Posts: 199
Threads: 0
Joined: Apr 2008
Reputation:
0
I don't know how many people are using the subject technique, but its been working very well for me. I started playing around with it about 2 months ago, and then I read the article in last month's BASS magazine.
For the waters I fish, it seems like a great method to use when the bite isn't so good. If you haven't tried it, get a bigger spinning reel and spool it up with fluorocarbon. I've been using 10# Vanish with good results, but most people recommend 6 or 8 # fluoro. Its recommended that you fill the spool about 2/3 full to keep the fluoro tight on the reel. Overfilling it will cause it to unravel at the wrong times.
I actually liked it so much, I've bought a rod specifically for shaky head fishing. If you're going to try it, spend the extra couple dollars and get some tungsten heads. Just like tungsten bullet weights for Texas-Rig, the tungsten shaky heads are way, WAY more sensitive.
[signature]
Posts: 4,630
Threads: 2
Joined: Feb 2005
Reputation:
0
I've tinkered around with it without much success. Got any pointers?
[signature]
Posts: 4,244
Threads: 12
Joined: Mar 2003
Reputation:
0
I threw as well a few times when the bite was off. Any favorite areas?
[signature]
Posts: 199
Threads: 0
Joined: Apr 2008
Reputation:
0
First off, my advice is to use a 3000 size or larger spinning reel and 6 to 10 pound fluoro. Like I said in the first post, tungsten heads are great for transmitting bottom conditions up the line. I use True Tungsten Ikey Ball Buster heads, 3/16 and 1/4 oz.
It works well around docks in shallow cover areas. It also works well in more open water situations, like fishing deeper for smallies. I'd say in general, it works really well in 25 feet of water or less and in light to medium cover.
I throw the lure out and start shaking as it falls to trigger a quick strike (like a bass hitting a senko as it hits the water). Once its on the bottom, I gently shake, pause, gently shake again. At that point, I'll move it in about two or three cranks of the reel and repeat.
[signature]
Posts: 109
Threads: 0
Joined: Dec 2008
Reputation:
0
I started using this technique and loved it, but i've always had lighter jig heads so now i only bring them out when i have calm conditions...def need to stock up on some heavier weights though, i love the action you get from these especially when you can get it to stand straight up...
My favorite plastics so far for it have been the chompers shakey worms in the huckleberry color.
[signature]
Posts: 258
Threads: 0
Joined: Oct 2005
Reputation:
0
[fishin] I will have to try the shakey head technique.
I hava a Shimano 4000 that I could try it on.
[signature]
Posts: 146
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2008
Reputation:
0
I have used the method with great success for smallmouth and largemount here in UT. I wasn't convinced until I threw a six inch black worm in super clear water at Quail Creek and caught a four pounder on my second throw.
As far as equipment goes I use 8lb Yozuri or 10 lb FlouroClear, a 2500 series shimano reel, on a 7ft Medium power rod with a fast action. Works great. If you haven't given the method a try you need to.
HockeyMan
[signature]
Posts: 4,630
Threads: 2
Joined: Feb 2005
Reputation:
0
Alright! Good to hear from a basser in my own state! (Utah). I'm definitely going to have to put some more effort in to the shaky head.
[signature]
Posts: 199
Threads: 0
Joined: Apr 2008
Reputation:
0
For less than $10, get a pack of 1/4 oz heads (Picasso, VMC, Mizmo, Bass Pro Shops, etc...) and a pack of 5" Berkley Power Shaky worms in the color you'd use for Senkos or Texas Rigs. For less than $10, you can give it a shot. For my waters, Green Pumpkin, Pumpkin, and Watermelon Candy work great in clear conditions.
For muddier water, I'm still working on an answer. My best luck has been on a 4" Strike King straight worm (I forget the actual name of it) in a silver/gold flake pattern on an otherwise transparent plastic.
Tie it on the end of a 6'6" to around 7' medium spinning rod and give it a shot when you're experiencing a slow biting day.
For simplicity's sake, I've decided to work with 1/4 oz primarily next year. 3/16 is nice if the water is still and the wind is down, but anything heavier than 1/4 oz seems like a hindrace for detecting light strikes. A shaky head feels like a jig. The weight doesn't slip up the line when the fish hits like a Texas-Rig, so you have to go lighter than you would with a T-Rig, IMHO.
Lots of times, fish will hit it like a maniac and basically set the hook on themselves. The only issue I've had with this rig is getting a great hookset on lighter bites. I'm fishing it with a Shimano Cumara right now, 6'8" Medium power, Fast action and 8# fluoro. The lighter rods you'd use for shaky head mixed with line that has a lot of stretch can cause problems. I wish I could get away with 10# braid, but I'm scared of the visibility issue.
[signature]
Posts: 691
Threads: 0
Joined: Oct 2008
Reputation:
0
I have been reading up on this shaky head stuff and i think im gonna give it a go next year. Martini78, if you are having problems with hooksets on light bites would it be possible to tie a stinger hook on this rig?? Im a novice at this rig but when i make jigs for walleye i always make a stinger for the end of them. What i find is that right around 50% of the fish i catch are only hooked by the stinger hook.
All i do is take a small split ring and tie some fluoro on it to the length u need it then tie on a small hook. once i have that done i dip the end with the split ring on in some red plastic coat, the stuff u dip your tool handles in. this makes the split ring a solid piece of plastic filling the hole in the center. once it dries you take your jig and push it threw the center of the split ring that has been dipped in plastic. The plastic is very strong and i have never lost a fish due to the split ring coming off the hook. You can customize this anyway you like with sizes and types of hooks.
If you decide to try this u gotta let me know how it works 4 u.
[signature]
Posts: 199
Threads: 0
Joined: Apr 2008
Reputation:
0
That stinger hook sounds like a good idea. I think it would probably work pretty well.
I'm sure shaky head has been in existence in some form for quite a while. I've seen jig-worming demonstrated in some videos, and it's not quite the same presentation. Shaky head is a slow and laborous method in comparason, in terms of the difference in presentation. In terms of the jig-head itself, the head is designed with a different angle between the eyelet and the hook so the worm is neither straight up or horizontal.
In terms of "shaking"... you can do it with a T-Rig or even a jig. The lighter line/lure combo makes the shaky head rig a little more of a finesse rig, which is what you usually need when T-Rigs, Jigs, etc aren't working.
[signature]
Posts: 24
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2009
Reputation:
0
[quote Therapist]
By the way, the stinger idea, already out there, called a Westy Worm. been used in Arizona, Nevada, and Cali for years.[/quote]
hell yeas! i recently found a gallon ziploc filled with black/brown western weenie worms. like 4" i think.
i knew i had them but couldnt find them in my closet full of plastics. im gonna give both shakey head and drop shot another go with these ugly (but prolly deadly) baits.
[signature]
|
