Tuna Poppers: Fish ‘Em or Display ‘Em?
Coming off the high of our first trip to Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge, I have been on a relentless quest to learn as much as I can about tuna popping both online and through the few people I know who’ve done it. The research is fun, but I can assure you that the on-the-water part of it is quasi-orgasmic.
Because our outfitter in Panama provided all of the bulletproof gear that we needed – including his favorite sizes and colors of Yo-Zuri lures – my post-vacation retail therapy has largely been limited to clothing like my new tuna boardshorts. Recently, though, I contacted my friend and lure-building guru Kermett Adams. In addition to the peacock choppers that we’ve used so successfully in Brazil, he also makes cup-mouthed poppers for species including Golden Dorado and tuna. After a couple of conversations, I ordered one each of two sizes: one with the flag of Panama and the other with the Half Past First Cast logo.
When they arrived they were not only sturdy, but also far more beautiful than I expected. Although I believe that fishing tackle is meant to be used, I’m half-tempted to display them in my office rather than fish them when we return to Panama. I need your help, readers: should they go on the wall, or in a tuna’s mouth?
Answer below, or give us your thoughts in the Comments section.
