Rebel Pop-R: The Legend Lives On

This review of the Rebel Pop-R was one of the most enjoyable reviews I've ever done, simply because I got to spend more time on the water with this iconic lure.

Some things never go out of style and the Pop-R's one of those lures that may never lose its magic. As with most of the lures that make it past the 30-year mark, versatility and effectiveness are the foundations.

The fact that the Pop-R's effective has been evident for decades. As far as versatility – it's still evolving. In the hands of expert and professional fishermen this classic Rebel product has produced countless heavy bags of fish on waters all over this country and many others, and this isn't likely to change anytime soon. Zell Rowland's probably the pro angler most associated with the Pop-R name, although you can be sure almost every tournament angler at one time or another has pulled one of these out of the tacklebox to fill a limit. I know I have.

In preparation for this review, I also spent some time in my older tackleboxes and was amazed at how Pop-Rs I've purchased over the last 30 years. From the smallest to the largest and every one in between, each was marked and beat up with the sure signs of fish strikes and battles. The memories these lures brought back seemed endless.

One of the older baits in particular that stood out in my mind was the light-blue Zell Rowland signature model, on witch I caught the big bass at several tournaments in a row. And after my last recent playday with a new Pop-R, many of my old ones have made their way back into my tournament rig.

Don't get me wrong: In the hands of a novice fisherman, the Pop-R's also quite capable of bringing the fish of a lifetime into the boat too. I guess that's why they've been so popular: They can make anyone fish like a pro. So the Pop-R doesn't discriminate against fisherman, and it also doesn't discriminate against size. Any size of fish may hit this bait and that often creates fast and furious action.

I've found the Pop-R to be effective with any retrieve cadence, but the key to big catches is to get the cadence just right. Sometimes the fish want the lure slow and steady with a long pause. Sometimes they prefer the lure to keep moving and never stop at all. The only suggestion I really have about fishing the lure is to experiment. If you start the day and don't yet know the cadence the fish are looking for, start by moving the bait rather quickly. If that doesn't work, then try longer pauses. That way you won't waste time pausing the bait if it's not necessary.

One last note: If you want to try the Rebel Pop-R or another Rebel bait for free, just join Fishhound.com and choose it from the Product Showcase. Remember to log back on to tell Fishhound and Rebel what you think of the lure, and then you'll be able to pick out another free bait to test. That's why Fishhound's the best deal in fishing. Please remember to put "Bad Poncho" in the promo code box to show your support so we can continue to bring you all the fishing info you can handle.