How To Use Gulp Shrimp Under A Popping Cork Like A Pro
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
Gulp shrimp rigged on a popping cork is probably one of the most popular rigs out there, and here’s why:
It works!
In the right conditions, this rig can catch any and all inshore species, plus it’s really easy to use.
However, if you want to maximize the number of fish you catch while using it, you need to do a few things right.
In this video, you’ll learn:
- When to use Gulp shrimp under a popping cork (and when NOT to use them)
- The best type of popping cork to use
- How to rig Gulp shrimp under a popping cork
- And much more
Check it out below.
How To Use Gulp Shrimp On A Popping Cork [VIDEO]
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When To Use Popping Corks
Popping corks obviously make a lot of noise and vibration in the water, but that’s not always a good thing.
If the water is clear, all of that commotion could spook fish away.
So it’s best to use a popping cork in murky water, or, if the water is clear, in low light conditions.
These are times when fish are relying less on sight and more on feeling and hearing vibrations in the water.
Using Gulp shrimp will also help during this time because the scent will help fish find your lure.
The Best Type Of Popping Cork
Although there are many types of popping corks, my favorite type is the cupped cork with a slit.
Here’s why:
- You can easily add or remove it to your rig without having to cut or tie anything on.
- You can easily adjust the depth (this is super important for proper presentation and getting your lure into the feeding zone).
- They’re cheap.
When you’re rigging these, be sure to tie on a long enough leader so that you can attach the cork to the leader instead of the braid because braid usually digs into the cork and the cork will just slide down it.
Ideally, your lure will rest just above the bottom, so if you plan on fishing water that’s two to four feet deep, then your leader should be two to four feet long.
Rigging Gulp Shrimp Under Popping Corks
There are three hooks I like to rig Gulp shrimp on:
#1: 1/8 oz. Jig Head
If the fish are aggressive or I’m fishing deeper water, I’ll use this jig head.
The heavier weight makes the shrimp move a little more erratically through the water (good for aggressive fish) and gets the shrimp to the bottom quickly.
#2: 1/16 oz. Jig Head
If the fish are lethargic (like in the dead of winter or middle of summer) I’ll go with a 1/16 oz. jig head because it allows for a slower presentation than the 1/8 oz. jig head.
Note: Whenever you’re rigging Gulp on a jig head, be sure to rig them straight, otherwise they’ll helicopter as you retrieve them, which nearly guarantees you won’t catch anything.
#3: 2/0 Circle Hook
If I want an even slower presentation, I’ll rig Gulp shrimp on a circle hook under the popping cork and use split shots to control the depth.
Casting & Retrieving Gulp Shrimp On A Popping Cork
Since the popping cork makes this rig a little awkward to cast, lob it out like you would a live bait.
And then once the lure has settled down, retrieve it by doing 2-10 pops (depending on how aggressive the fish are) with a pause between.
The fish will most often strike as the lure is settling down, so after you pop it be sure to reel in the slack.
And finally, here are two more tips on catching fish with Gulp shrimp on a popping cork.
- Use a little stronger of a hookset than normal (the popping cork will make your hookset a little weaker).
- Retrieve your lure all the way to the boat because sometimes fish may wait until the very last second to strike.
Conclusion
Gulp shrimp rigged on a popping cork can be very effective lures for trout, redfish, snook, and just about any fish that swims in inshore waters.
Just be sure to rig and retrieve it based on how the fish are feeding and don’t stop reeling until the lure is all the way back to the boat.
You can get Gulp shrimp and Mission Fishin jig heads from our shop here:
Have any questions about using or rigging Gulp shrimp on popping corks?
Let me know down in the comments.
And if you know someone who wants to catch more fish with this rig, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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Great Video Tony. Liked the pool segment showing the action of the lure.
We actually had to use some Gulp Shrimp this weekend when we ran out of live bait in a trout honey hole we found. They worked almost as good as live shrimp and managed to get us our limit of trout (with the last keeper on a trusty gold spoon) We almost always keep a pack of Gulp Shrimp in the kayak in the event of running out of live bait.
Definitely gets the job done!
What rod and reel are you using in this video? Thanks!
Hey Teri!
I am using a 3000 Shimano Stradic FL on a 7’6 Century Weapon Jr. (custom rod from Black Pelican Custom Rods)
Easy explanation for a beginner like me. I had bought some of those types of corks but never used them. I’ve also been going back a forth with whether to use a mono leader on my braid when trout fishing. This just reinforces the advantages of doing that. Thanks!
Definitely want to use leader with braid, especially for trout. Trout have very soft mouths that can tear easily, and since braid has zero stretch you want that mono to act as a shock absorber to reduce the chances of pulling the hook or losing the fish.
I’ve used braid for a around 8 years or so with no problem, if you use a mono leader you might as well use all mono. You’re defeating the whole purpose for using braid. If you get hung you will break off, but not so much with braid. Just my 2 cents. Thanks
Good video. Been using this technique for years. I discovered this method by just experimenting one day when I ran out of shrimp and the fish were active. I did notice though, color does matter at times so be sure to have a variety in your tackle box.
1Thank you for the great feedback Nick!
A great video Tony. Alternatively, especially for beginners, you may want to do a video showing how to rig a slip cork w a bobber stop. Pros – easier to cast , easier to adjust. Cons- can’t just remove the bobber. Also might be interesting to see the underwater action of a slip cork when popping vs. the fixed cork. I think the video done earlier showing the effect of different plastics (Amanda vs gulp) when rigged on a jig head and a circle hook is applicable. Keep up the great quick tips. I always get something from them as well as making mental notes that I take to the water.
Great feedback Thom, thank you!
Hi Tony. I really liked the tip with the popping cork. That makes you very flexible. What brand of popping cork are you using? I did a quick search on Amazon and couldn’t find a good looking one.
I believe that this is what he is using. I got mine off eBay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Billy-Boy-80W-5RW-Slotted-Weighted-Popping-Float-5-Red-And-White-12-Per-Tray/143534772152?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
They come in different sizes.
Hey Alex! The one I am using in this video is made by H&H Lure Company. There are others very similar to it that will work just fine. I did a quick search on amazon and it seems like they only sell them in bulk so your best bet would be to check a local tackle shop or sporting goods store to buy them individually or in 2 or 3 packs.
Thanks Tony! Are you using the 4” ones?
Yep!
great tips tony and have found everything you say to work. i mainly target trout and have found they will usually hit it when cork hits the water as the gulp drifts down. if in strong current i will let it drift a way’s and give a pull or two as i am reeling in. reds do not like the pop sound and at times like dead calm the trout don’t either so i give pull so shrimp darts up and drift down as you mention. the sight and smell is all they need. i will cast left, right and in front but never where i’ve been. if i don’t get hit soon i will move on as they ain’t there or ain’t interested. if mostly small trout i will drift about 50 yards and often i find the over 15 inch. the over 20 seem to be loners so i drift or troll a lot looking for them. gulp has gotten so bad that even a little strike and it is gone so i’ve given up on the circle hook with gulp but will use with cut bait.
Thanks for the awesome feedback and info Roy!
Thanx Tony!!
You’re welcome Caden!