Jika Rig - When To Use?

[Arv]

So I've been reading up on this, and I know there's been a lot written and several posts on here about it. But I was wondering why you would use the Jika rig over a shakey head or a T rig? Other than the situations where you're just not getting bit on those particular rigs and want to give the fish a different look. Thanks.

[cueball]

I haven't used it yet, because I have not had to drag baits to get bit yet.  But, I plan to use it around zebra mussels.  I think sinker will get my knot a little higher off the bottom and save line abrasion.  Also, I think the sinker will slide through crud on the bottom and keep the lure clean.  There is alot of moss type stuff on the bottom in some areas I fish.  I am thinking of the Jika rig as a drop shot rig with a really short dropper length.

[Arv]

I haven't used it yet, because I have not had to drag baits to get bit yet.  But, I plan to use it around zebra mussels.  I think sinker will get my knot a little higher off the bottom and save line abrasion.  Also, I think the sinker will slide through crud on the bottom and keep the lure clean.  There is alot of moss type stuff on the bottom in some areas I fish.  I am thinking of the Jika rig as a drop shot rig with a really short dropper length.

That makes sense. I don't have to deal with zebra mussels anywhere I fish but that sounds like a logical application. I will definitely try this out in some areas with the moss you're talking about though. I hate pulling it off my lure every time I reel in.

[moguy1973]

Scroll to about the 2:18 mark of this video and you'll see the difference in the action between the jika rig and the texas rig.

 

[J Francho]

The Jika rig was developed for vertically penetrating weeds.  The slender weight leads the bait straight down.  In most situations facing moderate weed cover, I use it over a traditional Texas rig.

 

[Arv]

Thanks guys.

[catchnm]

It'll get ya bit for sure.....but watch your knot closely. Sometimes the rig will roll and the line gets caught up in the split ring. I've broke a few off.

[Arv]

It'll get ya bit for sure.....but watch your knot closely. Sometimes the rig will roll and the line gets caught up in the split ring. I've broke a few off.

Good tip. Thanks.

[MarkH024]

The Jika rig was developed for vertically penetrating weeds.  The slender weight leads the bait straight down.  In most situations facing moderate weed cover, I use it over a traditional Texas rig.

Do you make your own or do you buy? Preference on manufacturer?

[Grizzn N Bassin]

That video was great... awesome.action!! Can't wait to try that

[MarkH024]

Off topic...isn't it pronounced "Zeeka" not Jika (jeeka)? or am I an idiot?  Doesn't matter really but I guess if I'd been calling it zeeka people might look at me weird.

[Tim Cianciola]

i make my own jika rigs, they work well . i use them more in weeds and such. but it keeps the lure vertical and about a in. of the bottom to give it a more natural look. i mainly use it with craws or the space monkey

[Grizzn N Bassin]

Just picked some rigs up can't wait!! Also anyone know what type of o rings I need to make my own

[stk]

I've used number thee (I think) split rings and I used the old lead bell weights I had laying around.  Works pretty well and way cheaper than buying pre-rigged.

[Grizzn N Bassin]

Ohk cool thanks. I wouldn't normally by per rigged stuff but I get 30 percent discount at dicks so it was only a few bucks

[martintheduck]

Wow...this looks awesome. Will be trying this soon.

[Gatorbassman]

I've been fishing one for most of this year and I feel like I've figured out a lot about this cool little rig.

When you are fishing it like a Texas Rig it is better to use a bell type sinker over a long skinny sinker. The bait stays up off the bottom better and can wiggle it more.

The bite feels different. Almost like a dropshot or a tube bait. The fish just loads up on it.  

You don't feel the bottom as well as rigs that are tied directly to the weight, but that is to be expected. 

It is very difficult to get the Jika Rig hung up. It comes through just about everything. 

It works with any soft plastic. It is awesome drug along to bottom with a fluke on the hook. 

A 30 degree jig hook is the best hook I've found for it. I just need to find them in light wire. 

[MSAJAA]

Are you making your own or buying them?

[martintheduck]

Thank you. You size weights are you using on rocky bottoms and brush? Throwing lead or what?

[Eddie-NoVA]

I'm running number 2 or 3 depending on hooksize and weight. My goto weight so far is 1/4oz bell. F2f

[CPBassFishing]

I love this rig. Its so much more weedless than a jig or texas rig. I make my own in 1/0, 3/0, and 5/0 size. The 1/0 is used on spinning gear, hence the lighter hook. I use superline hooks on the 3/0 and 5/0 sizes for baitcasting because I have lost good fish because regular gammy's straightened out (I love braid). The action is deadly with a floating bait. I use powerteam lures tubes and craws on them. Don't ask about the weight, it's from a damiki mausrin jig lol I never used em. I would prefer tungsten DS weights.

[Avalonjohn44]

Can't wait to make about eight of these to try out. 

[slonezp]

Do you make your own or do you buy? Preference on manufacturer?

Mark, You can get the weights in the bulk bin at Cabelas, They have the split rings too, I've been using 4/0 EWG hooks. We've been killing them on the Chain with Pit Boss' and Rage Craws

[Grizzn N Bassin]

I love this rig. Its so much more weedless than a jig or texas rig. I make my own in 1/0, 3/0, and 5/0 size. The 1/0 is used on spinning gear, hence the lighter hook. I use superline hooks on the 3/0 and 5/0 sizes for baitcasting because I have lost good fish because regular gammy's straightened out (I love braid). The action is deadly with a floating bait. I use powerteam lures tubes and craws on them. Don't ask about the weight, it's from a damiki mausrin jig lol I never used em. I would prefer tungsten DS weights.

2013-06-10 17.59.13.jpg

Whats hold the spilt ring with weight to the hook?

[MarkH024]

Mark, You can get the weights in the bulk bin at Cabelas, They have the split rings too, I've been using 4/0 EWG hooks. We've been killing them on the Chain with Pit Boss' and Rage Craws

What size split ring do you use? I tried to make a few with what I have and my rings were too big to pass freely in th he eyelet of the hook.