The Shimano Rock Hopper jigs are a hybrid lure that combine various elements of different fishing styles. It is an Inchiku style metal jig, with the properties of a Free Slide, that can be fished with Tai Rubber equipment.
Shimano developed the Rock Hopper to provoke aggressive strikes from predatory species like Red Snappers, Blue Cod, John-Dory, Groupers and Kingfish.
The Rock Hopper jig is unique in that the main body (weighted feature) separates from the silicone skirt + assist hook, runs freely on the line, or leader (protected by abrasion resistant tubing) and slides down through the water column, thus giving the appearance of a predator chasing its pray in a spectacularly visual fashion. In many ways it resembles the Hayabusa Free Slide lures. Indeed the Shimano Rock Hopper has been designed to demonstrate the value of rapid sinking of your jig to the strike zone and mastering the weather to your favor. The Rock Hopper jigs have been designed to fall fast and greatly shorten the arrival time to the strike zone. The falling motion of the jig provides no discomfort to the prey, since the head sinks first and the skirt follows. It appears natural and lures even weary fish. Since the head stabilizes, the fall is fast and the sense of resistance at the time of retrieving is also reduced. The head of the particular jigs channels the water flow in such a way, that its low center of gravity allows the jig to descent quickly, sliding steadily and in a smooth pattern to the bottom. Its swimming posture is totally natural.
Indeed the Rock Hoppers have proven their effectiveness, hence you should expect strikes on the drop, while working it on the bottom, or during the retrieval. They are rigged with a pair of chemically sharpened, fluorine coated, inline assist hooks and available in numerous colors with luminescent highlights and weights starting from 90 gr, to cover all water depths.