The Skinny on Tuna Poppers from Capt. Shane Jarvis

We went to Panama hoping that we’d get into some topwater tuna and our piscatorial prayers were answered with some exceptional popping action. Even for an over-optimistic topwater junkie like me, it exceeded expectations. Truly, I am at a loss for words about how the experience is both incredibly draining and remarkably invigorating at the same time.

Fortunately, Captain Shane Jarvis of Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge has the whole deal completely dialed in – from the process of finding active fish down to the necessary gear – and we were the beneficiaries of his expertise. If you’re looking to experience this near-orgasmic form of fishing, you’d be wise to book a trip to Panama. If that’s not in the cards, you can still glean plenty of wisdom from his words. Here’s his take on which poppers to use in particular circumstances, and he his lures have the tooth marks to show that he knows what he’s talking about.