RRocket

Check out the Keitech Custom Leach. Killer dropshot bait. You can rig it flat, so it looks like a worm or leechv with it undulating up and down. Rig it vertical and its more baitfish like with the undulating going side to side. The segmented body moves like crazy at the lightest touch. I should have sent you some!

Very, very sticky, little trebles. I actually bought a new net to use with this lure!

Since I'm a UL guy, some of these small baits are incredibly fun! The one I've caught the most fish on is probably the Rebel Crickhopper. 1.5", 3/32oz An amazingly versatile lure. Can be fish topwater. Otherwise it fishes about 2-3 feet deep. Not just a pond lure, either. Throw this along shore, near cover, etc and it gets bit. I think few if any species will pass on a cricket falling into the water. I've also had fun with the Yo-Zuri Snap Bean. 1 inch, 1/16oz 1-2 feet depth. Definitely a pond or creek lure. And for something different..A micro wake bait with all the trimmings! LOL 😆 Flashy colors? Check! Bead? Why not!?! Underpin? Of course! Feathers? You bet! Skirt? Why wouldn't you? LOL 😆 So it has it all! 2 inches and 1/6oz. Top surface to barely subsurface.

The clip comes out so you can change out/use any hook you want.

What about a plain old Cheb rig?

I use a Jika these days, but have used the Z-man Texas EyeZ in the past. They make heavy duty and light wire versions. Eye is a really nice added bonus to this type of head IMO. And it's no small eye either. And deep colors that pop. And the bait keeper is a nice touch. I really like these, particularly the finesse version. The light wire hook is fantastic. I've also used the Decoy SV-46. Very interesting and fun to fish. Enjoyed them so much I powder coated some. The keel works as you'd expect. More glide than something round or football. And while I haven't used it, if I was picking a head now it would be this one. Decoy VJ-78 Switch c Bomb. The ability to allow your bait to backslide is awesome! Cast to the edge of weed bed or structure and allow it to backside in. I used this method with weightless plastics and was impressed. So no doubt I'd love to try these. Barring that, the new Gamakatsu as suggested by Glenn

I fish a couple of JDM Shimano Exprides. They're my only rods. And they are fantastic! I have a 264-UL2 (6'4") and a 265-UL+ (6'5"). I use these in my inflatable boat (Scout 365) But I stand when I fish. And of course I use them from shore. They can both cast small, tiny, light baits a MILE. They can also handle heavier (but still small) 1/4-3/8 oz. They are sensitive beyond belief. Through the rod, I can feel the weights squeaking as I pull them across the leaves of vegetation. And they have the backbone to catch big fish! My first fish of 2023 was an incidental carp weighing in at 19lbs. Later in the year, a 14lb Channel Cat. Both on 4lb test. Also...look how fat I am after winter hibernation (carp picture) and how much I slimmed down being active and fishing (catfish photo)! LOL 😆

For those who abhor the smell, it's another reason I use Bait Fuel. Have deliberately put some on my older shirts, pants etc No smell, no stain. I also appreciate that their testing was done independently at an unaffiliated University in Ontario.

I quite like Bait Fuel. Would highly recommend if for no other reason than scent masking/improving as noted above. As to whether it works as an "attractant", I'll leave that to others.

People are shocked when they see how small my micro guides are. And those aren't big Red Bird matches either.

I do some ultra light JDM plastic/lure/tackle reviews with photos, weights, etc. from time to time here. Admittedly, a bit niche. Thanks for the kind words.

Since I fish such light tackle, Bowfin are also problematic for me, particular on top water.

This also has a second hook on the back. Not sure why it's not shown in photos? Prop is rather thick. Can't imagine it bending. It feels more substantial than a buzzbait blade.

