimp !
Love what you guys do, THANKS !!
Have you ever tried this method in the surf (casting beyond the breakers on relatively calm surf day)?
I’ve got a box full of crippled corks. Does any one know a reliable method to keep a cork safe from ambushing alligators?
Great info and very helpful! Thank you
Go-to popping cork rods for 4000 reels?
Blabbermouth corks work well for me