Getting Started With Shakeyhead...what's Good As Far As Equipment?

[airborne_angler]

So I have rediscovered a box of vintage baits I had stashed away with some baits that would likely be killer for a shakeyhead.

I'm wanting to put together a combo to learn on. Is there a bare minimum length rod and type reel I should use? I've got a bunch of different combos I can mix and match components with.

The current shakey head combo I have rigged up is a 6' medium action spinning rod with a "4-6-8-10" rated 200 series Shimano reel...spooled with 15# braid and an 8# FC leader with a 3/16oz Strike King Shakeyhead

To get me started with this technique would this combo be adequate or should the rod be longer?

[Teal]

I like a longer rod simply for longer casting distance. But a 6' rod would be pretty good for pin point accurate casting. I would say MOST guys use between 6'6 and 7'. Medium or Medium Light action with a fast tip.

I use a 7'M.

But a 6' rod will work! It will be great for skiipping under docks and brush! My wife uses a 6'3 M fast spinning rod for shakey heads and does great with it. (My wife is 5' tall so that is like a 7footer for her.

[airborne_angler]

I have a 7' Shimano Medium action rod but for some reason the rod by itself feels like it weighs a ton...

[CTGalloway21]

I just picked up a 6'9" Medium Light fast action spinning rod.  I am going to use 8 lb. fluoroclear for my line. 

[OkobojiEagle]

Use the rod that allows you to feel the jig/bait the easiest.

 

oe

[thehooligan]

I like the 6'8-6'10 medium light rods. And definitely pick up some megastrike hooks.

[Felix77]

I use a 6'6" Medium action spinning rod.  The same I use for all other soft plastic presentations.  Braid 10lb with a FC leader (6 or 8lb) gives me max sensitivity.

 

As for heads I find they are all particularly good.  I have tried them all (stand up pumpkin ed, Gama Alien, VMC finesse etc.)  Each have their place.  I vary my sizes from 1/8 - 3/8oz depending on the depth I am fishing.  My PB came on a 3/8 alien in over 30 feet of water.  5.89lb Smallie.

 

I bought this winter the new VMC rugby jigs and the MegaStrike Shakey Heads.  Can't wait to try those.

 

Good luck and have fun with it.  It takes a little practice and patience to get it right but it's SO worth it.  :-)

[airborne_angler]

I absolutely love to throw a dropshot...so shakey head should be a great alternative

[iabass8]

should be fine. i prefer a 69mlxf and use 1/8 and 3/16 the majority of time.

[Sam]

Airborne, may I suggest the following for a shaky head presentation?

 

1.  Spinning combo with a reel no larger than a 2500 and a medium to medium heavy rod with a fast tip. Length your option.

2.  Rod should be able to handle 4 or 6 pound flourocarbon line. Check rod's specs and if close it is OK.

3.  Line between hook and sinker your option. Hank Parker likes a short line; I like at least 18 inches of line distance.

4.  Use smallest hook you are comfortable using.

5.  Tie hook to line using any knot you like. I use the Palamor and then run the line over the hook's point and through the eye to have hook stand straight out.

6.  Let the bait sit in the water with the current moving the plastic of your choice. You don't have to move the bait. You can let your hand's natural shaking motion move the bait.

7. When the bass takes the bait just pull straight up with a flowing motion.

8. Keep line tight and reel her in!

 

You can attach your bait to your hook Texas rigged or nose hooked. Wacky can work, too.

 

You can drop the rig straight down; flip or pitch it into cover; or cast it out and fish it like a Texas rig.

 

Lots of guys use Robo worms but any plastic you have want to use is acceptable.

 

This technique is one the guys in my bass club are using along with the shaky head. Seems the Texas rig is a thing of the past.

 

Good luck and post pics of your catches.

[TNBassin']

I throw my shakeys on a 7ft MH okuma rod with 8lb mono. Don't have to get too fancy to fish the shakey head effectively.

[airborne_angler]

Sam, what you are describing sounds like a dropshot, which I love to use...now if I use the Shakeyhead jighead as my sinker...I may just be on to something...thanks for enlightening me and giving food for thought...