With a Mas
Popper L
ONE OF BASS FISHING’S MOST FAMOUS
TOPWATER SPECIALISTS BREAKS DOWN
HIS TRADEMARK TACTICS
By Matt Williams
PHOTO BY JUSTIN ONSLOW
nyone who has followed professional bass fishing through the years knows that Zell Rowland of
A
Montgomery, Texas, is a topwater junkie from way back. What they might not know is how far back the
obsession actually goes, or how the seed got planted.
Rowland fished his first B.A.S.S. event in 1970 on Table Rock Lake at age 13, but he caught his first
topwater fish in 1965. Only 8 years old at the time, Rowland was fishing with his dad, Bill, on a cool spring day on
Sardis Lake in Mississippi. Their small aluminum boat was drifting across a shallow flat when he lofted a
Smithwick Devil’s Horse toward a flooded bush. He gave the prop bait a twitch or two. Moments later, the lure disappeared
in a violent explosion that left a permanent imprint on an innocent mind.
“I can still see and hear it like it was yesterday,” Rowland says. “A 4-pounder came up and crushed it. I’ll never
forget it. It ruined me.”
A flame was lit to fuel a passion in a youngster whose name has since become legendary in the sport. Though
his skill sets and versatility are far-reaching, Rowland, now 63, is best known in pro bass fishing circles for his
prowess with a topwater – in particular, a popper – and his ability to turn a common popper into a veritable hot
rod with a piece of sandpaper.
Considering Rowland’s rich and extensive history with popper fishing, we decided to delve into his process to
learn more about how the popper fits into his tournament game, what he looks for when choosing one and the
unique way he modifies a Rebel Pop-R to get the most out of it.
50
FLWFISHING.COM | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING.COM | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2020