How To Rig A Shrimp Under A Popping Cork Like A Pro
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
- Found In: Fishing Secrets, Fishing Tips, Inshore Fishing, Live Bait Fishing Tips
You know that feeling…
When you’re fishing with a popping cork…
And all of a sudden it disappears!
Then you’ve got about half a second before your rod doubles over and your reel starts screaming.
The thrill of seeing a strike happen before feeling it makes fishing with popping corks an exciting way to fish.
Plus, it can be a simple way to fish for children, less experienced anglers, or people who just don’t want to cast a lot.
In the video below I’m going to show you the best way to rig a shrimp under a popping cork to catch more fish while saving time and money.
If you have any questions about rigging shrimp under a popping cork let me know down in the comments!
How To Rig A Shrimp Under A Popping Cork [VIDEO]
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Rigging The Popping Cork
I prefer the standard, weighted styrofoam corks without the wire or beads.
The reasons I like these are because:
- They are easily adjustable, so if you go from fishing in four feet to two feet of water, you can adjust the placement of the cork accordingly without having to re-tie or change the leader (unlike the corks with the wires, beads, and weights)
- The weight allows for more casting distance
When rigging popping corks, remember these tips:
- Rig the cork on the fluoro or mono leader, avoid rigging it on braided line
- Don’t rig the cork too close to the knot (it may slide up and put pressure on the knot, causing it to pop off)
- When corks are worn out and don’t hold their position very well anymore, double up the line in the cork
Live Shrimp Rigging
I like to rig shrimp on 2/0 Owner light wire circle hooks.
This is because the small size and light wire doesn’t weigh down the shrimp, but allows the shrimp to move around freely.
Also because these hooks are plenty strong enough to handle a large fish.
Now, when it comes to actually hooking the shrimp, I like to hook them in one of two places:
1. In the head between their eyes and the organs. When you pop the cork, the shrimp will twitch forward in a natural swimming motion.
2. Up through the bottom of the tail. When you pop the cork, the shrimp will dart backward, as if in a fleeing motion.
Bonus Shrimp Rigging Tip: when using shrimp, pinch off the tail before you cast it out.
That will release extra scent to attract predators.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a thrilling, yet easy way to catch fish, consider using a popping cork.
Standard, weighted styrofoam popping corks work best because they are easily adjustable and allow for maximum casting distance.
And when using shrimp on the popping cork, hook it through the head or the tail
For extra scent release, pinch off the tail before you cast it out.
Have any questions about fishing with shrimp under a popping cork?
Let us know in the comments below!
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Excellent video! Clearly explained. I learned that my lack of success may be due to improper shrimp “hooking”. I’m totally going out early tomorrow to try this. Thanks!
You’re welcome Jennifer! Little things can make a huge difference. Good luck out there!
What brand is the fake shrimp you use to show hooking methods?? Looks good!
Hey Michael! That is a Chasebaits USA Flick Prawn in the Jelly Prawn color.
We sell them on our shop page here:
https://fishstrong.com/collections/saltwater-lures/products/flick-prawn-heavy?variant=32661067366485
Good tips. Thanks!
No problem Eric!
Tony – Many times , the pin is too tight to fit in the cork. What should i Do ? Thanks
Hey Richard,
If the cork is too tight on the line to get the pin in, you can carefully rub the line into the side of the cork before inserting the pin. You just want to be careful not to dig too big of a cut into the side.
Tony- To be sure your bait is at or near the bottom without moving the cork, what do you think of this?:
Rig your cork at the high end of the expected depth. Bait with a weighted hook or jig. Have a bullet or barrel weight between the bait and the cork, with beads if desired.
20 lb leader? Or stronger?
It all depends on what species you’re targeting… 20 lb is great for redfish, trout, flounder, sheepshead, and small snapper. But a stronger leader is often needed for snook, tarpon, sharks, spanish mackerel, etc.
good tip tony–i have been placing cork on braid and now see why they don’t last as long. putting on longer leader is a great tip to stop this wear and make adjustments as water depth changes. i love the 2/0 but depending on bait i use and it’s size i’ll use 1/0 or 3/0 also. the way you hook the shrimp works for me on both live shrimp and gulp.
Do you use a split shot.
i will if current strong as it will not get down where needed and stay on the top of the water. i add next to circle hook and size as needed. jig head will do the same but i prefer circle hook as i seem to get more hits and hook ups.
The only popping cork I use now is a “Coastal Cork”. I have tried all different kinds and brands. This one works the best for me day in and day out.
Can I use the pooping Corp with shrimp for pier fishing at night ? Or just use a bottom rig with the shrimp.
depends on current. if strong free line and is not use cork.