Introduction

The popper is a topwater fishing lure designed to create surface disturbance, simulating injured baitfish or insects to attract predatory fish such as bass, trout, or pike. This document outlines the historical development of the popper, with a focus on the Rebel Pop-R, and evaluates its current popularity relative to other fishing lures in 2025.

Historical Development

Early Origins

Popper-style lures trace their origins to early fishing practices, where anglers crafted lures from wood, cork, or feathers to mimic surface prey. These handmade designs, used globally for centuries, relied on manual shaping to produce surface action. Specific records of these early lures are limited, but they likely evolved from simple floats modified with hooks to attract fish.

Commercialization (Early 20th Century)

The commercialization of poppers began in the early 20th century with advancements in manufacturing. In 1941, Fred Arbogast introduced the Hula Popper, a lure featuring a concave mouth for water displacement and a rubber skirt for added attraction. This design, promoted as early as 1940, became effective for bass fishing due to its ability to create a popping sound and bubble trail. Earlier, in the 1920s and 1930s, James Heddon developed bug-like topwater lures, which gained attention through fishing publications.

Advancements in the 1970s

The 1970s marked a shift to plastic materials, improving durability and consistency. Rebel Lures, founded by George Perrin in 1963, introduced the Pop-R in approximately 1975. This 1/4-ounce lure, equipped with a cupped mouth and optional rattling beads, was designed for bass fishing. Despite initial discontinuation in 1978 due to low sales, professional anglers, including Zell Rowland and Rick Clunn, popularized its use in tournaments, leading to its revival. A limited run of one-knocker versions, featuring a single lead ball for sound, occurred between 1976-1978 and in 1984.

Late 20th and Early 21st Century

Further innovations included the Megabass Pop-X in the 1990s, which incorporated a water-through design for enhanced action, and the Whopper Plopper, introduced by Larry Dahlberg in 2008, combining a popper’s front with a propeller tail. Fly fishing poppers emerged for bass and trout, requiring varied retrieves. By the 2000s, poppers adapted for saltwater species, such as speckled trout and tuna, expanded their applications.

Current Popularity (2025)

Market Trends

In 2025, poppers remain a recognized category within topwater lures, valued for their ability to provoke surface strikes in calm waters or low-light conditions. Industry data indicates a 38% increase in topwater lure demand, driven by growing sportfishing participation and innovations showcased at events like ICAST 2025. Social media platforms, such as X, reflect ongoing interest through discussions of popper modifications and fishing reports.

Comparison to Other Lures

Poppers account for approximately 10-15% of bass fishing lure setups, effective in specific conditions but less versatile than other categories. Comparative analysis includes:

While poppers maintain a niche following, their usage is lower than all-purpose lures like jigs or crankbaits due to their condition-specific effectiveness.

Conclusion

The popper lure, from its early handcrafted forms to modern designs like the Rebel Pop-R, has evolved significantly since the early 20th century. Innovations in materials and design have sustained its relevance, particularly for bass and saltwater fishing. In 2025, poppers remain a valued topwater option, though they are outpaced by more versatile lures in broader applications. Their continued use reflects their effectiveness in targeted scenarios and cultural significance within angling communities.