Poppin’ Into Winter: How to Rig and Fish a Popping Cork

Welcome back to Noah’s Fishing Corner!

This month, we are going to learn about one of my favorite ways to fish for redfish—a popping cork. Popping corks can be really good during the cooler months when we are fishing around bays, shorelines, piers and grass flats.

So, what is a popping cork?

A popping cork is a float that sits on top of the water while your bait or lure hangs underneath it. A lot of popping corks have beads or rattles on them. When you jerk—or “pop”—the cork, the beads make noise and the cork splashes the water. That noise can get a fish’s attention and make it come see what is going on.

Another reason I like a popping cork is because it helps keep your bait off the bottom. If you are fishing around grass, mud or shelf, that can help a lot. Instead of your shrimp or lure getting buried down in the grass, it stays up where a redfish can find it.

Building My Popping Cork Rig

I like to buy the popping cork already made with the beads and wire, but I make my own leader underneath it.

You will need 20- to 30-pound fluorocarbon leader, a popping cork, a small weight if preferred, a 3/0 or 4/0 circle hook and your favorite bait or lure.

Your leader length depends on how deep the water is. The goal is to keep your bait above the bottom instead of dragging it through the grass or mud.

Tie your main fishing line to the top of the popping cork. Then tie your leader to the bottom of the cork. Finally, tie your circle hook onto the other end.

Now you are ready to fish!

Grandpa Gerald’s Method

My mom says my Grandpa Gerald taught her how to use a popping cork years ago. His method was simple:

Pop three times, reel once. Pop three times, reel once.

I use this same method, and I have caught plenty of fish doing it.

After you cast, keep the extra slack out of your line so you can control the cork. Give it three good pops, reel in some line, and then do it again. Sometimes a fish will hit while you are popping it, and sometimes it will grab the bait while it is just sitting there.

Then comes the best part.

WHOOSH! The cork disappears!

If you are using a circle hook, start reeling until the line gets tight instead of yanking the rod as hard as you can to set the hook.

Don’t Be Afraid to Fish the Piers

Here is another tip for the cooler months: Don’t be scared to fish around piers.

Fish like to hang out around pier posts because barnacles and lots of tiny critters grow on them. Little baitfish come around to eat, and bigger fish come looking for the baitfish.

Cast close to the posts and let your popping cork work the area.

Give it a try.

Just don’t catch the pier like my mom does sometimes.

Bright cork colors like orange, pink or lime green also make the cork easier for you to see on the water.

So, grab your rod, rig up a popping cork, remember Grandpa Gerald’s three pops and one reel, and go see what is hiding around those piers.

Tight lines!