I am way late to the popper game. Any help on recommendations is appreciated

YM plus 1 (3/8 model)

RIP Thad Rains

1/4 oz in Alewife

+1 Very hard to find now.

1/4 oz is good. 1/2 oz if it’s windy. Bone is hard to beat.

1. 3/8 Yellow Magic Plus 1
2.1/4 Yellow Magic "Bone"
3.1/4" Yellow Magic "Alewife"

You can find the 3/8 Yellow Magic Plus 1 on Ebay sometimes

1/2oz japanesse shad is my go to popper

I am with you 100%. I also have alewife and blue fire and always go back to Japanese shad. Although I like Blue fire as well.

I am struggling with the set up for the 1/4 ounce bait. It is hard to throw on a bait caster. I am throwing on a spinning rod on 20 lb braid and it works ok.

If you are struggling to throw it on a bait cast setup I would suggest you have the wrong rod & reel. I can throw the 1/4 oz YM 30 yards on 15# mono.

Use this rod:
https://shop.falconrods.com/products/falcon-lowrider-casting-rod-67-med-hvy

Use this reel with 15# mono:
https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Shimano_Curado_70_MGL_K_Casting_Reels/descpage-SCMGK7.html

Have caught tons of fish on japanese shad, 1/4 and 1/2 ounce both.

I like the 1/4 oz in Bone.

I found an old all star popping rod that fit the bill perfectly. Thanks for all the help.

I have had a 1/4 oz YM in Japanese Shad tied on for about 6 years now lol. That's the only one I throw, although I have 4 more new in package 1/4 bone sitting in the garage for some reason.

I like the Bone and White Shad in both 1/4 and 1/2 oz.