When fishing inshore saltwater regions, sound can help attract attention to your bait. Many game fish species including weakfish, speckled sea trout and redfish investigate unusual sounds in search of prey. A popping cork can help anglers trigger the interest of surrounding game fish. This cork is a type of float, narrow at one end tapering to a wide concave shape at the other end. When quickly pulled through water, the concave shape produces a popping sound that travels through the water, enticing fish to strike.
Step 1
Remove the stem from the center of the popping cork. Thread your main fishing line through the hole in the concave end of the cork and out the tapered end. Slide the cork down the line until it reaches the point on the line that is approximately the depth you will be fishing. Reinsert the stem into the cork to lock the line in place.
Step 2
Attach a swivel to the end of the main fishing line. Tie an 18- to 24-inch length of leader material onto the swivel. Tie a 1/0- to 2/0-sized hook onto the other end of the leader. Fasten a split shot weight onto the leader about 1-foot above the hook. This completes the popping cork rig.
Step 3
Bait your hook. If you can, use live bait such as shrimp, mud minnows or finger mullet. Cast your line out into the water. Set your fishing reel to allow line to play out and allow the current or wind to take your line. When the cork drifts to the desired location, lock the reel.
Step 4
Watch the cork for any signs for fish strike. Occasionally, lift the tip of your fishing rod up forcefully to pull the cork through the water. As the concave end of the cork hits the water, it will produce a popping or gurgling sound. Repeat this several times, then let the cork rest again for a few seconds. Repeat this process until a fish strikes.
Things You'll Need
- Fishing rod
- Reel
- Fishing line
- Popping cork
- Swivel
- Leader material
- 1/0 or 2/0 Hook
- Split shot weight
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