POOP BAITS - Underwater Bait Comparison! (The Fastest Growing Category In Bass Fishing!)

Have you heard of a poop bait? Its a real thing and this category is exploding! Poop Baits, Heavy Baits, Gravity Baits... whatever you want to call them, they're here to stay! ICAST was full of drama about these poop baits this year and today we're going to settle it. Forget what you've heard, let's take a look at what these baits are really about!
To our knowledge there are currently 7 versions of heavy baits that offer a midsized bait (3 - 3.5 inches). We've gathered all 7 of them so we can compare their appearance, design, and how they behave underwater. To our amazement, each bait in this category is unique.
Frankly, the "poop category" is an example of how innovation and improvements should take place in our sport. We applaud all 7 of these brands for their unique and innovate ways of entering the category. While all of these baits have taken some level of inspiration from one another, each is unique and offers a different fishing experience to us anglers.
Below you'll find links to all the baits in the order they appeared in the underwater footage. We've included our favorite colors for each, as well as the equipment we use to fish them effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
THE HOOK...
•Gamakatsu Superline EWG: bit.ly/3AmFDnK
Size: 4/0
THE BAITS...
•Deps Cover Scat: bit.ly/3dj8LVl
Size: 3.5"
Colors: Green Pumpkin, TW Black Blue Green Pumpkin
•Yamamoto Yamatanuki: bit.ly/3lZaMe3
Size: 3.5"
Colors: Green Pump Black, Green Pump Blue, Baby Bass
•Reins Tank Worm: bit.ly/3QGC4mo
Size: 3.5"
Colors: Dark Sleeper, Green Pumpkin
•Missile Baits Bomba: bit.ly/44bZRNZ
Size: 3.5"
Colors: Green Pumpkin, Super Bug
•Spro Craw Nugget: bit.ly/45rJjCL
Size: 3.5"
Colors: Green Pumpkin, Ozark Craw
•Fish Arrow Heavy Poop: bit.ly/3QH5FvJ
Size: 3.6"
Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Pumpkin Red
•Nories Flip Dom: bit.ly/45aSojs
Size: 3"
Colors: Castaic Choice, Light Green Pumpkin Blue Flk
MATT'S HEAVY BAIT COMBO...
Rod- Shimano Poison Adrena 7'3" MH: bit.ly/3diigiT
Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): bit.ly/2ezIBfB
Line- Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): bit.ly/314VoyF
Leader- Sunline Advance Fluoro (14 lb): bit.ly/3cjHwJL
ALL AROUND COMBO...
Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'2" Medium Heavy: bit.ly/2cgmMAe
Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL: bit.ly/2apmDJt
Line- Sufix 832 Braid (40 lb): bit.ly/2ae93Ji
Leader- Sunline FC (15 lb): bit.ly/2h4LNjm
BUDGET FRIENDLY COMBO...
Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Heavy: bit.ly/2r0xWAs
Reel- Daiwa Fuego CT: bit.ly/35hugfH
Line- Sunline Super FC (14 lb): bit.ly/2p7fxju
TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)
We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here...
TacticalBassin Lure Designs: bit.ly/38YpPIz
_________________________________________________________________
*MAJOR EQUIPMENT WE USE DAILY...
Trolling Motor- Minn Kota Ultrex 112: bit.ly/2vFQypW
Electronics- Humminbird Solix 15: bit.ly/35HuPRY
Anchors- Minn Kota Talons: bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Camera- GoPro Hero 9: bit.ly/2KQ0VEI
*FAVORITE TOOLS AND GEAR…
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/3cLH0kl
Favorite Pliers: bit.ly/3xJFwTu
Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Favorite Lure Retriever: bit.ly/2TLTJc6
Favorite Braid Cutters: bit.ly/35KSp3O
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Storage Box: bit.ly/3U9y4cl
Favorite Net: bit.ly/3kdZ3kA
________________________________________________________________
If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!
#underwater #bassfishing #fishingtips

[@B19D91]

Watch this video while you're on the toilet for a true immersive experience.

