Tuna Poppers

[pjstevko]

I plan on doing some popping for tuna in the fall so I started getting my popper collection together and here are the first ones purchased.....

I'll need to replace the hooks as the stock ones are only 3x strength and am looking for suggestions on brand and sizes for the upgrade.... Let me know what you use!

Also if anyone has any tuna poppers you're not using let me know.... I'm in the market!

Pj

[MarkT]

Those hooks would be fine for schoolies. I haven't seen any YFT bigger than that until we got to the lower banks on a 10 day last November. If you get into some bigger BFT that'll want poppers you might want to swap the hooks out for some VMC/Owner in-line singles. Most popper BFT have been from private boats, not bigger charter boats. I've caught quite a few YFT on poppers and there's nothing better than seeing them explode on a popper! I've had YT hit the poppers too.

[pjstevko]

I was mistaken.... The hooks on these poppers are 4X!

[Cor]

I don't use "poppers" but different surface plugs and have found large single hooks or 2 inward facing single hooks (10/O) to hold the fish better than trebles.
Generally the hookup rate on large Yellowfin Tuna is poor, maybe 50/50 and about 30% then still come off.

Have also caught many on large trebles as well, so take your pick.....

Perhaps others have different experiences.

[pjstevko]

Any recommendations on which brand and size single hooks I should buy to replace the trebles?

[Swami805]

If I recall correctly I think Owner makes a hook specifically for that purpose. Maybe browse their website or some one will chime in with the specific info.
I see you on BD, they have a whole popper fishing board, some hard core popper guys on there.

[jurelometer]

Any recommendations on which brand and size single hooks I should buy to replace the trebles?

I like VMC.  I read somewhere that the rule of thumb is for the gape of the single inline tobe about 3/4 of the diameter of the original treble.  This has worked for me so far,  but I am only an occasional popper thrower.   Some other more experienced folks might have a more nuanced answer on size.

THe VMC website has a downloadable PDF for each hook type.   Print it out to scale, and compare with what is currently on the popper.

https://vmcpeche.com/products/inline-single-hook

-J

[Tiddlerbasher]

When I swap out the trebles on lures I try to get a single approximately the same weight as the original treble. Whether this is really necessary I don't know but on lighter quality lures it seems to retain the action better. Failing that I do as J suggested. I use both Owner and VMC hooks.

[pjstevko]

I think I'm gonna go with size 5,6, or 7 vmc inline singles!

Thanks for all the great info!

[MarkT]

Sounds good... https://www.bdoutdoors.com/vmc-inline-single-hooks/

[pjstevko]

What size split rings should I buy to match up with those 6/0 & 7/0 inline books for the poppers pictured above?

[Jigtosser]

Charkbait,

Mark has what you need...
Nomad split rings-Very Heavy Duty
Tried to post a link, butt iPad won't cooperate...

Dan

[MarkT]

I mostly use Owner hyperwire 9's. 8's are a little smaller but they're really stiff, you better have some good split ring pliers.

[jurelometer]

Texas Tackle split ring pliers are popular.    Dunno which size it is, but the one with the green handles works for me.

You can reuse the split rings that came with the trebles.  The decent ones are not single use.   As long as they spring back shut.

BTW,  your hookup rate will be better with the stock trebles.    And the hookup rate on poppers is not that great to begin with.   Going to inlines is mostly for better hook-hold on big fish for long fights (i.e., big tuna),  and safety.  I hate trebles.  They are an accident waiting to happen.  Especially when attached to a big saltwater fish.  But if you want to catch more of the type of tuna that usually hits a popper, you  can stick with the trebles.   Just make sure that everybody is wearing eye protection  (Did I mention that I hate trebles? )

-J

[pjstevko]

I mostly use Owner hyperwire 9's. 8's are a little smaller but they're really stiff, you better have some good split ring pliers.

I bought two packages of size 8 today because the other sizes seemed a little too big. I'll see how well they match up in size and if the 8's won't work I'll buy something else.....

I have a smaller pair of Shimano split ring pliers but I've great things about the Texas tackle pliers so I'll probably buy a pair of those... I think the blue ones are the ones everyone recommends right?