Baits like this are good in the early spring when fish are heartily feasting on shad, bream, or whatever the predominant baitfish is in your lake. They also work well into the summer or on umbrella rigs in the fall. Basically, there’s no wrong time or place to use something that looks as much like a baitfish as the Slop Hopper.
The twist on these swimbaits is in the scent, which is said to incite aggressive reactions from bass. Plus, as the bait is retrieved, it has a slight roll to it as the tail thumps and flails wildly.