[@tacticalbassin]

😂😂😂

[@countryfriedfishing]

I actually am,right now.

[@andybales7318]

I have a million dollar idea going on currently...Alot of dogs on my street...unlimited access to shapes & sizes, just need to figure out the best hook

[@luckybassturd7260]

@@tacticalbassinthis is the sh*ttiest video I’ve ever seen! & I know my sh*t! you dropped um like they were hot! What a waist 💩 ✌️🤟🤙

[@jasonjohn1978]

😂😂😂

[@jonathangreen6088]

The Yamamoto has already caught me a pile of fish. Love that bait.

[@richardblake4777]

Matt, your underwater videos are magic and get right to the facts. You turned me onto the Spunk Shad and it's a killer on a Jackhammer. Thank you and Tim for all the help you give us.

[@douglasspickler4925]

Excellent video. You are spot on with the comparisons. This helps alot with what to purchase. Thanks for sharing.

[@JohnCrews]

Awesome video! I have done some of this research but this is by far the best compilation on the poops. Thanks for doing this one.

[@xDx0xUxGx]

3 stood out for me for 3 different reasons. The Missle Baits for it's slow fall, the Yamamoto for it's tail flick when it's popped and the Reigns because it seems to want to back glide on the fall. Honorable mention to the SPRO for having the most erratic action.

[@youtubzkoz]

Well said

[@Tracker7266]

@@youtubzkoz I'll 2nd that. The Yamamoto looked the most realistic. imo

[@user-kn1hw4gb8f]

Great underwater footage! It was really interesting watching the different shimmy’s and speeds!

[@rvfishingyet]

This video was extremely helpful to understand this presentation and the different nuanced options.

[@kylegrosvenor772]

The stuff you guys have taught me and fished me into thinking about blows my mind. Love it. Keep em coming from Ohio!!

[@danielpomponio4967]

I caught by PB this year on a 3.5 cover scat. These baits definitely work. Great breakdown of the category.

[@jimmiecampbell4357]

Yall ALWAYS present a great video in this ole 79+ East Texas Bassers mind.. Kudos.

[@notwillferrell2234]

Another great video, Matt! Look forward to trying a few of them out...but when you present this to a comedy writer, I'm required to have a little fun. That's why I'm waiting for the... Strike King KVD Perfect Poop, Yum Stinker, and the Berkley Max Scent Drop Sh!t. Keep the great info coming!

[@Mr.Higgs.]

Love the idea of a new bait innovation. The finesse swimbait category is getting really good these past 2 years. The Beast Coast Slow Flow Swimbait is something very sneaky people aren't catching onto. Heavy football head dragging on the bottom catches the big one's year around.

[@DFWdarin]

During the spring I caught at least six bass over 5 lb on the cover Scat. I love it I've been fishing it for 2 years now and by far my favorite soft plastic reminds me of the lure I used to use

[@bassboxingoutdoors]

Great video keep up the great work I was wondering about these cause I have them all but the missile baits and the tank worm

[@MadMaxx89]

The reason they aren't all blatant rip-offs are because 99% are from Japanese companies who take pride in their baits. Don't worry I'm sure the Berkley version will win icast 24.

[@seizedcarcass8440]

It seems like the Yamamoto is still faster falling. Just slightly faster than the fish arrow and DEPS but I really liked how the reins and missile baits fell. They had a bit more wobble and when they get jerked off the bottom they are have more movement in the body due to the taper. I feel like I’ll be using the Deps,Yamamoto,reins,and missile baits ones more! Great video as always

[@golfguy8403]

These are great “intro to dock-skipping” baits because they skip incredibly well and if you hit something (like a dock or a boat) there’s no damage because the bait is completely soft (unlike a jig). Oh, and they catch a TON of fish.

[@MichaelRomero]

Great video guys. Been waiting for this to come out. I agree that Yamamoto Yamatanuki is the best one. Fun fact it's actually predates the Deps cover scat but was only available in Japan.👍🏼

[@CMDAVISs]

THANKS BUDDY AWSOME VIDEO !!

