KAESU x The Strike LOP HOG 3 "CHOCO MINT" #105

Inspired by a green-bellied freshwater shrimp discovered during a fall fishing trip on the Shougen River in 2024, CHOCO MINT was developed as an exclusive color for The Strike Skate & Tackle Shop.

The concept was born from the growing trend of ultra-finesse techniques producing trophy-class bass throughout Japan. Many of these patterns revolve around shrimp-like movements and forage, leading to the idea of creating a color specifically tailored to this modern approach.

Built on the KAESU LOP HOG 3” platform, CHOCO MINT was designed primarily for bottom-contact presentations. The back features a chocolate brown tone inspired by our proven HITAKAMI color, while the belly incorporates a subtle mint green based on the unique shrimp that sparked the project. Carefully selected flake combinations add depth and realism while maintaining effectiveness around weeds and submerged vegetation.

Throughout development, special attention was given to flake size, color, and reflectivity. Extensive field testing and sight-fishing observations revealed that excessive flash could reduce effectiveness, leading to multiple refinements. The final version utilizes subtle blue-silver flakes on the back and understated black flakes on the belly to create a more natural appearance and lifelike presence underwater.

The result is a color that balances realism and visibility - one that not only resembles a shrimp but remains effective across a wide range of water conditions, from clear water to lightly stained environments.

More than just a forage-matching color, CHOCO MINT is a practical, tournament-proven interpretation of the modern finesse game for targeting big fish.

--

Specs: KAESU LOP HOG 3

The Remarkable Ability - master of inducing strikes

Concept & Action:

LOP HOG was designed with a singular focus: maximizing the effectiveness of its claw, the core element of any hog-style soft bait. Featuring a slender body and claws designed to retract during movement, it offers superior snag-less performance in heavy cover. While it maintains a compact silhouette during the fall, the claws flare open boldly upon reaching the bottom, creating a massive visual change that attracts fish far beyond its actual size.

A unique notched structure on the main claws reacts to the slightest current, generating a tight vibration that extends to the arm and pintail. Whether shaken or dragged, the combination of the undulating claws and the high-frequency vibrations effectively lures fish in. While it excels in classic hog-style setups like Texas or Free rigs, the notched structure also makes it a surprisingly lethal option for Neko rigging - a rarity for this bait type.

Additionally, by leaving the factory lock (the bridge connecting the arms) intact, the lateral movement is restricted, forcing a vertical action ideal for heavy cover punching or Jig-Stroking (mid-strolling with a jig). The Lop Hog is a multi-functional bait that transcends the traditional hog-worm category.

• Length & weight:
  • 3 inch (7,62 cm) / approx. 4 g - (contains 7 lures per pack)
• Material:
  • 15% Salt Material + Fish & Shrimp Scent Formula
• Suggested hook sizes:
  • #4 to #2
    

Material:

Hog-style baits tend to tear when contacting heavy cover. To combat this, we selected a durable material with low salt content of 15% to ensure excellent hook-holding power. This material is a hallmark of KAESU soft baits and is highly rated by anglers for its longevity. It is furthermore infused with a powerful Fish & Shrimp Scent Formula.

Body Form:

The slender body is weighted toward the claws, ensuring excellent castability when used on Texas rigs or as a jig trailer. This streamlined shape also contributes to its snag-less performance and compact profile. Hook point guards are located on both the top and bottom, allowing you to attack heavy cover without hesitation.

Arm Design:

• Large claws for powerful water displacement paired with small flapping arms create a complex wave motion and a dramatic silhouette change.
• Even with lightweight sinkers, this notched design creates a tight vibration in the slightest current, sending micro-vibrations to the tip of the pintail.
• While usually removed before use, leaving the factory lock intact keeps the arms moving vertically. This is perfect for Jig stroking or high-speed cover flipping where you need maximum efficiency and a tighter profile.
  

Rig:

• Jig Trailer: Perfect for bottom-hopping rubber jigs or mid-water Jig stroking. Use "factory lck off" for bottom work and " factory lock on" for vertical mid-water action.
• Free Rig: The Lop Hog excels here. It falls fast with a tight vibration, and once the weight hits the bottom, the low-salt material allows for a slow, enticing natural drift.
• Texas rig / Jika rig: Best used with a mix of shaking, dragging, and lifts/falls to engage the vibration of the notched claws.
  

Product video