deps Slither K ~ Topwater Hollow Frog

Body Length: 2.4" (61mm) not counting tail
Weight: 3/8 oz

Two frogs that are dramatically different from and a cut above all the rest are the Basirisky and the Slither K. Made by deps in Japan, they are imported to the USA by Optimum Baits. Optimum has imported the deps Basirisky frog since 2005. Nevertheless, there are still many US anglers today, even top tour pros who frog a lot, that haven't heard of the Basirisky yet. Many others who have tried one in thick mats didn't like the Basirisky since the legs jam against thick weeds, making for tough going. Yet if you use the Basirisky in open water, along weed edges, in sparse cover or at night, you'll never frog again without one. The legs give the Basirisky a wobbling, plopping action like a Jitterbug! There's no other frog quite like it and especially where there's a thin, floating surface layer of pond scum, moss or sawdust, the paddling, waddling Basirisky rules.

deps Basirisky (left) and new deps Slither K.

What I appreciate most about the Basirisky is that its design is so fresh and new and different, even though it has been on the market since 2005. What's new for 2012 is that Optimum's importing the deps Slither K, and it too is a unique hollow body topwater frog. It slithers across the surface in a rolling, flashing manner with its tantalizing tail of rabbit fur. This is no ordinary frog. In terms of action, it's energetic due to the concave sides that scoop water side-to-side in a frantically swerving disturbance on top.

Which Deps Frog to Use When?

Deps offers 3 great hollow frogs now - the Basirisky Hardbelly (center), Slither K (left) and Buster K (right). Not included with item for sale.

Deps founder and lure designer, Okumura explained some of the differences between them, when best to use each one - especially how to combine their use for most effectiveness. He says, "Of course it all depends on the conditions in the field...I really can't give you the exact science when the fish are going to want the Slither K where it's gliding along, versus the Buster K where the sound of the pop is calling them." When Okumura ffrog fishes, he brings all three and he lets the fish tell him what's better, adding, "It's not like you can observe the conditions in the field and see that it's just so that you can predict which one will get bit. It's tough to say when to use what - or what's better. If it is windy, however, when the wind blows, the Buster K is definitely the number one lure. If it's windy, the Slither K won't work. The wind will overpower the action of the bait. In open water, the easiest to use would be the Basirisky, and in the very thick grass, the Slither K is the easiest to walk through thick grass."

Top view of the deps Slither K...

...and turned upside down to show the belly and weight.