RRocket

Geecrack makes an interesting keeper. It's unobtrusive and looks like it would work. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Geecrack_Neko_Hack_Soft_Bait_Rigging_Accessory_12pk/descpage-GNHS.html

This is where a Jika Rig excels. I much, much prefer it to the Tokyo. Between the Free Rig and Jika Rig...It's probably 90 percent of my fishing these days. Have you used a Jika yet? I love it...particularly with buoyant plastics.

Much of the season, we're just covered in grass. So as you point out, a drop shot weight works very well. What works better for me? A drop shot weight specifically designed for coming through grass. They are super, super thin. The 3/16 lead version is thinner than even my 1/16 Tungsten weights! And it's a keel-like design. See images. I use these: https://pow-casting-store.ca/drop-shot-weights/the-dredge-drop-shot/#:~:text=Now%3A %245.99-,3%2F4 oz "The Dredge" drop,Shot Weights - Line Grip Swivels&text=Powder coated Camo colours for greater stealth%2C durability and safer handling.,-They're sleek

Mother of Pearl! What a fish! Congrats!

Well that was using a 7g weight which is 1/4 oz. In the video below, at around the 2:38 mark you can see the same action with a 1/10 oz (2.7g). And further in the video a 3/16oz (5g) is used.

Yum Tubes has one similar I believe called "pumpkin pepper"

Oooopps!

I don't think I've seen The Dolive Beaver mentioned in this thread yet. It is exceptional. Some Free Rig aficionados think it's the best Free Rig bait. Check out the stellar action. Arms flutter, then when the weight hits the bottom it glides. Interesting presentation. https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxVAP-ziJ9yYfdV_QP__5oc0WwXgKM-Wlo

Junebug was my favorite. But then tried Twilight (purple and darker purple) on a worm and seemed to be more productive in dirty water.

Really surprised the GOAT was subsurface. Has never, ever happened to me. I use a 1/0 EWG in the Baby Goat, a 3/0 EWG for the Goat and a 4/0 for the Billy Goat. And they all float it. I've also used a straight worm hook in either and that floats too. I'm perplexed.

The Dolive Beaver is fairly exceptional...particularly on a Free Rig. On the way down, the arms flap like crazy. But when the weight hits bottom it changes to a glide down. See at the 5 minute mark of this video. Can confirm this is exactly how it's worked when I've used it.

I certainly have confidence in you!

Please keep us posted!

Tip for Goat family: Get the dual color Goats (The Deal for example). That way you can flip the bait over and have one side for sunny, clear days and the other side for lower light conditions.

The TRD is more buoyant...you can float it if you want. The Zinker sinks. The TRD also seems to have a bit more action. The Zinker seems to be more "stiff".

That would be my suggestion. I run a 3/0 EWG with a Goat. I cast it right into the weeds..then drag it across pockets or along the edge. This is a spectacular presentation and the legs bubble the water and make a plopping sound. And the narrow profile allows better hook up. An absolutely superb topwater bait.

Definitely try the Z-man Big TRD. Absolutely fantastic worm!

Thanks for the kind comments.

I found (for me) that the Jika and Free Rig offer greater presentation possibilities than Ned. Particularly with the buoyant Z-man baits. For the Jika, I'll either use a plain tungsten cylinder weight or if coming through weeds, a flat weight (looks like a cylinder has been crushed flat) called "The Dredge". It comes through weeds like nobodies business! Again, I use these weights for free rig and drop shot too. I do carry a couple specially weighs for no other reason than I really like them! I always keep a Ryugi Bean and Decoy DS-9 in the box. I consider these "splurge" items since I could do without them. For wacky and drop shot, my hook is the Hayabusa Spin Muscle. It's probably the best hook I've ever used. I don't think I've missed a hookset. For a straight hook, I love the fine wire ReBarb. For EWG, I like Ryugi Infini. I've also used ringed hooks which I'm rather fond of, particularly Decoy Ringed KG. Have tried most other popular hooks on market. But I prefer the hooks listed. Lots of extensive use before settling on these.

Thanks! I spent a lot of time on this. Not sure how much detail to provide though! Could literally list every item in my bag!

I'm extremely dedicated to ultralight minimalist fishing. I'm was extremely careful choosing my gear, particularly for my tackle and tackle bag. I put the utmost importance on tackle that could be used for multiple rigs. For example, my drop shot and wacky hook are the same. And the weights I use can work for Jika, Free Rig, Drop Shot, etc. My rod is a JDM Shimano Expride 264UL-2. Reel is Shimano Vanford 2000SHG. I use Sunline Super Natural 4lb. One rod. One reel. My tackle bag is a small shoulder backpack style. It contains: First Aid consists of a couple of tampon and medical tape. This is sufficient for fishing injuries. I have a headlight affixed to the front of the bag. I can wear on head or just turn on and point bag where I need to see. I have a red flashing light on the back of the pack that's visible shouldered as I often walk on the side of the road after fishing is done. On the exterior affixed with lanyards are 2 forceps, a nail clipper fishing tool combo and an aluminum lip grabber. In the side pocket is a squeeze tube of Bait Fuel. On the inside are 2 compact 3600 boxes. I carry mostly #1 and 1/0 hooks and sufficientv interchangeable weights and tackle to rig: Jika, Free Rig, Drop Shot, Wacky, Carolina. I primarily fish Free Rig followed by Jika. I'm particularly proud of my hybrid Jika set up that enables me to make a hook or weight change without re tying. 5 seconds top for any change. I also keep a small Chatterbait in this box. In the bait box I keep several different Z-man baits suitable to be used in all above rigs. TRD Ticklers are used often as well as the Big TRD worm. For topwater, the Goat family has been exceptional. All in, the bag weighs 7.5lbs My entire kit. I've also taken the minimalist path with my boat. Though that's another thread perhaps?

Good suggestion. I use a Z-man Goat or Billy Goat weightless for top water. The narrower profile increases hookups. And the ruckus these make on top water is impressive.

Have used all the hooks described in this thread and the best dropshot/wacky hook I've ever used is the Hayabusa Spin Muscle. It's one of the best hooks I've ever used of any type.

I too LOVE the Free Rig! And if you love the Free Rig, you'll also enjoy throwing the Ryugi Black Bean Rig. Pretty much the same idea but the bait comes straight down onto the uniquely designed weight. And if you use something like Z-man baits, when you make the "connection" to the weight, the bait stands straight up and down. The bait will then float straight back up when you put your rod tip back down with slack. It's great fun to fish! For reference, this is 3/16 oz weight

My wacky and drop shot are the same hook...but finest hook I've used for either. It's the Hayabusa Spin Muscle