Fishing is a rewarding and relaxing hobby, but it can also be a challenging one—especially for beginners. If you’re just starting your fishing journey, you might be wondering what type of lures are best for different conditions. One highly effective, yet affordable type of lure for river fishing is the popper. These lures are popular for their ability to attract fish with their unique action and sound, making them a must-have for beginner anglers.
In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about cheap popper fishing lures for beginners fishing in rivers. From understanding how poppers work to choosing the right size, color, and setup, we’ll cover it all. By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge to pick the right popper lures and start using them to catch fish in rivers.
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What is a Popper Fishing Lure?
A popper fishing lure is a surface fishing lure designed to create a “popping” sound and movement when retrieved. It has a concave or cupped face that forces water outward as the lure is pulled through the water, making a distinctive popping noise. This action mimics the movement of struggling prey and is highly attractive to fish such as bass, trout, and pike.
Why Choose a Popper Lure for River Fishing?
Popper lures are incredibly effective in rivers for several reasons:
Surface Action: Popper lures work on the surface of the water, making them ideal for rivers where fish tend to feed near the top. The popping action mimics a fish struggling on the surface, drawing predators like bass and trout to strike.
Versatility: You can use popper lures in different water conditions, from calm, shallow streams to faster-moving rivers. They can be cast in various ways, making them versatile for different fishing techniques.
Attractive Sound and Splash: The popping sound created by the lure attracts fish from a distance, especially in rivers where water movement may make it harder for fish to detect prey underwater.
Key Features to Consider When Buying Cheap Popper Fishing Lures
As a beginner, it’s important to know what features to look for when selecting cheap popper fishing lures. Here’s what you should consider:
1. Size
The size of the popper is critical to the type of fish you’re targeting. Smaller poppers (2-3 inches) are great for catching smaller species like trout, while larger poppers (4-6 inches) work well for bigger fish like bass or pike.
For beginners: Start with a medium-sized popper (around 3-4 inches) that is versatile enough to catch a range of fish species in rivers.
Fish size considerations: If you’re fishing for larger species like pike or large bass, consider investing in larger poppers that mimic the size of their typical prey.
2. Color
Color is another important factor when choosing a popper fishing lure. Fish are attracted to colors that resemble their natural prey. The right color can make all the difference, especially when the water clarity varies in rivers.
Clear Water: In clear water, natural colors like white, silver, and green work well.
Murky Water: For murky rivers, brighter colors like chartreuse, orange, or yellow are more visible to fish and will stand out better.
Darker Conditions: In low-light conditions, dark-colored poppers with reflective finishes can make a stronger impression.
3. Material and Build Quality
Even if you’re looking for cheap popper fishing lures, the material still matters. Opt for durable materials such as hard plastic or wood, as these will last longer and perform better in various fishing conditions.
Plastic: Affordable and durable, plastic poppers are excellent for beginners.
Wood: Wooden poppers are traditionally used but can be more expensive. However, they provide a realistic movement and sound in the water.
4. Hooks
The quality of the hooks on your popper fishing lure is crucial. Look for poppers with sharp, rust-resistant hooks that won’t break or dull easily. For beginners, it’s important to choose a popper that comes with quality hooks to ensure you don’t lose your catch.
Single Hooks: Some poppers come with a single hook, which is easier for beginners to handle.
Treble Hooks: While treble hooks provide more points of contact, they can be harder for beginners to manage, especially when trying to unhook a fish.
Top Cheap Popper Fishing Lures for Beginners in Rivers
Here are some of the best cheap popper fishing lures for beginners, which are available at affordable prices but still provide excellent performance in rivers:
1. Lurebolt Classic Popper
Size: 3 inches
Color Options: White, Yellow, Green, Bluegill
Material: Durable plastic
Hooks: Two sharp treble hooks
The Lurebolt Classic Popper is perfect for beginners looking for an affordable and reliable popper. Its 3-inch size makes it versatile for a variety of fish species, while the loud popping action and vibrant color choices make it effective in rivers with both clear and murky water.
Pros:
Great for beginners due to its simple design and ease of use
Affordable pricing without sacrificing quality
Available in multiple colors to match different fishing conditions
Cons:
Smaller size may not attract larger fish like pike
2. Lurebolt River Popper
Size: 4 inches
Color Options: Chartreuse, Red-Head, Silver Shad
Material: Hard plastic with reflective finish
Hooks: Single barbed hook
The Lurebolt River Popper is designed specifically for river fishing, with a reflective finish that enhances visibility in murky water. It’s perfect for catching bass, pike, and other river-dwelling species. The 4-inch size offers a great balance between casting distance and attraction power.
Pros:
Reflective finish for visibility in low-light or murky conditions
Suitable for a variety of fish species in rivers
Single hook for easier unhooking and less damage to fish
Cons:
Slightly larger size may not be ideal for smaller species like trout
3. Lurebolt Mini Popper
Size: 2.5 inches
Color Options: Brown Trout, Perch, Black
Material: Wood body, soft finish
Hooks: Treble hooks
The Lurebolt Mini Popper is designed for smaller fish species such as trout and smaller bass. This compact popper offers a subtle but effective action that imitates a distressed prey item on the surface. It’s an affordable and highly effective lure for beginners looking to fish in calmer river sections.
Pros:
Compact size makes it ideal for smaller fish
Realistic wood body provides a more natural action
Affordable without compromising on quality
Cons:
May not be as effective for larger fish species in fast-moving rivers
How to Use Popper Fishing Lures in Rivers
Once you’ve selected the right popper fishing lure, it’s important to understand how to use it effectively in rivers. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Casting Techniques
Accurate Casting: Cast the popper across the river, aiming for likely fish-holding areas like near rocks, fallen trees, or submerged structures. Make sure to land the popper near the surface to mimic a struggling prey fish.
Target the Edges: Focus on casting your popper near the edges of the river, where fish are more likely to strike as they hunt for food.
2. Retrieve Techniques
Steady Retrieve: For beginners, a steady, slow retrieve works well. This creates a consistent popping sound that attracts fish.
Pause and Go: Occasionally pause the retrieve to let the popper float or twitch on the surface. This erratic movement often triggers strikes from fish that are watching.
Jerk and Pause: A jerk-pause technique can help replicate the action of an injured or struggling fish, making it irresistible to predatory species.
3. Fishing Time and Conditions
Best Time: Early mornings or late evenings are typically the best times to fish with poppers, as fish are more actively feeding at these times.
Weather Conditions: Overcast skies can increase the effectiveness of popper lures, as the muted light encourages fish to feed closer to the surface.
Conclusion
When you’re starting out as a beginner angler, choosing cheap popper fishing lures for river fishing is a smart way to learn the basics of lure fishing without breaking the bank. The popping action of these lures is highly effective at attracting a variety of fish species, making them ideal for rivers.
By selecting the right popper based on size, color, and material, and using the appropriate casting and retrieving techniques, you’ll increase your chances of catching fish and having an enjoyable fishing experience.
For high-quality and affordable popper fishing lures, check out for a wide selection that fits your needs.