[@markbrown-gy3fz]

Like always matt,a very fair comparison. Question,I have alot of standing trees and bushes on my lake.will these work well runing them thru that stuff?

[@Tylerbone96]

It’s a good thing these baits aren’t… crappy. I couldn’t resist myself 😂 I’ve actually been using the heavy poop for probably a year now, got some because honestly the name cracked me up since I’m a child at heart, had no clue how to fish them until I googled it and read an article or 2. Now I love them!

[@garymueller6488]

Liked the Spro and the Missile baits lures. Thanks for the education guys.

[@nathanWV94]

Your timing is impeccable. I was just looking for underwater video of these baits yesterday. You lost me at Poison Adrena though 😂

[@tacticalbassin]

It's a lot better than Poison Ultima 😂😂

[@jimb7304]

That particular Adrena is the best bang for you buck in higher end rods. Cheaper than the NRX+ and the Megabass P5s yet every bit as sensitive. I’ve got the Ultima as well but haven’t fished it yet.

[@gregchilders7643]

Been using the 2.5 yamatanuki on bfs for pond bass here in NJ. Yamamoto hit it out the park again.this bait is great

[@Aqua_Holic_Fishing]

"Caught a PILE of them on the cover SCAT" This comment was PURE GOLD!

[@The_VHam]

I need the “poop baits” episode t-shirt. Also y’all should design your own, think of all the creative colors. 🤣

[@baitchuckin]

I need to know Matt, how many takes did it take to get the intro done without bursting out in laughter when saying POOP BAITS?!? HA HA Awesome video as always!!

[@dant8213]

It feels strange to say, but I've been waiting for your underwater poop video 😅

[@brandonsmith606]

I had trouble getting my hands on the cover scat so I went to the Yamatanuki and man did I hammer them on it. I will definitely be trying some of the others. Everyone around was fishing a senko and I was the one catching fish. I out on a clinic 😂

[@tjlastname5192]

That comment at the end reminded me of how I felt about senkos. I wasn’t skeptical about the poop baits when I heard about them, because I learned that lesson the hard way. I rolled my eyes every time I saw stick baits when I was younger. Bass don’t want to eat a stick, they want to see that curly tail, is what I thought. Then when I got back into fishing I tried them and caught more bass than ever.

[@timhigdonoutdoors5276]

I just ordered $80 Deps cover scat from the hook up tackle. Now just ordered $100 worth at tackle warehouse. 😂 I am a tackle junkie, great video guys keep up the good work!!

[@raybrenneman7240]

I use a 5/0 Hayabusa ewg screw lock for the yamatanuki and attach a few strands of skirt strands on the shank of the screw lock between the head of the bait and hook eye for a little more action on the fall and when resting on the bottom.

[@andypearson2384]

In the early 90’s a company named Phantom made a product they call Phish Stix. It was a somewhat “poop” shaped bait, though even and consistent on both ends of the bait. It was a soft jerk bait that was fairly rigid with a recess for the hook point. I haven’t thought about that bait in years, but it absolutely slayed. These “poop” style baits remind me of it in their shape.

[@ZZ430T56]

Yup I prob still have some of those. We used them a lot as top water frog style baits, walking the dog in pads and weeds. They were a lil stiff for good hookups tho. The one that was even better in the 90's? was the Reel Magic by Cotee Lures. It was much softer with a big hook pocket that collapsed easily. Roland Martin sponsored it. I have a bunch of packs of those and still use them!

[@vincentgelles3805]

Been waiting for this one!

[@BOOTEDUPFLORIDAOUTDOORS]

Just ordered a pack of the yamamotos hyped to see how they do for me

[@alanrasmussen4097]

Has been 2 yrs. since I have thrown a Senko because of the Cover Scatt. (Wish they had a 3" though.) Mixed the Nuki in this year, great bait also. I was curious about the new offerings coming out. And right on time here you are, nice. The hook seems to flip over on the Spro and Fisharrow baits. I think i will pass on those. But I like Cruz's take on the bait and will get some of those for sure. Thanks for the insight. Tightlines.

