RRocket

Ryugi makes a similar system called the "Deep Tracer". A Free Rig would get it down too.

I was a hard core UL guy. For decades. I had stopped, briefly, because the tiny baits and tackle were very difficult to get in North America. But then there seemed to be a renaissance in UL fishing with BFS being added. And that allowed for more baits and gear availability. I still fish nothing heavier than Light. But with the current technology of high end rods, I can throw 1/16 th and lighter in these rods. I've tested so much UL/L gear over the years. FWIW, my favorite UL EWG hooks are the Ryugi Infini Hobbit (light wire) and the Decoy SS Worm 19 ("heavy" wire). They go all the way down to #8! It's a bit comical to see a teeny #8 EWG! Here's #4 and #8 compared for your amusement!

I use foam make up application wedges for that. I also find I get more uniform coverage on my body and use less product using these. And no chemicals ever touch the palm of your hands/fingers.

It reminds me a bit of the Deps Rebound Stick

I've seen them using both. With a 1/0, weight is approaching 5/16 th

There's loads of shimmy on the drop! And I'd say with an EWG there's wacky-esque levels of shimmy. See video below. If you insist on a wacky rig, I suspect this will be a one fish wonder. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNxVuAU5lED/

I'm huge into poop/bug baits and I try to get my hands on any new variations. This is the new BottomUp Kunnery. It looks like 2 Cover Scats attached at the nose via a plastic "hinge". The wobble on the drop is incredible! It is 3.6" and as with most poop baits, its high density/gravity weighing over 1/4oz. It is therefore designed to be thrown weightless with a 1/0 hook. It can be cast a mile! For those that don't know, BottomUp is Kotaro Kawamura's company...the genius behind OSP's Dolive series of baits. He is a famed bank fisherman and his baits are geared specifically towards bank fisherman.

I wear fingerless, so no knot obstruction or dexterity issue of any kind. Any quality sun shirt will have thumb holes...which is cover a good part of the hand. See image. Barring that, expand your search away from "fishing gloves" to include "spf gloves", "sun gloves" "cycling gloves" or "trekking/hiking gloves". These ones typically won't have micro suede. Instead, they have micro printed silicone dots or shapes. As near to zero additional thickness as possible while retaining grip. Otherwise these sun gloves would be slippery. My favorite is Outdoor Research Active Ice gloves. A bit expensive but bear in mind Outdoor Research gear is guaranteed for LIFE. So it might be the last gloves you buy. HUK has their fishing Pursuit glove with micro silicone throughout. Barring that, there are cheapo Amazon versions with the micro silicone. See image. Outdoor ResearchActiveIce Sun Gloves | Outdoor ResearchThe ActiveIce™ Sun Glove blends ActiveIce technology and UPF 50 materials to keep hands cool and protected from the sun while hiking, trail running, cycling, or paddling.

I fish quality JDM hooks. So I'd like to think I know what good hooks are. I have fished VMC often. And I didn't miss fish with them. That is to say my hookup ratio and my catch ratio seemed unchanged vs. the others. I think they are quality. Some of their tactic specific hooks continue to be held in high regard.(VMC Neko hook). And Mustad is currently my favorite Neko weight (screw in). So I'd agree with your buddy. It's not necessary to spend a bundle to catch fish. There are so quality offerings for reasonable money. And in my opinion, I think virtually any hook on the market will easily pierce a bass' mouth.

Am a huge fan of all bug/mushi/poop baits and is one of my primary presentations.

The pros go crazy for Neko rigging the Berkeley Magnum Hit Worm in Mimizu (pink JDM color).

Because it's always drawing power even when not in use..would flatten the battery given enough time.

I'm not far....in Ontario. Same deal. Slow to warm. Nothing going on.

No head: Duo Realis Spinhook Head: Great Lakes Finesse Sneaky Underspin

I fish Light tackle exclusively.

I use a TSA/airline approved luggage scale with a lip gripper. Tiny (half the size of your palm) and dead accurate (because they are used to calculate extra luggage fees for weight). Have checked it against a govt certified scale and it was dead on. All for about $10.

I think it's the combo of the unique action of the arms on the drop....and the way the bait stalls once the weight hits the bottom. Very unique!

Surely you've seen the underwater footage??

A few people have said that these look "unnatural" standing straight up on the bottom. But for those who favor this style of Free Rig, that isn't how you fish these. Sadly, there isn't a ton available on this technique or much, if any, underwater views. I've heard this technique called the Reverse Free Rig and the Free Texas Rig...no idea if there's an agreed upon term. The only time these stand up on the bottom is when the hook/bait is "connected" to the weight on a tight line. The secret sauce with these is when you put slack in the line the bait floats back up...several inches to feet. And then you can work or swim the bait back to the sinker again and again and again. All while the weight never leaves the bottom....which is slightly different from typical Free Rig fishing. And there's even a preferred weight for this type of Free Rigging by Ryugi called "The Bean". It allows the bait to float vertically STRAIGHT back up. Once again, this allows you to work the bait up and down while never losing bottom contact. It's a unique presentation. I've fished it with The Bean with great success. With a baitfish style bait, you can get it to look like a baitfish feeding ; pecking the bottom, then moving back several inches in the column, then back down again. Etc, etc etc Doing the same wacky rigged looks like a dying bait fish. Twitch it to the weight, then slack it looks like the baitfish just died or is about to...starts floating up. With a worm, it looks like the worm is doing its best not to sink and struggling to go back "up". Jerk, jerk....slack....Jerk....slack. Etc etc etc It allows you to stay in the same spot and work it...before moving along with a lift and drop like a normal Free Rig. It's also great on a "snotty" algae bottom. I myself prefer the "standard" Free Rig using the technique associated with the Dolive Beaver.

As mentioned, Karachi. OSP Co Buzzin (wake bait).

I have an EGO S2 extendable handle and S1 Genesis net so I have variable sizes as needed. My handle is 29"-60". This is their "medium" offering. I also bank fish in some precarious areas, so I needed the length. I also use a RIB as my fishing boat, so I (and wife) also need a bit of length to get over the 19" tubes. That being said, we were fine with the stock 13" handle for a couple years...but there's no doubt for my aging back and my wife's small stature that the extra length helps and is more comfortable. If you needed adjustable, their smallest version, 18"-36" might be perfect for you. Not needed? They have many fixed lengths to suit your needs. Oh...and I also use the adjustable handle around the house. Washing the boat, car, windows, etc. EGO also makes a gazillion attachments for it so you can use it for much more.

I would presume throwing a 5/8 th oz doesn't align with their "Finesse" ethos

I really like their stuff that I've used! Their Sneaky Underspin is one of the best. I've used their Drop Minnow. Neutral buoyancy. Definitely works! The 2" Juvvy Craw tube jig is crazy. So unique, fun to fish and looks as real as any craw. Gets bit!! They really do put some thought into their baits and they work.

FWIW, I was turned onto these by panfish fisherman for retrieving small lures and jigs. I don't know if it has enough "oompf" to get out a bigger lure with big trebles.

I use plastic covers. Seems to work fine.