I was just wondering what techniques guys build on popping blacks for as compared to mag bass. So far I've used them for crankbaits and chatterbaits.

I've been using Batson's 8 ft XP964 popping blank for square bill crank baits for close to 10 years now.
It is amazing for that technique
Also great for top water prop baits

Many, many years ago before they were the branded "Crankbait Blanks", we used popping rod blanks for cranking rods. The original, true to from popping blank is generally a blank that would have a softer mid and tip flex than a mag bass, that has a powerful butt and mid section with a fast tip. Some finesse bass anglers also like the popping blanks and as Steve Gardner mention, top water prop baits or top water poppers.

Bob McKamey
Mud Hole Custom Tackle
bobm@mudhole.com

I’d say mag bass for single hook and popping rod for treble hooks. Truth is both are versatile for both fresh and salt water.

Steve, I have that blank but know nothing about “square bill crankbaits”. Care to recommend a few suitable for south Florida waters.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

A blank with a "powerful butt and mid-section and a fast tip" precisely describes a hot-shot blank. I suspect blank marketers have invented several different names for the same blanks to boost sales.

Right, Phil. I use a ML 7 foot Rainshadow popping rod for snapping 4 " swimbaits on darter head jigs off the bottom. Just seems to give it the right acceleration. SMB and walleyes.

I enjoy popping blanks (7' & 7.5') on the coast for speckled trout. I typically will use one for an all around rod that could catch trout, drum, or flounder on any cast. My favorite rod is a 7.5' popping blank (Lamiglass, but manufacturer isn't that important), with a conventional casing reel, with spiral guides. My guide pattern uses a bumper guide like the simple spiral, but it isn't the SS concept...it has the bumper guide, yes, but the 180 guides were laid out per static delflection (which isn't how a SS is done).

The soft tip of a popping blank, along with the strong mid & butt sections, just seem to work for most of what I do. I use it for pretty much anything...even ocean fishing for small bluefish and false albacore.