[@donpanico7708]

Hey Matt, I have been using a standard tube and I insert about an inch or so of a senko in the tube. It gives the tube the same type of action plus the action of the tentacles.

[@XxNiteStockerxX]

What hook do you like to use?

[@donpanico7708]

For the smaller tubes 3/0, for the larger ones a 4/0. If I want a little more distance on my cast I’ll add a 1/16 ounce slip sinker

[@ericsh8576]

That is a very interesting modification!! I will have try that.

[@lpbass8369]

Im a big tube guy with ewg hook.I will try that ,got me thinking ,thanks.

[@XxNiteStockerxX]

@@donpanico7708 cool thanks. I was wondering why you couldn’t use a keel weighted hook on a fluke or beaver and achieve similar action

[@donaldferris1638]

That gill acted just like the kids on caddy shack pool scene. Doooodie!!!!!!!! We’re is Bill Murrry when you need him for a clean up

[@henryjackman3160]

I had a lot of trouble catching anything a few days ago. I remembered the previous video on these and switched to a Neko Macho. I caught one in 10 minutes. I don't know if a Neko Macho qualifies as a poop bait but it worked.

[@greenpighunter6930]

Thanks Matt. Underwater video is 🔥.

[@josepharico6463]

Matt, great video. Please let me know what 0:12 GLoomis rod you would use for this.

[@WhereWeWild]

Interesting… 😊 I’ve done well with the cover scat for sure… haha they’re just kind of overpriced and rip apart so easily which sucks. After watching this video I’m definitely grabbing some of those missile baits. They look pretty money. 😎🤙🏽 Good stuff Matt. Great video.

[@richshackelford5793]

Good stuff Matt

[@MichaelRomero]

Great info on the poop baits fall. The Yamamoto yamatanuki is new to the US but in Japan it has been out for years. It pre-dates all the other poop style baits.

[@liam2322]

It’s not even the same style deps was the first

[@MrTxawjcoj]

Deps, Fishi Arrow, and Yamamoto all have been great for me. Absolutely killer on rivers too.

[@Triple87]

Reaction innovations is probably going to make one called Mr Hankey to go along with their manbearpig. 🤣

[@mikehawkins7245]

Used the yamatanuki in Colorado. First time using it lost a good largie. Upscaled to a bigger hook and nailed my PB small mouth. Sold me on them for sure.

[@johnowens7435]

Tried the yamatuniki with no luck yet but will keep on trying 😉

[@swimbassin6196]

Thanks for the info brother I was able to bag a 4.54 largie first time I opened the bag slack line walk the dog in heavy stick cover super pressured lake and the spot I was fished hard had guys casting on it all day this fish hit right away now I’m a believer in poop I would have never tried them if it wasn’t for this video thanks again

[@vincenttrzeciak878]

Tested this out yesterday for fun and bit my senko in half. Tx rig that and bammo fish on. Felt weird just bumpin that bottom but it worked.

[@ZZ430T56]

I did real well with the Yamatanuki last year. So well that since I inject my own plastics, got an aluminum mold. I use my Senko sinking formula plastic. BTW I buy the 4/0 jig hook and the extra long twist lock hitch hikers from Amazon and baits last 10x longer.

[@johnkent9019]

Thanks Tim. Off topic: Now that you've been out in TN for a while I'm curious about your thoughts on the move from Clear Lake, the pros and cons.

[@djjackson4592]

I bought three different colors of the Yamatanukis earlier this summer, but I fished one of them for the first time just yesterday. I had a few short strikes, but was unsuccessful at landing any bass. I’m in NY and we had a string of chilly nights, which greatly affected the fish. I will try them again next weekend. My one concern is the durability factor, which some else mentioned. Even with the short strikes, they got a bit torn up. I guess I’ll have to remember to keep some super glue in my tackle bag.

[@mickeybrowne6207]

Yeah that was my issue with the Tanuki. I spent a day fishing it, caught a little pile of fish but tore up so many baits. I ripped one up without even catching a fish on it, just from skipping it under docks and pulling it thru heavy grass

[@wolvesoffortwyatt1629]

Would liked to have seen the Geecrack Imo Ripper and Imo Kemushi in this review.

