Popper fishing lures are one of the best options for introducing young anglers to the world of fishing, particularly when fishing in lakes. Known for their unique topwater action and ease of use, popper lures can make fishing fun and exciting for kids, especially when they are targeting species like bass, trout, and panfish.
At LureBolt, we understand the importance of providing high-quality fishing lures that are both affordable and effective for young anglers. This guide will walk you through the best cheap popper fishing lures for kids, explain how to use them, and provide useful tips to ensure a successful and enjoyable fishing experience. Whether you’re new to fishing or looking to refresh your tackle box, this guide will help you choose the right fishing lures for kids fishing in lakes.
What Are Popper Fishing Lures?
Popper fishing lures are topwater lures designed to create a popping sound when retrieved through the water. These lures typically have a concave or cupped face at the front, which causes them to create a popping action as the angler retrieves them. The action mimics the sounds of struggling fish or insects, which predatory fish like bass and trout are naturally drawn to.
The main attraction of popper lures is their ability to draw fish to the surface. Kids often find it exciting to see fish strike at the lure right on the water’s surface, adding a visual thrill to the experience. Additionally, popper lures are easy to cast and retrieve, making them an excellent choice for kids who are learning the basics of fishing.
Why Popper Fishing Lures Are Perfect for Kids in Lakes
When introducing kids to fishing, the ease of use and excitement are paramount. Popper lures excel in both areas. Here’s why they’re ideal for kids fishing in lakes:
1. Simple to Use
Popper lures require little technique compared to other more advanced lures. The casting method is simple—just throw the lure into the water and reel it back in steadily. This straightforward technique is perfect for young anglers who are just starting out and helps them quickly gain confidence in their fishing skills.
2. Exciting Action
The pop and splash that popper lures create when retrieved mimics the sounds of prey that is struggling to escape. This action is exciting for kids to watch, and the visual impact of a fish striking the lure makes the experience even more thrilling. For kids, this immediate feedback is important in keeping their interest and building their excitement.
3. Effective in Shallow Waters
Lakes often have shallow waters, and popper lures work particularly well in these environments. The lures stay on the surface, and the popping action is perfect for attracting fish near the top of the water column. Many species of fish, such as bass and panfish, are more likely to strike at prey near the surface, making poppers the ideal choice in lake fishing.
4. Versatile and Reliable
Popper lures are effective across various weather conditions and water types. Whether it’s a calm, sunny day or a slightly overcast one, popper lures can attract fish. Their versatility also extends to different fish species, meaning kids can target multiple types of fish using the same lure.
5. Instant Gratification
For kids, one of the most important aspects of fishing is seeing immediate results. The visible strikes and splashes of popper lures provide instant gratification, encouraging kids to stay focused and engaged in the activity. Watching a fish hit the surface is a rewarding experience that helps keep young anglers motivated.
How to Choose the Best Cheap Popper Fishing Lures for Kids in Lakes
When selecting popper fishing lures for kids, several factors need to be considered to ensure you pick the best options. Here’s a guide to choosing the right fishing lures for your young angler:
1. Size of the Lure
The size of the popper fishing lure is crucial. For kids, smaller lures are often the best option. Smaller lures (1.5 to 2.5 inches) are easier to cast and more manageable for kids to handle. These sizes are perfect for targeting smaller species like panfish or trout in lake environments.
Recommended Size for Kids: 1/8 oz to 1/4 oz lures are typically light enough for young anglers to cast comfortably.
2. Color of the Lure
The color of the popper fishing lure can make a big difference in how effective it is, depending on water clarity. For lakes, the following color guidelines are useful:
Bright Colors: Bright, vibrant colors like chartreuse, neon pink, or yellow work well in murky or cloudy water. These colors make the lure easier for fish to see and are more likely to trigger a strike.
Natural Colors: For clear water, natural colors like white, silver, or black mimic the appearance of real prey like minnows and insects and are more likely to attract fish.
Fluorescent Colors: Fluorescent colors like neon green and bright orange are ideal for attracting fish in low-light conditions like early morning or late evening.
3. Durability
Kids can sometimes be a bit rough on their gear, so choosing a popper fishing lure made of durable materials is essential. Look for lures made of high-quality plastic or metal with a strong finish. Lures with a tough coating will resist scratches, dents, and rust, making them a better long-term investment.
