Best Way To Rig A Popping Cork For Redfish, Flounder, Snook, & Trout

It's popping cork time!
Want to see exactly how to rig a popping cork for redfish, flounder, snook, and trout? Then watch this new video where Tony from Salt Strong reveals his best popping cork tactics.
If you haven't used a popping cork before, the "feeding sound" they make are great at attracting predatory fish (like redfish, snook, flounder, and trout) while keeping your bait in the strike zone.
The best news is that pretty much anyone can use a popping cork (even newbies and kids).
And because the popping cork gives you some extra weight, it's really easy to cast it far (even in the wind).
As you'll see in this popping cork video, I've found that the color of your popping cork doesn't matter (the bright color is simply for you to see so you know when a fish strikes your bait).
The best times to use a popping cork are usually when fishing in murky water or when the fish need a little sound and vibration to get stirred up and find the bait.
Popping corks can be used with live bait, dead bait (shrimp), and artificial lures.
As you'll see in the video, I like certain sized hooks and certain length leaders when using popping corks.
The popping corks I use in the video are made by Cajun Thunder (one of the most popular brands), and I usually go with bright yellow so that I can see it better.
Any questions on popping corks?
Do you have other popping cork rigs you like?
Let me know in the comments.
Fish On!
To see the full blog on how to use a popping cork, check out:
www.saltstrong...
For more saltwater fishing tips, check out:
www.saltstrong...

[@andresg1748]

I like how u showed everything at the beginning. That way we know the exact packaging. Thx man

[@delmonicofarquhar9893]

Most excellent, for sure! I'm heading to the coast in a week and will be much better off for having viewed this tutorial. Thank you!

[@f86sabjf]

If any of you are tying braid directly to the top of this rig and getting tangled up. I will suggest a 1ft mono leader on the top. The mono is stiff enough to keep the braid from wrapping around the tackle. Learned this from Mark at DOA.

[@tonyacevedo3149]

Great tip, thank you!

[@hootertexas9711]

Great idea.

[@Timelesskutz]

Why you don't use swivels?

[@scottmichael3745]

He's absolutely correct, the mono (or floro) up top really helps with stopping line tangle. And I use the double uni knot to tie braid to mono (or floro), works great. Good luck!

[@lamarsingletary9856]

Scott Michael - you will need to double wraps on braid side of uniknot to keep braid from slipping due to its slickness. When done this way it will perform better.

[@juli7970]

Thanks for a great tutorial. I've surf-fished my whole life but am just now having a go with poppin corks. Highly recommend this video; dude has an easy to listen to voice paired with some great fishing knowledge. You won't be lulled to sleep or annoyed with This guy! A++

[@Saltstrong]

We're glad that you found the video helpful! 💪

[@johnnyboyoscs]

Excellent tutorial! I'm a beginner and this vid was clear and straight forward. Thank you for your kindness in sharing your knowledge, May God Bless you and your family. Be safe and don't get none on ya!

[@johnwhittaker346]

I've watched your video 3 times. A lot of subtle hints, thank you so much. I bought, literally, everything you have. I'll show the fish the receipt, they'll jump in the boat! THanks for sharing your wisdom.

[@adamfriebele3625]

Have you had any luck? I just ordered some Cajun Thunder corks and want to know how they perform.

[@scottmichael3745]

Clever reply! Lol. It's less about the cork and more about the lure and presentation. Good luck!

[@felixsanchez8095]

You're about the only one that explain everything.

[@starboard_fishing]

I have a rod with a snap swivel that I use for topwater and this. Makes it easy to switch between the two. You can also add a johnson spoon in the mix as a third option.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching!

[@frankblake3365]

Wow - I've watched about a million of these and by far, This was excellent! I bumped in to your site by searching. Your excellent fishing skills and knowledge is one thing, but you have a talent for presentating information, detailed knowledge sharing, and fluid speaking. I subscribed and sure I will learn a lot. All the best and wish you continued succe$$!

[@aarongutierrez1]

im definitely going to rewatch this video over and over.

[@perkdaddy173]

This is how I catch about 70% of all my Trout/Flounder and half my reds. In low water or grass use a 2-3ft leader. In open water like docks and creek mouths use 3-4 ft. I love the popping cork because you don't have to only use it actively, you can easily add cut bait and suspend it in the water column and catch huge reds that way.

[@6atlantis]

Pushing Grass SC I’m coming down to S.C to visit my sister(from MA). I’ve never been. Do you mind if I fire a few questions at you. Like setups, Tackle I already own I could maybe bring etc..?

