Good afternoon everyone, just curious if anyone here can shed some light on a somewhat �muddy� topic. For the life of me I can�t seem to get a straight (and confirmed accurate) answer from anyone.

First, I am seeing some troubling reviews over at Tackle Warehouse regarding the Yellow Magic Poppers they are currently selling. A few people have stated that these are not the original YM baits and that they are now being made in China (and that they are garbage). Anyone have any solid info?

Also, a few years ago, Lake Fork start selling a Magic Popper. One of the rumors floating around was that Lake Fork had bought the patent or something like that, and that their Magic Popper was basically a Yellow Magic. These baits are still showing on their website but they are out of stock.

Ultimately, I just want to get my hands on some authentic Yellow Magic baits.

Any help/advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

I'm betting close to 90% of all lures are made in China. In fact most everything related to fishing is imported. Every PFD sold at BPS is imported. Very few reels are made in the U.S.A. Just the way things are. I think I saw on a Strike King lure that it was made in Costa Rica. I wouldn't let it bother you too much if indeed it was made in China.

Interesting fact related to that point, most everything is indeed made in China.

However, most soft plastics are made in the States. I guess the production process is such that it justifies keeping the manufacturing Stateside.

I�m not necessarily hung up on the China angle, I just want to make sure that I am clear on what I am purchasing.

https://www.ichibantackle.com/products/527-DAIRITSU-YELLOW-MAGIC-TOURNAMENT-POPPER-DISCONTINUED/

Have a look at this link.

I mean, the whole thing is really confusing.

I finally broke down several months ago and bought a Yellow magic and still have never tried it. Maybe I'll just hang on to it LOL.

WOW, that is interesting. Who ever made the Yellow Magic apparently patented the name, good for them. Doesn't keep some one from making one like it and calling it something else. I have a few Rebel Pop R's and can't tell the difference, at least not enough to pay $15.00 for one. I think the real Yellow Magic is a Japanese lure.

I too have thrown yellow magics along side Pop-Rs. So far the the fish havent seemed to notice a difference.

The bigger Pop-Rs are my go to poppers.

Most everything does seem to be made in China, but there is a difference depending on who you are buying from. If buying from an American company there will likely be a better QC process. When buying direct from overseas there will likely be less oversight on quality.

Pretty sure the Trademarks and Patents are good in the states. Chinese sellers selling direct dont pay much attention to them.

So if Tacklewarehouse is selling them, it should be the authentic product.

I have a LOT of OLD YMs, like 20 or so, bought them off of eBay on the 3/8s YM model Plus 1. GREAT little popper that actually has the curved belly like the 1/4 oz and the strength of the 1/2 oz. No longer manufactures. Nearly all of them came for Japan or China, when I bought them. Do not know anything about the newer ones that are being sold, BUT the import store is ON Lake Fork. That is the way I used to buy mine, directly from them, but it has been a long time since I bought any from there, too. You can occasionally find the 3/8s oz for sale on eBay, too, but generally not more than 6 to 8 at a time, individual lure purchases. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

The splash it and the Rico popper would hang with the original Yellow Magic that were made in Japan. All Yellow Magic products are distributed through B&L Distributors out of Alba who has the sole rights. I still think the Yellow Magic out performs most other topwater baits.

I have a few of the older originals. They are nothing special. It's all in your head. You paid too much, so they must be good, right? Wrong.

the real yellow magic out preforms the Lake Fork Tackle poppers.

I have caught so many big fish on them as opposed to Pop-r's it is hard to believe. But now may have more to do with the fact that it the only 1/4" that I throw.


It is unfortunate that they are discontinuing them. I just bought out one store on my favorite color. And I know what log is holding one for me, all I have to do is a little swimming to get it back.

Not sure why anyone cares where something is made. Does it catch fish or not?

Good point, if we're real concerned about where something is made we wouldn't shop at Walmart.

Have the Rico pop and yellow Magic�s. I�ve put the yellow Magic�s through hell and back and they still out perform the rico. Had some grass on the rico, slapped it on the water and put a crack in it. Haven�t caught 1 fish on the rico. Fished a yellow magic while a buddy fished a rico and caught 10-1 on him. Ended up handing him my �extra� YM so he could catch em. Yellow magic ALL DAY!!!!

rico was also the 1=1 to the yellow magic js...