Disclosure: I do not own nor fish hardbaits in any noteworthy manner. My ownership consists of a couple Whopper Plopper-like clones for pike fishing. I also have a Yo-Zuri Snap Bean I'm fond of. A Jackall Micro Tappy. And my nostalgic favorite, the Rebel Crickhopper. Where I fish, the window here for non-topwater hardbaits is small. Partly owing to my minimalist style, I couldn't justify the expense of having an extensive hardbait collection. But I LOVE hardbaits. The designs. The paintwork. The attention to detail. Their specialness compared to plastics. So I was THRILLED to be gifted a Jackall Chop Cut Jr. for my 52nd birthday today! I frowned, initially, because I know what these cost here. $40+ And it is well known that I do not like expensive gifts (or baits! ). But I was assured it was purchased on clearance for "less than $20". This is a spectacular looking bait! Full stop. I do not include my own photographs because my skills are insufficient to do this bait justice. First, the paint. The color of called Black White Bone. Indeed, it does look black. But it's not. Under the light, it's a deep purple. And under that, you can see a type of ghost scale. It's beautiful. I have my doubts the fish care about any of this! Other details? The eyes are big and crystal clear. Very deep colored. The hardware is all top notch. The prop design is so unique looking. The anti-tangle line tie i mechanism is also interesting and seems to live up to its promise. The hook in the belly has a tuft of feathers and is on a swiveling system. The body looks like a crankbait, but instead the body is laid down and fished on its side. That is to say one eye is looking into the sky and the other down into the water. Well it's winter here with ice coverage. But I HAD to throw it just to see. I went to one of my pike haunts but sadly the ice coverage reached the shore. But I did find a window after some looking around further up the shore. It floats completely and it's shocking how easily the prop turns. It turns far more effortlessly than either a plopper or buzzbait. Just nosing it into current had the prop spinning. It's quite loud! You can retrieve as slow as you want to mimic a plopper sound. Speed it up and the tone changes to something closer to a buzzbait, but still different. It also spits and spurts water. With the sound and chopping, it's hard to imagine this won't be easily noticed by fish. Will they bite it? Time will tell. All in all, just another beautiful hard bait. I just looked at it for a long while whilst drinking my coffee. I truly understand the devotees of hardbaits. There's just something about them. Would love one in the Blue Gill color. Follow this link for better photographs https://www.jackall.co.jp/bass/products/lure/top-water/chopcut-jr/?wovn=en

Unless any of this was a problem while using a T-Rig, I don't think it will be a problem here. I say fish as you always have and then maybe if there's an issue then consider it?

Sigh...every time I see "winter" fishing videos, I am filled with envy.

Oh no! I was hoping that wouldn't be the conclusion drawn from my post! I'm sorry if it was. My point was that with your extensive T-Rig expertise and mastery, that a transition to jig fishing would be easy for you since you already possess excellent feel and touch. Sorry if I wasn't clear in that regard.

You'll also have some #8 EWG shortly!! I'd also size down on your line to 2-4lb for panfish. Preferably with L or UL rod.

Please don't take this the wrong way, but you may be over thinking this a bit. With you possessing 35+ years of T-rig mastery, I think you'll feel the bite just fine right out of the gate. You'll be a very quick study IMO. Just get out there and start throwing and keep us posted on your SUCCESS.

I use the Decoy KG Ringed EWG hooks often now and have also used the Infini Hobbit for downsized EWG purposes.

I agree. My post was more of a confirmation of his idea rather than recommending my exact set-up. The micro thin titanium leader wire sounds much better for his purposes.

I had a 3" popper on one day with no takers. I was getting ready to pack it in but thought I'd try something for fun. I had earlier watched a fishing program for Peacock Bass and the fisherman were violently ripping topwater popper-type baits. So I just wanted to see what it would look like with my popper. It looked amazing with water flying everywhere and a huge, bubbling wake. Just super, super aggressive. And fast. Next thing I know it starts getting smashed! Again and again! Have tried it again in that same spot from time to time but nothing since that day.

Have used these a ton in the 1/0 and 2/0 size. Was my go to. Can confirm. Excellent hook.

I think this is fantastic idea. Here's why: I use a similar setup to DELIBERATELY catch pike with my UL set up. 4-6lb mono along with one of these ultra thin leaders. They measure .012" (.3 mm) dia. These are rated 12 lbs. I throw (somewhat) expensive Chatterbaits and hideously expensive JDM top water prop baits so if I didn't have some sort of leader on, I'd be bankrupt. And it works. I do not get bit off. So, yes. I think it's a great plan. Would love a link to the leader you'll be using! We call those Hammer Handles here.