[@khaledkhalil408]

Thanks man!! These tips are awesome.

[@MrRoyHutchins]

When using cutbait,do the waves activate the popping sound?I understand how live bait swim away from it and rattle it.But wasn't sure using cutbait.

[@yourmedicareguylarrybelt7792]

Finally a video that shows you how to actually RIG the thing!

[@jameshendrixmizfit7364]

I like using the vudu shrimp. Or live target shrimp. Very realistic. Little bit of Pro-cure shrimp scented gel.

[@chemdog73]

Dude!!!! Started using this today after the fish bite slow down, started getting strike from fish ladies and jacks, this thing is so much fun

[@matthighlifeful]

I like the cheap white ones with no rattle, work great for me. They make a more natural sound

[@Tom-gm3wq]

I started applying Dr Juice to the popping cork to distribute more scent in the area It seemed to help with both frequency and aggressiveness of the strikes

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the info!

[@greg1093]

Great video! Clear and concise! Thank you!

[@Saltstrong]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@Wolfemonsters]

Very nice, I go with the circle hook as well for live bait. outstanding video.

[@gregoryburris6374]

BAM!!! This is what I needed. Newbie in Pensacola. Ty

[@jackryanTV]

hey same

[@johnnyray88]

Excellent job

[@mikecollier7729]

Now I watch a lot of fishing videos and will say salt strong videos are more realistic in use of info I would add that the poping setups shown are good but don't be afraid to experiment with your setup I generally 3 lengths in leaders I make myself 10",20" and 30 in 20lb test mono and only with poppers brass beads where I fish and have great success It's also good to watch videos to see how other people setup

[@TRIBE111]

Just got a couple of these , brand new from a tackle box scooped at a yard sale ! Had no idea what to do with them ! lol ......... this video was the first one that popped up on my tube ! I appreciate the video ..... deff gonna give it a go ! Thanks for the info

[@tonyacevedo3149]

Good stuff! Thank you for leaving a great comment!

[@NorthFloridaOutdoorsman]

Appreciate the tips

[@Saltstrong]

No problem!

[@growlith6969]

Had to look up the knots but this was a great vid. Made sense to have a much stronger knot on the cork rig than the leader, if you snag you don't want to lose the rig when you break the line off.

[@DualsPortvet]

Thanks, I bought some popping corks and didn't really know how to use them. Now I do!

[@rabidgp]

Thanks, learned a couple of tips to try... like the vertical top knot on the jig hed.

[@Bobb1julie]

A well presented video ..You have a great deal of knowledge to share with us .Thank you !!

[@MindfulMusic]

Could you use a popping cork setup off the Jetties, too?

[@RandomStuffWCoop]

Yes

[@daugusto2662]

I use the titanium leader for Snook after I lost a big one it bit thru the leader. He jumped the lure as I dropped it and bit right thru. Wire is small and bite proof. Be sure not to kink it tho, that will significantly weaken the wire.

[@billymcdaniel4855]

Best part about those particular ones is that they are Made in the USA !! The other 2pack from Walmart are from China. You can't go wrong with buying American. Those are great, I usually catch trout and redfish with a Cajun thunder and shrimp.

[@VirantRoss]

Billy McDaniel Made in USA a must even if the parts may not be. CHINEESE JUNK ALWAYS FALLS APART!!

[@VirantRoss]

Billy McDaniel I do my best to only buy USA brands and Products although MOST DO NOT SEEM TO SPECIFY!

[@seizedcarcass8440]

I’m dying to use a popping cork next time I’m at the beach. I’m hoping the redfish get fired up by it or maybe the snook and trout too

[@JorgeChavez-xm2ew]

The one thing that nobody mentions in these type of videos is what lb test is the main line? I'm new to saltwater and I've been using 12lb test for main line and the same for my leader. Please advise. Thanks. Great video!

[@jamesreavis197]

I use braid and typically a little heavier than the leader...if the leader gets caught on something I can break it off. Usually 20 lb braid with 15 lb mono leader.

[@jimconnor6476]

Thanks for the clear instruction!

[@jimdrechsel3611]

Awesome video and detailed instructions

[@glennacomb8424]

Good video Tony. It would be good to feature at least one popping cork with a cupped top, to make a bigger splash and pop. I like those, especially in stained water.

[@BRo-qx4xm]

I tried this rig in the grass flats 2ft, it was a flounder killer! All the reds and trout swam around my rig tho! I didn’t have a jig head on just a circle hook and shrimp...

