Watch Prototype In Action!
PROJECT UPDATE SEPTEMBER 29, 2025
PRE-ORDERS LIVE SOON!
As a refresher — back in January, we sent out what we think is the tackle industry’s first crowd-sourced lure design ever, at least by a major tackle company…
It was a long survey (on average 13 minutes to complete), and we were blessed with 757 hardcore anglers who weighed in. Their consensus became our blueprint.
The Franken Popper was designed by the community, for the community.
Every inch is purpose-built, based on real-world needs, environments, and preferences.
We call it the Franken Popper because it was stitched together from a dozen lure archetypes — poppers, pencils, dog walkers — all blended into one and brought to life.
The goal? Take the best traits from each style and fuse them
Deep Dive (⚠️ Nerd Alert)
Franken Popper (Crowd-Designed Plug)
Earlier this year, we launched the tackle industry’s first crowd-sourced lure design survey. 757 hardcore anglers weighed in, and their input became our blueprint.
Hybrid Body Design Build
- Primary Function: Near-shore, full-bodied chug popper. Loud Pops to call them in.
- Secondary Function: Dog walker: walk-the-dog in search mode.
- Net Result: Two lures in one.
Specs (by popular vote)
- 6" Length
- 1.75oz Weight (sweet spot between 1.5–2oz)
- 1" “broomstick” diameter
- ABS plastic body
For Real-World Use
- Castable on standard 7–9’ setups
- Versatile across open beaches, rocky shores, rips, back bays, and more
- Boat-tested and proven
- Surf-tested and proven
- Swim-Tested: Not the prettiest in hand — but easily the best swimming popper any one here at Hogy has fished with.
Survey Stats
- Angler Frequency: 61% fish more than 30 trips per season
- Most common rods: 7’/30lb (38%), 8’/40lb (25%), 9’/40+lb (19%)
- Most common waters: MA (38%), NJ (17%), NY (12%), RI (11%), CT (7%)
- Primary Structure: 65% open water, 59% open beaches, 51% rocky shores/rips/inlets, 49% back bays, 29% canal systems
- Design votes: 6” length (67%), 1” diameter (65%), 1.75oz weight
Top Color Finishes (by survey vote)
- Two-Tone Bodies: 49%
- Contrasting Belly Stripe: 40%
- Red/Pink Inside Popper Face: 39%
- Translucent with Imitative Paint :24%
Key Value Adds
- Cast-friendly design that still floats
- Loud inshore pops to grab attention
- Walk-the-dog motion with subtle aura noise
- Functions as both a call-in bait and a search bait