iMA Popkey 120mm 16g | 106 Bora – The Surface Wake Specialist

If you are looking for a lure that creates a scene on the surface, the iMA Popkey 120mm is in a league of its own. At Gerry’s Fishing, we’ve seen plenty of topwater plugs, but the Popkey was the pioneer for iMA, and it remains a staple for anglers who want more than just a standard “walk the dog” action.

The 106 Bora color is a classic mullet imitation, featuring the subtle grey-to-silver transition that UK bass find irresistible. Its unique, weighted tail and slender body mean it sits at a steep angle in the water, ready to spring into action the moment you turn the handle.

Why the iMA Popkey 120mm Commands Attention

1. The “Carving Ripple” Action

Unlike traditional surface lures that just slide, the Popkey is designed to “carve” ripples. As it moves, it twists its body, creating a unique wake that mimics a distressed baitfish or a mullet skimming the surface. This high-visibility disturbance is often what draws bass up from deeper water when a more subtle lure would be ignored.

2. Versatility in Retrieve

The Popkey is incredibly user-friendly.

• The Simple Retrieve: On a straight wind, it snakes across the surface, creating a continuous V-wake.

• The ‘Walk the Dog’: With rhythmic rod twitches, it darts side-to-side with a wider, more erratic swing than most standard surface lures.

3. Made in Japan Precision

As with all iMA lures, the build quality is exceptional. The balance is perfect, ensuring that even at 16g, it casts with a stable, aerodynamic flight path. It is fitted with premium hardware that can handle the salt and the strike of a powerful predator without hesitation.

Technical Specifications

Examples of Where to Use

• Calm Estuaries: The 106 Bora color is perfect for the shallow, clear water of an estuary where mullet are the primary food source.

• Over Weed Beds: Because it sits high and stays on the surface, you can work it over heavy kelp or bladderwrack without any risk of snagging.

• Sunset Sessions: Surface action often peaks as the light fades. The unique “twisting” flash of the Popkey is highly effective at triggering late-evening strikes.

• Low-Tide Gullies: Use the “V-wake” retrieve to search through shallow gullies where bass wait to ambush baitfish being pulled off the mudflats.

Gerry’s Pro Tip:

Don’t keep a tight line! To get the best “walk the dog” action out of the Popkey, you need to “hit” the lure on a slightly slack line. Twitch the rod tip and then immediately move it back toward the lure to give it a split-second of slack. This allows the lure to swing wide and perform its signature body twist, which is usually when the “explosive take” occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 16g heavy enough for casting on the coast?

While it is a lighter lure compared to something like a Patchinko, the internal weight distribution is excellent. On a dedicated 7–28g lure rod with a light braid, you will be surprised at the distance you can achieve.

Should I use a clip or tie direct?

At Gerry’s, we always recommend using a high-quality small lure clip. This gives the lure more freedom to “twist” and “roll” compared to a direct knot, which can sometimes dampen the action.

Is the 106 Bora color only for clear water?

It excels in clear water because it looks so natural, but because the Popkey creates so much surface disturbance (vibration and wake), it works perfectly well in slightly choppy or “fizzing” water where fish are hunting by vibration rather than sight.