[@bridgettwilliams6329]

I am new to saltwater fishing. Tyvm for the tips. Great video.

[@josiahmarquez6011]

awesome video! gives alot more info than most most skip some of the basic steps and when trying to learn you are like how did he get from here to there! thanks!

[@Saltstrong]

If you liked this video, you'll love the newer lure reviews and tutorials that we have been posting to this page on our website: www.saltstrong.com/article_categories/lures/

[@MatthewDollingerGearbox]

This was perfect as I’ve got an L4 ! Thanks.

[@cliffordcrear6981]

Very informative! Thanks!

[@Saltstrong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jakelencher817]

i just used a 360 gt coastal shrimp on my popping cork in the flats. if you could recommend a color other than pearl which i am using then please do.

[@wayneoneal7952]

I guess I'm old school but I use a small three-way swivel instead of using a weight with a rattling cork instead and a wide gap hook. I do fish deeper water but my rig length 3-4 ft

[@B00mHal0]

Can you use 12-24" wire leader connected to the bottom of the popping cork with a swivel or do I have to make my own with mono?

[@dmhawv]

Wish you would list the hook and jig descriptions below. Would be a big help. Thanks.

[@susieallen6601]

Love this video....so informative....Thank you!!

[@xsboca]

A well presented informative video.

[@tonyacevedo3149]

Great feedback, thank you!

[@OMOLMentoringinc]

Great tutorial Tony, ordering my L4expidition, what made you buy L2? Need to share testimonials.

[@joejosepf2709]

Great video, thanks.

[@White_Tiger93]

can I use snap swivel that I already tied to my mainline to connect to popping cork swivel for easy switch? I don't have a luxury to afford new rod and reel at the moment so I always use snap swivel so I can switch out rigs if need to, but with popping cork rig can I do that here??

[@rubenmercado4661]

in south Texas we use legend popping corks

[@wesleyhackney]

Good basic 101 for popping cork use

[@Cordeneaux87]

Need experienced advice: OC prowler 13 or F&S Shadow Caster? Doing both fresh and salt fishing.

[@trevorsalladay5959]

What jighead brand was that? I couldnt see. Also the twist lock hook?

[@brandonlynch3722]

What is your preferred rod and reel setup for this method?

[@jakelencher817]

we just go drift fish with a popping cork, catch mainly trout and an occasional redfish. that is the laguna madre that we are in.

[@lfaulk36]

Do you use a jighead with a weighted cork or nonweighted cork?

[@namtla20]

Got a couple of the thinner modeled Cajun popping corks shown in the video & tried it in a tidal creek today... it was windy & tude was moving. I could hardly keep the line right because it was floating all over the place. It was a weighted model but do I need to somehow and more weight? Help a rookie out! Thanks!

[@patrickcallahan7816]

Awesome video! Thanks

[@CTomSmith]

Does this work from piers or surf fishing

[@MrHubris1]

Nice video, Thanks!

[@WesternWild509]

I'm gonna have to try that jerk shad idea out. As always, great video!

[@lsj42069]

Awesome video. This is second video I’ve seen of yours and great stuff . definitely subscribing. Keep up the great work

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for making time to leave the nice comment Luis! If you like these videos, you'll love what you see on our website (these plus much more): www.saltstrong.com/

[@wadoshintoyoshin]

Man Great video

[@Saltstrong]

Glad you found this helpful!

[@robertb6964]

Tony...could you provide a link to the shirt you’re wearing? I want one!

[@dillardwinters4882]

When you through it the knot want be up,it will straighten out more and more.

[@chrisz.9974]

I’ve used live bait with success on the beach. With a strong enough bait you’ll see the bait getting chased since the cork will go horizontal.

[@XoLMGoX]

Do you rig the gulp shrimp as the directions say or another way?

[@Saltstrong]

Great question! Make sure to ask this over in the Community (www.saltstrong.com/) where the coaches spend their time.

[@garyb4929]

nice tips, thanks

[@bobowhite11]

The term when you tighten your knot at the jig head, so it stays perpendicular to your line is called "Cocking" your jig.

[@RichM0410]

Certainly glad I’ve subscribed to your channel👍 thank you

[@simonspop706]

Excellent!

[@tbobmann229]

Excellent video!.. very informative!. off to bass pro I go!

[@pilotcaleb]

What kind of paddle board is that?

