How to Make Your Own Popping Cork for Fishing
- 1). Save used wine corks to build your popper bodies. The corks are already shaped as a cylinder and provide a high-floating body.
- 2). Use a drill and 1/16-inch bit to bore a hole through the center of the cork. The cork will already have a partial hole from bottle opener. Use the drill bit to clean any loose cork material from the initial hole and create a smooth-walled opening.
- 3). Use a box knife to cut the cork to the desired length. The standard-size cork is suitable for most popper bodies, but smaller versions are sometimes desired for the small mouths of panfish and bluegill. Measure the hook shank against the cork, and cut the body to match the length of shank.
- 4). Place a nail in the fly-tying vise, and slide the center hole over the nail. Paint the exterior of the cork with nail polish. Choose a color based on the type of fly or lure you are building. Use multiple colors, and add patterns as desired. Leave the body to dry for 10 minutes.
- 5). Add a second coat of clear-coat nail polish, to waterproof the cork and protect the initial paint job. Leave the body to dry for 10 minutes. Add the cork body to a hook for your lure or fly.