Anglers who fish coastal waters of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina use a multitude of presentations for inshore fish. One of the most widely used is the popping cork. Presenting live bait or cut bait naturally is essential and that is exactly what popping corks do. I fish every week with corks and, in particular, the Cajun Thunder. Is a Cajun Thunder Popping Cork worth it?

What Is The Purpose Of The Popping Cork

The purpose of using a popping cork is two fold. First, the bait is presented naturally as the hook dangles with bait beneath the float. Therefore, despite being hooked, live bait is capable of swimming through the water, thus drawing more bites from gamefish. 

Secondly, as the name suggests, popping corks pop by the command of the angler. The sound is created by the two brass balls underneath the float sliding and making contact with each other. For this reason, fish are attracted to the vicinity of the cork as it resembles the sound of feeding fish. 

Without question I can tell you that the pop created by the cork and especially the Cajun Thunder is highly audible. Therefore, fish are capable of hearing it from a distance. 

What Fish Can You Catch With A Popping Cork

The varieties of fish to catch with a popping cork are extensive. I have caught many fish on the Cajun Thunder popping cork, including redfish, flounder, sheepshead, speckled trout, weakfish, bonnethead shark, croakers, and more. 

Importantly, a variety of baits are fished on the hook beneath a popping cork. Therefore, the types of fish species caught are more dependent on the bait compared to the cork. I prefer to use either live shrimp, live mud minnows, or cut mullet. 

It should be noted always connect the flourocarbon leader to the bottom of the float. The bottom of the float is the side with the brass beads. The length of the floro leader also impacts the species caught. Long leaders catch bottom feeders, while short leaders catch mid level and surface feeders. Adjust the leader line length to reach the desired depth. Lastly, mix and match depths to determine the location of the strongest bite. 

Does Popping Cork Color Matter

Cajun Thunder popping corks come in a multitude of colors, and they include green, red, orange, yellow, and dark pink.

The color of the popping cork does not impact the likelihood of the fish striking the hook beneath the float. Importantly, the colored portion of the float barely sits in the water, and the most enticing area is the baited hook beneath. 

Conversely, the color of the Cajun Thunder popping cork is highly important to the angler. Surprisingly, some of the colors are more visible when floating off in the distance compared to others. I most certainly have a couple of top choices when I purchase popping corks. Keeping your eyes locked on the float is critical to avoid missing a bite. The inability to remain honed in on the color reduces the number of hook ups. 

I personally prefer the red and the orange when inshore fishing coastal waters. The red and the orange are the most highly visible to avoid missing a strike when fishing. 

Pros Of The Cajun Thunder Popping Cork

Spending a few extra dollars on quality versus low-quality fishing gear goes a long way in my opinion. 

For this reason, I research reviews and test equipment before investing in buy a multitude of lures, hooks, corks, etc. Without question, the Cajun Thunder is highly durable. I have fished the same cork for nearly three years. While it shows signs of wear and tear I still manage to catch fish on it consistently. 

Second, as mentioned above, the cork makes a clear popping sound when the rod tip is pull back even the slightest. Simulating feeding fish is critical in attracting an abundance of fish near your bait beneath the cork. 

Cons Of The Cajun Thunder Popping Cork

Believe it or not I have fished such a low quality popping cork that the swivel snapped in half when over casting to an oyster bed. No, the cork or the hook did not become snagged but instead snapped. I believe this is a clear indication of low quality. Fortunately, I do not see this with Cajun Thunders. 

However, one of my biggest issues is paint chips on the floats. Cajun thunders are prone to chipping and peeling paint hover this is not a common occurrence. One of my most aged Cajun thunders is nearly white; however, it has been exposed to snags, rough seas, being dinged up transporting the rods, and more. 

Cajun Thunder Popping Corks Are Worth It

Take it from me, I have fished Cajun Thunders for five years; therefore, I can give you an accurate assessment of the quality. I do not fish any other cork except for Cajun Thunders.Without a doubt, always invest in a few extra if you become snagged and lose a cork. Trust me, I have lost plenty as a result of fishing tight to structure and becoming snagged.