[@BC-gn7kr]

Hey Matt, I wanted to ask your opinion on which line of rods would be best for fishing in Florida? We don't really fish deep in Florida lakes so no ledge fishing and not a lot of deep cranking, we do have a lot of dense cover lol. I wanted to ask your top three Lines of rods for sensitivity, strength and price based on value? Thank you for all your content. BC

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

Thank you Matt ❤

[@upthecreekyt]

Well that's one way for companies to get rid of their excess plastisol. Goes to show that bass will eat anything, and bass fisherman will buy anything.

[@Hiphopopotomous]

If you have FFS you'd know that bass don't "eat anything".

[@upthecreekyt]

@@Hiphopopotomous I've caught a bass on a g.i. Joe. They will eat anything.

[@giand5719]

​@@upthecreekytMaybe where you fish.

[@andybales7318]

​@@Hiphopopotomousif u can't catch fish with FFS & any small plastic, u better take up golf

[@Hiphopopotomous]

@@upthecreekyt are you trying to sell me a g.i. Joe lure?

[@DFWdarin]

I was really hoping that you guys would not do a show on these type soft plastics because they are by far my number one best kept secret in bass fishing right now

[@paulpinto8400]

I’ve enjoyed the yamatanki. Caught a 2 on one today. And a 3.5 yesterday on a googan rack n craw. What’s the best hook for the tanuki.

[@4ryanthomas]

All these baits are Stinking good! :)

[@andybales7318]

Ok, I had to do it...ordered 4 packs of poop...just more "crap" to add to my already overfilled lure inventory

[@dylanlaughman8126]

What dobyns xp or kaden rod would you recommend for 6" swimbaits specifically trash fish

[@greggt.3784]

I am wondering if in the right situations, if the heavier “deeper water” baits wouldn’t be good for flipping, thus eliminating the heavy weight on top that sometimes helps the fish come off when they head shake…. Thoughts??

[@jeremypierce1607]

None of these baits are a direct rip-off because Berkley hasn't hit the game yet. Don't worry, Ike will "design" a brand new bait for ICAST next year, likely a rip of the cover scat because Deps isn't a large US presence.

[@johnwilliam890]

Which one also uses corn as an attractant?

[@Marriedandfishing]

Just ordered me some poop baits can’t wait to try!!!

[@everythingoutdoors-vl9bl]

It s amazing how popular this catagorey of baits has become, they are so easy to fish and get huge bites for pretty much a “do nuthin” bait

[@rebelstudio2720]

What is you take on swivel hooks?

[@stoneysdead689]

The ppl who can't get over the name of this category of baits area little silly imo- these are simply imitations of craws who have lost their pinchers- that's all. When Deps designed the cover scat they did so because they noticed that bass are afraid of craws when they have their pinchers and are in the defensive position. Well, not "afraid" but- cautious, they're concerned about being damaged and so they approach cautiously. But they noticed when they find one with no claws- they just scoop it up quickly because it's free food- no chance of being harmed. Makes perfect sense if you think about it- which is what I like about JDM baits- they think about it. Too many American manufacturers look to catch the fishermen- not necessarily the fish. JDM baits seem to be more geared toward catching the fish- and even make bats that put the fishermen off- like poop baits.

[@simoncapizzi9689]

I've been throwing the Deps and Yamamoto all summer. Love them both except for the lack of durability. Are any of the other ones more durable?

[@kencroy2815]

Owner 5/0 screw lock flipping hook. Night and day difference.

[@fishingmaster99]

I have 3 colors and sizes of the Deps cover scat. I got em 2 years ago

[@surfn122]

While testing did you notice any difference in durability? I’ve heard the seem to be 1 or 2 fish and done, have you had the same experience?

[@christopherarmstrong9815]

it would have been useful if you had included the weight of each one. Rate of fall probably due to the weight differences. Durability differences also would be useful. I've only tried the yamatanuki and have found it to be effective. As a brand I have more confidence in Yamamoto plastics than other brands.

