EPOP 65 vs EPOP 80: Which Topwater Popper Should You Throw?
Topwater fishing is all about reading conditions, matching forage, and triggering reaction strikes. Sometimes bass want a subtle finesse presentation. Other times they want loud commotion that pulls them from a distance.
That’s where the SPRO EPOP 65 and SPRO EPOP 80 separate themselves.
Both are designed for explosive topwater action, but each excels in different situations.
SPRO EPOP 65 — Finesse Topwater Control
The EPOP 65 is the finesse option in the lineup. Its compact body profile shines when bass are pressured, feeding on smaller baitfish, or tracking a bait without fully committing.
The smaller profile creates a subtle spit and walking action that excels in calm water and high-pressure conditions.
Best Conditions for the EPOP 65
- Calm mornings
- Clear water
- High fishing pressure
- Post-frontal conditions
- Small forage situations
- Schooling spotted bass
Where It Excels
- Docks
- Seawalls
- Secondary points
- Grass edges
- Open water schooling fish
Why Throw the EPOP 65?
- Easy walk-the-dog action
- Sharp finesse popping sound
- Smaller profile for pressured fish
- Excellent hookup ratio
When fish are hesitant to fully commit to larger topwaters, the EPOP 65 often gets the bite.
SPRO EPOP 80 — Bigger Sound. Bigger Presence.
The EPOP 80 is built for drawing power. The larger cupped face creates louder pops, more water displacement, and more surface disturbance.
When bass are actively feeding, especially around shallow cover or schooling activity, the EPOP 80 becomes a fish-calling machine.
Best Conditions for the EPOP 80
- Windy conditions
- Stained water
- Aggressive feeding fish
- Summer schooling activity
- Overcast days
- Shallow grass fisheries
Where It Excels
- Grass flats
- Main lake points
- Windblown banks
- Open water schools
- Shallow wood cover
Why Throw the EPOP 80?
- Louder popping action
- Longer casting distance
- Larger profile for bigger fish
- Increased water displacement
If you need a topwater bait that gets noticed fast, the EPOP 80 is the choice.
EPOP 65 vs EPOP 80 Quick Breakdown
| Feature | EPOP 65 | EPOP 80 |
|---|---|---|
| Profile | Compact finesse | Larger aggressive |
| Sound | Subtle | Loud |
| Best Water | Clear | Clear to stained |
| Best Conditions | Calm/high pressure | Wind/chop/aggressive fish |
| Casting Distance | Moderate | Long |
| Best For | Pressured fish | Active fish |
Color Selection Tips
Clear Water
Natural shad and translucent colors excel in both sizes.
Stained Water
Bone, chrome, and brighter patterns help bass locate the bait faster.
Matching Forage
- Small baitfish → EPOP 65
- Larger shad or blueback herring → EPOP 80
Retrieval Tips
EPOP 65 Retrieve
Use short pops with longer pauses. Mix subtle walking action with occasional spit to imitate injured baitfish.
EPOP 80 Retrieve
Fish it aggressively with louder pops and faster cadence to trigger reaction strikes from active bass.
Final Thoughts
The best topwater anglers rarely rely on only one style of popper.
The EPOP 65 shines when fish are pressured or conditions are slick calm. The EPOP 80 dominates when bass are feeding aggressively or conditions call for more noise and water displacement.
Keep both tied on and let the fish tell you what they want.