4. Ease of Casting
Since kids are still learning how to cast, it’s best to select popper lures that are lightweight and easy to throw. Lighter lures are easier to cast, and they won’t require as much effort or skill to get them into the water. This allows kids to focus on learning how to cast without being overwhelmed by heavier, more complex lures.
5. Price
When purchasing fishing lures for kids, affordability is important. Kids tend to be rough on their gear, so it’s essential to choose cheap popper fishing lures that are both effective and budget-friendly. While cheaper lures may not have the same durability as premium options, there are many affordable choices that still provide great results in lakes.
Top Cheap Popper Fishing Lures for Kids in Lakes
Here are some of the best cheap popper fishing lures for kids, providing great value without compromising on effectiveness:
1. LureBolt Classic Popper
The LureBolt Classic Popper is an excellent choice for young anglers. It’s lightweight, easy to cast, and comes in a variety of vibrant colors that attract fish in different water conditions.
Size: 2 inches
Weight: 1/8 oz
Best for: Shallow to medium-depth lakes, panfish, and bass
Colors: Chartreuse, white, yellow
Why It’s Great for Kids: The LureBolt Classic Popper is easy to handle and provides consistent action on the surface, making it perfect for beginners. The affordable price point and durable construction make it a great investment for kids’ fishing trips.
2. LureBolt Mini Popper
For younger kids or beginners who need a smaller, lighter lure, the LureBolt Mini Popper is an ideal choice. It’s compact, lightweight, and perfect for targeting small fish in shallow lake waters.
Size: 1.5 inches
Weight: 1/8 oz
Best for: Small lakes, panfish, trout
Colors: Neon green, red, silver
Why It’s Great for Kids: The LureBolt Mini Popper is light enough for kids to cast and retrieve easily. Its smaller size works well for catching smaller fish, and the bright colors make it highly visible to fish in shallow waters.
3. LureBolt Vibrant Popper
The LureBolt Vibrant Popper is designed to catch the attention of fish in murky water. Its vibrant colors and action make it perfect for cloudy days or when fishing in deeper, darker lake areas.
Size: 2.25 inches
Weight: 1/4 oz
Best for: Murky lakes, bass, and larger panfish
Colors: Bright orange, chartreuse, purple
Why It’s Great for Kids: The LureBolt Vibrant Popper features a flashy, attention-grabbing color scheme that attracts fish even in murky conditions. It’s also easy for kids to handle and provides an exciting, visual fishing experience.
4. LureBolt Frog Popper
For those looking for a fun, more realistic option, the LureBolt Frog Popper mimics the movement of frogs on the water’s surface. This is perfect for kids who enjoy fishing in areas with lily pads or submerged vegetation.
Size: 2 inches
Weight: 1/4 oz
Best for: Vegetation-heavy lakes, bass
Colors: Green frog, brown frog
Why It’s Great for Kids: The LureBolt Frog Popper is a fun, realistic option that helps kids target fish in areas with dense vegetation. It mimics a frog’s erratic movement, making it exciting for kids to use.
How to Use Popper Fishing Lures for Kids in Lakes
Using a popper fishing lure is simple but requires some basic techniques. Here’s how to use popper lures for kids fishing in lakes:
1. Casting the Lure
Start by teaching the child how to cast the popper lure. A basic overhead cast or sidearm cast works well for beginners. Focus on casting into areas where fish are likely to be, such as along the shoreline or near submerged structures.
2. Retrieving the Lure
Once the popper lure is in the water, encourage the young angler to reel it in steadily. The goal is to maintain the popping action, which is what attracts fish. A steady retrieve works well for most situations, but you can also experiment with pauses or speed changes to mimic the movement of struggling prey.
3. Observe for Strikes
As the lure is retrieved, encourage the child to watch for any signs of a fish strike. If a fish strikes, they should immediately set the hook by quickly jerking the rod upward. This ensures the hook sets in the fish’s mouth.
Conclusion
Popper fishing lures are a fantastic choice for introducing kids to fishing, especially in lakes. Their easy-to-use design, exciting topwater action, and affordability make them perfect for young anglers. Whether you choose the LureBolt Classic Popper, LureBolt Mini Popper, or LureBolt Vibrant Popper, these lures offer great value and provide kids with an enjoyable and successful fishing experience.
At LureBolt, we offer a range of affordable, high-quality popper fishing lures for kids, designed to make their fishing trips fun and rewarding. Visit