Fishing a popping cork rig is as simple as rigging, which is one of the great virtues of this presentation. Even the least experienced anglers can make highly effective presentations and will know without question when a fish bites.
First, cast to where fish are apt to be, whether that's near cover, close to a “slick” or simply over a flat that trout or redfish use. After the rig lands, let it rest for a few seconds and watch your cork. Sometimes fish hit before you ever pop the cork.
If nothing hits immediately, work the cork with snaps of your rod tip that engage the rattles on the wire and, in the case of a popper shaped cork, create a splash. Each time you snap the rod tip, the popper makes a sound and the offering rises in the water column and pendulums back down. Often fish will hit just after a pop, prompted to strike by the bait's falling motion.
Pop a cork firmly to make big splash. The louder the sound of poping the cork, the more fish and bigger fish you are likely to catch. Whether it is calm or choppy, make a big splash to attract fish and suggest a fish feeding.
We also advocates long casts, both for the sake of keeping the bait working longer with each cast and to get the rig well away from the boat. Long casts also allow you to reach more fish when you see them breaking or see other signs of feeding activity.

TIPS FOR POPPING CORK SUCCESS:
Make LONG casts.
Pick the cork color that you can see the best with current conditions.
Match local forage with bait or artificial lures.
Don't overlook the importance of pauses between pops.
Vary cadences and the sharpness of rod sweeps to create different sounds.
Watch continually for signs of feeding fish and aim your casts accordingly.