[@galva777tx]

Old idea with a new look. I was fishing a semi-hard plastic bait in the 90's that used an offset hook. Can't remember the name but they were a dark navy blue with silver and they looked like little Turds that you could cast a mile.

[@claytongeorge1986]

I’ve been using the Yamamoto and had the claws ripped off a sleeper craw and now it’s just like one of those I’m still crushing smallies on it without claws

[@anthonytingle6578]

How would you feel about a heavier Bellows shad, something flat with the action and fall rate of the missle Bomba? I think a black/blue with an orange belly would absolutely wreck spawning bass.

[@simonp936]

You guys should compare the magdraft, berkley cullshad, and spro magelojohn

[@ScruffyCityFishing]

Seems like something that should be thrown on a bait caster as line twist could be rough. I need to get some now though!

[@noomzy1027]

Did some of them fall away? I fish a lot of floating docks with full length floats that you can’t skip a bait under.

[@chrisfranklin6808]

Does the Kemushi fall into this category?

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

If you free rig the cover scat it death spirals like a tube. It’s caught me a ton of fish in the spring.

[@bassboxingoutdoors]

I wish you would have had added the original heavy jackell wiggle worm

[@tjlastname5192]

I tried the Yamamoto last year and had fish chasing it when I was reeling in. I didn’t fish with it long because they were hitting my stick bait so well, but I’m going to give it more in the future. This was in the spring so that may have had something to do with it, but I wonder how well it would work just swimming it in the spring. Anyone else done that?

[@emilianobanzi9432]

I would included the Imoripper by Geecrack , one of the best imo

[@RobertWhite1]

That's what you call a "Crap-pie" lure! 🤣

[@Tossing_Lures]

The ultimate poop bait this year is the sleeper craw with no arms…deadly!

[@brucesmithoutdoors]

Thank you for the video. I’m impressed with the Nories. I been throwing the Yamatanuki since last spring. It works really well on Watts Bar. I love the 2.5 Yamatanuki in black/blue and skip it now in place of senko in certain situations. I’m definitely going to check into the Nories. It would be money under docks.

[@chrischambers8326]

Maybe I'm wrong but I feel like the Yamamoto fat ika is the O.G. in this category. Where I live we have rigged the fat ika weightless and weedless upside down on a 4/0 wide gap hook and fished it this way for atleast 15 years now.

[@kboswell3000]

I feel like the Yamamoto Fat Ika (which is categorized as a tube bait) was the predecessor to this bait style. It works the exact same way when rigged Weedless.

[@stefanbertasz4690]

I agree. The fat Ika is similar. The yamatanuki is slightly faster falling and can be fished a little quicker. I rig both with a 3/0 Gammy med wire flippin hook. I side hook them...not through the middle. My hook up ratio is near 100 % now. The Fat Ika was my #1 performer this last spring. The yamatunuki is well worth your time as well.

[@richardbossman9875]

I don’t know if it was just my eyes but it seemed the Yamamoto seemed to leave a bigger puff of dust when popped off the bottom.

[@noluckfishing7403]

Don't forget the Geecrack Imo Ripper It is the one that AJJ used.

[@msowell21]

Sitting here eating ground beef and rice watching under water turds. When I first started seeing these baits I thought ok yea kind of look like a poop. But now seeing the underwater footage I realized there couldn't be another name for them

[@ilikerealmaplesyrup]

This is what I do with my swim baits that have the tails bit off

[@bassinbilliards6279]

There's just some techniques and baits i wont ever throw like the Tokyo rig or cover scat haha.

[@markphilippsjr]

The the OG's, that's Tactical Bassin the OGs. You all should Rename your channel, the OG series.

[@dgroves85]

“Poop is falling from the ceiling. Poop!” Where my Office fans?

[@kevincampbell5357]

Is there a top water floater version too LoL

[@17765]

The second he pulled out the craw profile it all made sense

[@af4od02]

This would be an excellent co-angler bait.