I was walking in to Nick and Phils office yesterday for another " important" meeting and jumping right out, on Nick's "one of every lure desk collection", was this lure. It looks cool..really cool. And fishy as hell....here's the details:
Overview & Specs
The Yo-Zuri Pro Series Popper 70 mm (2-3/4″, ~3/8 oz) is a topwater popper designed to deliver dynamic strike-inducing commotion, making it a go-to lure for bass and other surface-feeding predators .
This model is part of Yo-Zuri's latest Pro Series, which boasts:
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A durable triple-coat color finish (both hologram and matte options available)
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A tungsten-magnet weight-transfer system for enhanced casting distance and balance
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Upgraded hardware, including high-quality hooks and a flash-enhancing Mylar feather tail
The Matte Shad color specifically offers a realistic, subdued palette—ideal for matching natural forage and triggering cautious bites.
Performance Highlights
From the feature descriptions, this popper excels in:
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Creating loud, splashy pops with customizable surface disturbance
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Delivering smooth walk-the-dog action when twitched, in addition to popping and chugging behavior
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Its weight-transfer mechanism aids in long, accurate casts while locking into a stable action once in the water
These dynamics make it versatile across conditions—whether you need a subtle tease on a calm morning or a bold splash during aggressive bites.
What Sets the Matte Shad Apart
While the Pro Series line shares common traits, the Matte Shad variant brings key advantages:
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Natural presentation: The matte finish mimics real baitfish silhouettes, perfect in clear or pressured water situations.
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Triple coat protection: Matte finish retains its coloring and resists chipping, enhancing durability and realism throughout multiple fishing sessions .
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Flash with discretion: Though matte, the embedded holographic layers beneath still reflect just enough light to draw attention—without overdoing it.
Angler Experience & Comparison
Although detailed user reviews of the Pro Series Popper (specifically Matte Shad) are limited, comparable feedback on the Yo-Zuri 3DB Popper offers valuable perspective:
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Immediate action: Walk-the-dog, chug, and pop behavior worked seamlessly out of the package — requiring no modifications.
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Great balance: Its mid-size (around 3") proved versatile—effective in light wind, low-light conditions, or even during tournament scenarios .
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Quality hardware: Equipped with sharp, durable VMC round-bend trebles and a Mylar tail for long-lasting flash and performance .
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Solid design details: Features like a protruding line tie eyelet allow for clean cutting and easy rigging—small but appreciated touches .
Given the Pro Series upgrades in finishes, weight transfer, and hook quality, anglers should expect even better—or at least on par—performance compared to the 3DB.
Pros
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Pros |
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Excellent casting distance with balanced, stable action |
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Versatile topwater behavior: pop, walk, chug |
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Durable triple-coated finish |
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Flash-enhanced tail adds micro-attraction without overpowering pattern noise |
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The Yo-Zuri Pro Series Popper 2-3/4″ Matte Shad represents the best of modern topwater lure design—combining a stealthy, realistic finish with a proven action profile and next-level casting technology. It's an excellent choice for anglers targeting bass or other surface feeders who want a reliable, durable popper that stands out subtly.
Whether you're throwing for pressured fish in clear water or need a mid-range popper that balances aggression with finesse, the Matte Shad looks like a strong performer.