XFISHMAN Popper Flies for Fly Fishing - 3 Sizes Popper Flies Kit 24 pk with Fly Box Review (2026)

Who this popper kit is built for

Topwater popper fishing is one of the most exciting ways to fly fish for warm water species, and this XFISHMAN kit is built to cover a range of targets in one purchase. The 24-piece assortment spans three sizes, from oversize bass poppers down to normal and small sized panfish poppers, so an angler can switch from casting to largemouth bass along a weed line to working the same pond for bluegill and crappie without needing a second box. That size range makes this a practical starter kit for anglers new to topwater fly fishing who do not yet know which sizes will work best on their local water, as well as a useful supplement for anglers who already have favorite poppers but want backups in multiple sizes. Each fly features layered paint on the popper head and hand-tied feathers and hackle for the tail, a construction style typical of this popper category.

Design details and how poppers work

Poppers work by displacing water and creating noise and disturbance when stripped, which triggers a reaction strike from fish rather than relying on an exact imitation of prey. The concave or cupped face on a popper head is what creates the distinctive popping sound and splash when the line is stripped, and the legs or rubber strands trailing from the head add extra motion that keeps the fly moving even when it is sitting still on the surface between strips. This kit's flies are described as having extra legs jetting out from the head for additional action, a common feature on panfish and bass poppers meant to give the fly a lifelike wiggle at rest. The included fly box keeps the 24 flies organized and protected between trips, which matters for poppers since the foam or balsa heads and hackle can be damaged if left loose in a bag or pocket with other tackle.

Fishing technique and upkeep

The basic retrieve for these flies is a strip to make the popper dip and splash, followed by a pause to let the rings settle and give a fish time to strike, then another strip, repeated at a pace that can be adjusted based on how aggressively fish are responding that day. Early morning and evening, or overcast days, tend to produce the most consistent topwater action since fish are more willing to come to the surface when light is lower. Because poppers spend their time on top of the water and take direct hits from fish, checking the head for paint chips or cracks after a productive outing helps catch wear before it affects the fly's action or buoyancy. Rinsing the fly after fishing brackish or algae-heavy water and storing it dry in the included box will help the painted heads and hackle last through more seasons of use.

Trade-offs and comparison with other popper kits

The largest poppers in this three-size kit are aimed at largemouth and smallmouth bass, but anglers specifically chasing trophy-class bass may find even the oversize option on the modest side compared with dedicated big bass poppers sold separately. As with most budget popper kits, hook and hackle quality can be inconsistent from fly to fly, which is a common trade-off across this price category rather than unique to this listing. Within the bass and panfish popper category, this kit compares favorably to rivals like the 10-piece foam popper assortment and the 15-piece mixed color kit, offering more total flies and a wider size spread in one box, while kits from brands like BASSDASH focus more narrowly on specific popper styles. For anglers who want one kit that covers both panfish and moderate-sized bass without assembling separate packs, this XFISHMAN set is a practical choice.

Verdict and who should look elsewhere

Our score of 8.6 out of 10 reflects strong value for a kit that covers three useful sizes, ships with a protective fly box and gives new topwater anglers a full season of flies in one purchase. It is a good match for anglers fishing mixed water with both bass and panfish, or for anyone building a topwater box for the first time. Anglers targeting trophy bass specifically, or those who want the highest and most consistent hook quality regardless of price, may prefer to buy fewer, higher-end poppers from a specialty tier instead. For general pond, lake and slow river topwater fishing across species, this kit delivers solid variety and organization for the price.

Frequently asked questions