# **How to Choose the Northbar Flying Squid Pencil Popper 1202-01 White 8″ 3.5oz**
When it comes to topwater fishing, few lures can match the excitement and effectiveness of a well-designed pencil popper. The **Northbar Flying Squid Pencil Popper 1202-01 (White, 8″, 3.5oz)** is a premium lure engineered for serious anglers targeting big game species like striped bass, bluefish, and tuna. But with so many options on the market, how do you know if this is the right lure for your needs? In this guide, we鈥檒l break down the key features, ideal fishing conditions, and techniques to help you decide if the **Northbar Flying Squid Pencil Popper** deserves a spot in your tackle box.
## **Key Features of the Northbar Flying Squid Pencil Popper**
### **1. Premium Construction & Durability**
The **1202-01 model** is built with high-quality materials to withstand aggressive strikes from hard-fighting fish. The reinforced through-wire design ensures that even the toughest predators won鈥檛 tear it apart. The **3.5oz weight** provides excellent casting distance, making it ideal for surfcasting or offshore fishing where long-distance presentations are crucial.
### **2. Realistic Action & Splash Profile**
One of the standout features of this lure is its **”walk-the-dog” action**, which creates an erratic, side-to-side movement that drives predatory fish wild. The **8″ size** and **squid-like profile** mimic fleeing baitfish, making it irresistible to big predators. Additionally, the **cupped mouth design** produces a loud, attention-grabbing splash that triggers reaction strikes even in rough conditions.
### **3. Versatile Color & Visibility**
The **white color scheme** is a proven choice for both clear and murky waters. It reflects light well, making it highly visible in low-light conditions (dawn/dusk) or when fishing deep blue offshore waters. If you鈥檙e targeting species that key in on squid or baitfish, this color is a reliable option.
## **Best Fishing Conditions for the Northbar Flying Squid Popper**
### **1. Topwater Striped Bass & Bluefish**
This lure excels in **inshore and surf zones** where striped bass and bluefish hunt near the surface. The **3.5oz weight** allows for long casts past breaking waves, while the aggressive splash triggers explosive strikes.
### **2. Offshore Tuna & Mahi-Mahi**
When tuna or mahi are feeding on the surface, a fast-retrieved pencil popper can be deadly. The **8″ size** matches larger baitfish, making it a great choice for chunking schools of feeding fish.
### **3. Low-Light & Murky Water**
Since topwater lures rely on sound and vibration, the **Flying Squid Popper** is perfect for early mornings, late evenings, or stained water where visibility is low.
## **How to Fish the Northbar Flying Squid Pencil Popper**
### **1. Classic “Walk-the-Dog” Retrieve**
– Use a **medium-heavy rod (8-10ft, 2-6oz rating)** and a **fast-retrieve reel** (4000-6000 size).
– Cast beyond feeding fish and use **short, sharp twitches** to make the lure zigzag.
– Pause occasionally to let the lure sit鈥攖his often triggers strikes from following fish.
### **2. Fast-Pop Retrieve for Aggressive Fish**
– If fish are keying in on fast-moving bait, **rip the lure aggressively** to create a loud splash.
– This works well for **bluefish and tuna**, which often strike out of aggression rather than hunger.
### **3. Night Fishing with Glow Accents**
While the **white version** is highly visible, adding **glow tape or UV light treatment** can enhance its effectiveness for night fishing.
## **Final Verdict: Is This the Right Pencil Popper for You?**
The **Northbar Flying Squid Pencil Popper 1202-01** is a high-performance lure designed for anglers who demand **distance, durability, and fish-catching action**. If you frequently target **striped bass, bluefish, or offshore pelagics**, this lure is a must-have. Its **realistic action, loud splash, and premium build** make it a standout choice among pencil poppers.
For anglers looking to upgrade their topwater arsenal, the **Northbar Flying Squid Popper** is a **worthy investment** that will put more trophy fish in the boat.
**Gear up, cast far, and get ready for explosive topwater strikes!** 馃帲馃敟
*(This article is proudly sponsored by **KyleBooker Fishing Gear**鈥攜our trusted source for premium tackle.)*