[@slammerjaxlive]

New subscriber. Don't know if this is your thing, but could you tell me what your paddle board set up is? Typically I'm a center console guy, but wanting to try out paddle board.

[@palmharborfishing2932]

Wow thanks for the great video love the tips and how to videos

[@gmilla2825]

Good vid, just what I needed.

[@lamarsingletary9856]

Did you paint bottom half of cork that is on your line?

[@jayvenfitzpatrick1937]

What kind of set up where you using ? I see the calico jack your using ! Those are really nice rods I have one myself . Any type of size rod matter ?

[@gulp_man1026]

Jayven Fitzpatrick 7 foot 6 at least

[@tonyacevedo3149]

Yep Calico Jack's are pretty much all I use right now. Great rod for the price. 7'6 rod is what I typically use for all applications inshore.

[@KnifeCrazzzzy]

Does it matter what time of year you use one?

[@ProjecthuntanFish]

You tied your braid directly to your popping cork? Dont you have a problem with "bending" the rod in the popping cork out of shape by using braid directly to it?

[@Saltstrong]

Great point! You can actually use a small piece of leader to between the cork and braid to make sure there aren't any line issues. 💪💪💪

[@steveleston4571]

nice explaination is that aSaab X97 Areo

[@lonnie003]

I’ve seen videos showing how a snell knot works, would this knot work the same on the popping cork?

[@iancampbell1494]

I wouldn’t tie a snell knot for a popping cork personally. I’d prolly use a trilene, half blood, or uni knot for my main line to cork and then my cork to leader line.

[@Bass2redfish]

Thanks for the video!

[@tonyacevedo3149]

No problem!

[@richardcline1040]

could they b used for freshwater fish

[@rickfisher4866]

Is this setup good for piers?

[@tric25mcdaddy53]

Great video, others should take notes. Tks

[@dailygrinders89]

What kind of kayak/stand surf are you on?

[@tonyacevedo3149]

I'm using an L2Fish Paddleboard by Live Water Sports in this video. Awesome boards!

[@VictoriaOfTheDead]

As far as surf fishing. Would you need more weight to get it out there?

[@cetree201]

thisGirlXx na just buy a yak

[@VictoriaOfTheDead]

cetree201 I have a pelican apex 100. Don't think it would fend well out there lol

[@donaldhanselman614]

thisGirlXx use a spinning reel with 3lb bread..works great and you can cast the clicker cork..It does work..I fish one to foot with them .. Winter or spring they are awesome..

[@donaldhanselman614]

30lb bread.

[@VictoriaOfTheDead]

Donald Hanselman I have 30lb braid on a spinning reel. I'll try it next time I'm out there. Thanks

[@goldteethman8720]

What is that paddleboard? 👍 Badasss

[@Marccortez8567]

Awesome

[@percynorris2498]

What kinda float are you on

[@Saltstrong]

Check out the full blog on our website for more information. You can find that here: www.saltstrong.com/fishing-tip/how-to-rig-popping-corks/. If you still have questions, post them in the comments there for our team to respond directly to.

[@irockrock44]

wth were you playing catch with that fish ? :D nice vid. thanks

[@42701texasman]

Did you say a 2/0 hook or a #2 hook?

[@lucisanchez1519]

Where is that spot located

[@dd214fishing]

great video man thanks

[@tonyacevedo3149]

No problem, and thank you for the great feedback!

[@yerbyray]

IMFISHNGUY i

[@lukeprince7690]

OK sorry I question God bunch a Is rebel pop rs laying around You don't think a redfish or a trout would hit it

[@tommy_bluewolf2865]

This wouldn’t work let’s say off a pier ? Let’s say 8 to 13ft ? If so how should I rig it

[@thecreekcrawler]

can you use this rig with a DOA shrimp?

[@Saltstrong]

Yes, pretty much any shrimp lure will work just fine under popping cork.

[@thecreekcrawler]

@@Saltstrong awesome thanks for the reply I tried it out yesterday and had a couple hits.. ended up throwing mud minnows on bottom and catching fish. When a flounder hits does it bury the float or does it just bob?

[@thecreekcrawler]

@@Saltstrong I watched your best artificial shrimp for corks..Looks like a savage gear or vudu shrimp for me! The gulp work and have been getting hit but the action from those other baits is too good to ignore! Thanks for the reply

[@redfilmzfishin374]

What was the knot to tie your leader?

[@philipholman1713]

I think he said the trilene knot

[@brandonpolk2628]

What kind of boat is that?