Shakey head technique

[Big Muddy]

I am looking for any info on "shakey head" jig fishing.  I have only heard of this technique lately and was wondering how it is done and under what circumstances.  I do know it is a finesse-type technique.  Any info (jig type, plastics used, conditions) would be greatly appreciated.

[Shakes]

The shakey head is one of the best things to happen to worms since "fake worms" were invented. Its a ball head jig with no skirt. Slip the worm on, just like you would a T-rig... and fish it hop, pause, hop, hop, pause.

[MALTESE FALCON]

Welcome Big Muddy.

I'm just starting to use the shakey rig myself. I know some of the more popular jigs are Spot Remover, Chompers Stand-up, Bite Me. I have the BPS Finesse Football Jig and it seems to work fine.

I think the most used worms are the Zoom Trick Worm and Strike King 3X. At least I seem to see those names alot. They are the ones I'm starting with.

I'm sure some more experienced shakey head fishermen will come along and enlighten both of us.

Falcon

[Troutfisher]

Welcome aboard!

[Bionicman]

This is a great technique. I have caught many many many fish on this.  I use Zoom Trick Worms or Yum Houdini Worms.

[=Matt 5.0=]

I just bought a bunch of Tru Tungsten Ike's ball busters, can't wait to try 'em.

[frogtog]

Welcome Big Muddy. 8-)

[Grey Wolf]

WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[fishbear]

Welcome aboard!  

I use a Zoom Monster worm on my jig heads.....  Love that big twisted tailed monster..

[SwampMan]

Shakey head fishing is top notch!

[Big Muddy]

The shakey head is one of the best things to happen to worms since "fake worms" were invented. Its a ball head jig with no skirt. Slip the worm on, just like you would a T-rig... and fish it hop, pause, hop, hop, pause.

Will this technique work on the Mississippi where there is current or is this a lake/impoundment thing. I'm curious about the presentation. Is it as simple as hop-pause?

[grid]

How well does this work where the bottom has alot of snot grass.  

[Shakes]

The shakey head is one of the best things to happen to worms since "fake worms" were invented. Its a ball head jig with no skirt. Slip the worm on, just like you would a T-rig... and fish it hop, pause, hop, hop, pause.

Will this technique work on the Mississippi where there is current or is this a lake/impoundment thing. I'm curious about the presentation. Is it as simple as hop-pause?

You could use it with current, just get a heavier jig head. And yes, its as simple as hop pause.

[RockvilleMDAngler]

What kind of rod are people using with this technique?  I have a St. Croix Avid ML 6'6" rod that I use for drop shotting, will it work for shakey head fishing?  At what depth does this technique work best?

[flyphisher #]

a 6'6 pr 7ft MH works best  w/ at least 12lb line. You can fish a shakeyhead about anywhere. Here we do best around and in brush, docks, rocks, and wood. Doesnt matter where you fish it....if the bite is tough, it will get you bites you wont get otherwise.

[deadeye32.]

as far as a rod, I use a fenwick hmg 7ft. medium of my shakey heads.  Here in Indy, we were catching um like crazy off of drop offs and ledges.  We fished a lake that was shallow all around untill you got about 15ft from the bank and it dropped off to about 8 ft.  Thats were we were nailing them last week.  I used a spot remover jig head and some worms called "air tail", cant think of the maker right now, but they were about 5in. long and black.

Good luck.

[BassMaster_1]

I just bought a bunch of Tru Tungsten Ike's ball busters, can't wait to try 'em.

I seen them in a past Bassmaster issue, I was also thinking  about picking up a few myself.  I have never tried the "shaky head", but is one presentation I was going to look into this year.  I have heard nothing but good things about it.

[Zebco202]

I've picked up a few shakey head worms this winter and I hope to be able to get them wet here in the next few weeks.  I've picked up some trick worms and also some zoom finesse worms to use with this technique.

[SwampMan]

I think the best jig heads for the shakey worms are the standup heads.  The ball heads seem to roll to one side once in a while.  While the standup heads keep the bait up off the bottom.  If you haven't tried any, I recommend them!

[Big Muddy]

I think the best jig heads for the shakey worms are the standup heads. The ball heads seem to roll to one side once in a while. While the standup heads keep the bait up off the bottom. If you haven't tried any, I recommend them!

I was looking at that head and thinking the same thing. Now that we've established which head I'm going to try first, I'll have to figure out what plastic to use on it. I'm guessing it should be something with a floating tail.............Any suggestions?

[J@k3 01s3n]

 I'm guessing it should be something with a floating tail.............Any suggestions?

I like to use the small zoom finesse worms, they are basically a miniature trick worm. I really like them in the junebug color. Berkley also makes some power bait shaky worms, and I have also had success using drop shot worms like those sold by Bass pro, and Bass Assassin.

I am primarily a finesse fisherman, and so for me this is all about small baits with a delicate presentation. You will probably get other ideas from anglers with a little bit of a different style.

[grid]

How about if there is alot of that snot like grass?  Can you fish this way and be productive?

[hi_steel_basser]

I fish shaky head rigs alot, and I prefer a zoom finesse worm or trick worm, although I have been playing with some hand-pours. They don't work around snot grass, for the same reason other techniques don't work. The only effetive worm in snot grass is a senko style bait, IMO.

[Pond Hopper]

AS for which bait to use I bought some of swampbaits hand poured worms and they look great. I havent got to use them much yet but the worms float so they stand up great on a shakey head.  He has some 6 and 10 inch worms and the 10 inch look like an easy slow meal on a stnad up jig.  

[Bass XL]

Flyphisher said to use at least 12 pound test line...i totally disagree....i use 6# as my min. and 10 as my max..I'm not saying it wont work, but you will feel and get alot more bites on the smaller line....as for plastic...if you read my outing post and saw my pic's...Webbs Baits makes some nice worms for shakey head...

Craig