RRocket

Weightless Deps Cover Scat 2.5"!! These get bit!

I am familiar with this term as I'm a big JDM fan. The above answers are correct. It's a method to get bait into/under cover. Ultra or light fishing on spinning is popular there and these baits/rods typically don't skip very well due to their size/design/weight. Imagine trying to skip a 1/16th ounce anything accurately! So they use shooting to get into tight cover. It's essentially flipping but really loading up the rod while doing so. It's also most often done from shore fishing (Okappari), in tight confines, where swinging a rod to skip is all but impossible. Hope this helps.

If anyone is curious what these weigh weightless rigged.

Seems right. I did a write up on these here (3 poop baits) in September 2023.

These have been available for awhile in the USA. How long have you had these on the shelf? LOL 😆 Also, those who fish weightless might find this useful.

I'm on board! I've been throwing the poop and skirted/tentacle bug baits since they came out. Love them! First cast with Geecrack's new Cue Bomb last week..

Same.

Not all float, but several do including the toad I favor. The floating elastomer allows pauses, pops, twitches, etc without sinking.

I think the easiest, most effective thing you can try imminently is not to set the hook immediately. I literally count to 2 before I set the hook. ONE...TWO...hookset. Try that. It's tough not to react immediately. But I think if you give it a couple of beats before hookset your numbers will go up.

Looks good! I may go that route some day. But have sufficient quantity of shrink tube where that will be quite some time off.

This is fun! I'm very fortunate to live in productive waters...I usually have incidental catches daily. In the last week or so: 1) Caught a small Crappie on a 2.8" Keitech Fat Swing Impact in Sun Gill. On Dropshot. 2) Nice Perch on 2.5" Deps Cover Scat in Watermelon Pro Blue. Weightless. 3) 7.5lb Bowfin. Deps Cover Scat in Watermelon Pro Blue. Weightless. This was no joke on light tackle!! 4) Largest incidental fish to date was a 20lb Carp on Blue/Black Chatterbait Minimax. This was on 4lb test. I am also 50lbs heavier on that photo!

Excellent point. Dropshot for walleye has become big in the last few years and those guys are always on rivers with current.

Yes, at first glance it seems expensive. But when you're wearing it 4-8 hours a day, you really appreciate the quality and functionality. I put this into the same category as good fishing clothing; I'll pay a premium since I wear it so much. I spend more than $90 a year on plastic baits, so $90 for an excellent piece of gear that will last multiple seasons is well worth it. YMMV.

When I'm drifting while working a chatterbait or other technique, I'll have a drop shot thrown off the back in a rod holder just letting it do its thing. Complete deadstick. It's rare that I don't get a fish during a pass.

I use a Simms Tributary Sling. Truly an exceptional bag. https://www.simmsfishing.com/products/tributary-sling-pack?variant=43454052925630

Try the Raid Japan Hira Tailor. Excellent on the Free Rig and more durable than the Bellows Shad.

While not a plastic, I used Rebel Crickhoppers as a kid. Very potent pond lure.

Sounds like it would work great on Z-man Willowvibe then, perhaps?

Same for me with the "regular" Dolive Stick. As you point out, the initial drop/swim/shimmy is incredible. This is a regular on my rotation and like you I've been surprised at how good (and versatile) it is.

I really like all these class of baits, though I haven't fished them all. I think they're excellent. I'm still using the OSP Dolive Stick, which has crazy action weightless. Also really want to put a Drift Fry on a Chatterbait!

Really love the versatility of the Jika Rig. Was my primary technique for a LONG time. Love it! Still hoping to find a worm technique that produces. Have replaced throwing worms with Cover Scat (so fun! ) and OSP Dolive Stick (amazing action, versatile). A recent discussion about the Jackall Flick Shake had me buy versions in 4.8 and 5.8 in Cola (seemed to be frequently recommended in other threads). Didn't have much success on the weighted jig head though. Have not tried with ideal jig head (IMO) but will. Still, disappointed. But I did note during the thread a couple guys really liked it on a drop shot so I gave that a go and it's producing. Not more than other things on drop shot, but it's starting to produce. Also put it in the hands of complete newbs and they caught fish. It's early..but looks promising.

How are they hooked? Hookup rate for me has been incredible and I struggle to think of any lost fish. Even on fish that aren't hooked in the roof of the mouth, they still don't seem to get off. I'm a believer in this hook shape. The fact that it can also be used as a wacky hook was icing on the cake for me. I hear the Nishine is similarly good (would love to hear more comments! ), though I haven't heard them being used as a wacky. Perhaps a positive for some? Although I am sorry if you're not liking them as much, as I know you bought based on my enthusiasm. Would love to hear more...

Or get a Flashy Swimmer or Duo Realis SpinHook if you need more flash. And MN Fisher is correct....3/0 fits perfectly.

All, Thanks for the kind words.

Today, my dad died. Lifelong fisherman. Always on the water. Skin cancer that started the size of your pinkie fingernail got him. Please friends, don't scrimp on top shelf sun gear, hats, sunscreen, etc The sun doesn't care and doesn't play around. Stay safe, everyone.