I have seen that pattern and I know that the balsa wood or a deer hair popper wouldn't last long in the gulf were I have fished , that is a great popper for those toothy
critters , I have used foam and cork for bass , I think it is what ever works and what the angler has had more hook ups with , there is an art to popper fishing ,salt or fresh water, as well as the art of tying the popper, the speed bug is a fly that has stood the test , as well as the deer hair bass bug , or the balsa wood bass popper, they all do the same thing catch fish , like the simple fly you have created hope you save a few of those tarpon and triple tails for me !!!