Nail Polish Popper

Recipe

Hook: Mustad 33903 Kink Shanked Hook Size 2
Thread: White Flat Waxed Nylon
Head: Wapsi Perfect Popper Foam Popper Heads
Tail: Sili Legs, Marabou, Flashabou, Just About Anything...
Gill: Wapsi Palmer Chenille or Hackle
Eyes: Prismatic Eye
Color: Prismacolor Marker
Finish: Glitter Nail Polish (Walmart $2)

This is my version of Ward Beans Perfect Popper on Warmwater Fly Tyer. These poppers are fun to put together and they are very durable.  Ward uses the Mustad 3366, but I prefer the Mustad 33903 kink shank popper hook because of the longer length.

I had some trouble with the markers bleeding when I applied the nail polish, but decided the fish wouldn't care much and just rolled with the punches. I'm sure there is a way to get a perfect finish, but Like Ward says...the decorations on these poppers are more for the fisherman than the fish.

The Wapsi Perfect Poppers have a nice spooned out face that really raises a ruckus on the surface.  The foam accepts permanent marker very well making them easy to customize.

I flipped one of these poppers for hours, caught a dozen or so bass and it looks to be as good as new. The nail polish is very durable and the glitter gives the poppers a nice fishy look.