when to use a popper bait

[Young bass kid]

Hey everybody this is Kelvin I haven't been up on hear in a while but I came to the people who would give me the answers that I need I got a popper bait yesterday and I didn't use it yet I was wondering when is it a good time to use and and can I fish it around grass and other spots I going out today with the kids to use these three bait a jig and spinnerbait and a popper tell me witch one should I use first and witch one is good in the dark water cause if anyone has fish at bluebell knows how that water is and it's alot of bass there just need some help with catching them

[Durand Dan]

Any time is a good time for a Poppar! I rig it with 6lb fireline on a spinning rod. this gives you great conrol at long distance. The only thing you have to adapt to is letting the fish take it before you set the hook.

[Cy]

Poppers are good almost anytime of year.  Clear or dirty water, early, mid day or late.  I throw a popper on 15 to 20 lb mono or 20/6 braid.  Braid floats better then mono so that is what I use most of the time.  Remember to vary for cadence until you figure what the fish want.  I also tie on my poppers with a clinch knot...I know most people use a palomar.  I don't because I think a clinch knot helps the bait run straighter. 

Cy

[TCook]

I choose to throw a popper in low light conditions where the water surface is for the most part calm, so early morning late evening or cloudy days year round. If you run accross some bass busting bait on the surface that would be a good time to throw a popper too. If they are eating mayflies or other insects throw it. It really shines when bucks are guarding fry, when this is going on throw that thing all day in the spawning areas.
    I use a 5' 10" G Loomis topwater rod with 17lb mono, the short rod allows you to give the bait a great action while twitching straight down instead of to the side and the heavy mono floats. The last thing you want while working a popper is for your line to sink and drag while working it. If you still have problems with the line sinking run some chap stick along your line and that should keep it above the surface. Another trick is to tie the knot very tight and pull it to the bottom of the eyelet before you cast it makes a difference in the action.

[thedude]

i like a popper once the water hits the mid 50s and will use it year round from there. low light and calm conditions are the best. deep water, shallow weeds - where ever the fish might be. I've caught fish on poppers in 20+ FOW and 6". I use a 6'0" m action crankbait rod i built for throwing little cranks. Works awesome - i can cast a very light popper a mile and the moderate action rod really helps getting fish to the boat without pulling the hooks.  Not much backbone to work with but so far its not been an issue. I'm using 12lb mono mostly for casting distance.