Jika Rig - Best Options for Rings??

[snake95]

Got some Gamakatsu Jika rig weights and put a split ring on as a connector.  

 

The hook eye slides loosely - but only in the small gap where the ring comes together.  It doesn't have full rotation.

 

I guess this will work but hadn't really considered split ring size vs hook eye size.

 

Does anyone have experience picking a good eye/ring combo?  I'd prefer to not have to order anything special.

 

I see that gammy sells a ringed hook that would be ideal; while I don't mind spending to get the right thing, I prefer not to have to order ringed hooks.

 

Here's what it looks like:

 

 

 

 

[Michigander]

The ring size will vary based on your hook. I made these up a couple weeks ago out of Hyperwires.

 

 

[Fishes in trees]

I make my own jika rigs and in my experiences the hook lodging in the gap isn't a problem, at least it hasn't been for me.

[snake95]

7 hours ago, Fishes in trees said:

I make my own jika rigs and in my experiences the hook lodging in the gap isn't a problem, at least it hasn't been for me.

Thanks @Fishes in trees do you mean it occurs, but doesn't matter, or doesn't occur (because your hook eyes are big enough relative to your split rings)?

 

I googled around and found examples of guys using snaps to connect the hook and weight. Might try that out.

[Fishes in trees]

It occurs, but it doesn't seem to matter.   On my home made jika rigs, I like as light a hook as I can get away with.  I want the weight of the hook to interfere with the fish sucking in the bait as little as possible.  I'll use the Gamakatsu O'Shaughnessy offset shank hook in 3/0 or 4/0.  These are fairly light.  I came across some Trokar hooks on close out - the Pro-V worm hook in 3/0, 4/0 and 5/0 and these are just a little heavier and  I can't decide which I like best.   I use lizards & brush hogs on my jigs rigs most of the time and I think I get more consistent hook ups using the more standard size hook gaps rather than a wide gap hook.

 

I don't think that the hook lodging in the gap of the split ring is a bad thing.   Once I got my rig stuck in something, tried the lure retriever & long pole to try to retrieve it - no success -  backed it off with the trolling motor and got the rig back but not the hook - the hook pulled out of the split ring.

 

That's happened once.  I've probably gotten 20 or 30 of these baits stuck & lost, so I don't see it as an issue.

[snake95]

@Fishes in trees that's a big thanks there.  Awesome.  Gonna try these out in Florida next week.

[J Francho]

The main ring is either Hyper Wire or Spro and the small weight ring is Lazer Claw oval.  These are really heavy at 1 oz.  FOr lighter rigs, I just use the Owner Jika rigs, usually lead because they're reasonably priced.

 

[Bass Rutten]

3 hours ago, J Francho said:

The main ring is either Hyper Wire or Spro and the small weight ring is Lazer Claw oval.  These are really heavy at 1 oz.  FOr lighter rigs, I just use the Owner Jika rigs, usually lead because they're reasonably priced.

 

What use cases for those one ouncers, punching, deeper water?

[J Francho]

Heavy cover. 

[fishwizzard]

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Decoy_Open_Swivel_SN-7_7pk/descpage-DCYOS.html

 

I use Decoy Open Swivels and I think there are other thing like this on the market.  

[snake95]

8 hours ago, fishwizzard said:

I use Decoy Open Swivels and I think there are other thing like this on the market.

Very interesting.  The description says:

 

The Decoy Open Swivel SN-7 is the key component in creating a custom jika-rig (pronounced Zee-Kah). The jika rig consists of a hook and teardrop-style weight that is attached to the open end of the Decoy Open Swivel SN-7. Once in place, the swivel is crimped closed with a pair of pliers and sealed with a drop of glue. This quick, and simple rig provides a snagless presentation that can be tossed into heavy cover or dragged along the bottom. Expand your arsenal of fishing techniques with the Japanese art of jika-rigging and the Decoy Open Swivel SN-7.

 

17 hours ago, J Francho said:

The main ring is either Hyper Wire or Spro

@J Francho does your hook slide freely around the ring, or sit in the gap and you just don't worry about it?

[J Francho]

Sits in the gap and I don't worry about it.  I started making them around 7 years ago (based on the date of that pic) and never had an issue.

[fishwizzard]

25 minutes ago, snake95 said:

The swivel is crimped closed with a pair of pliers and sealed with a drop of glue.

 
I have never bothered with the glue, I put the hook on first and then the weigh, so when pulling the line the hook can’t wedge in the gap.  I have tested a few of them by securing the hook to a fence post and pulling, the hook bends or the line breaks before the gap starts to open.  
 

I have never managed to pry one back open again and get it to reclose satisfactorily, so it seems like it’s a one-way process and can’t be used to swap out weights. 

[ike8120]

Try a smaller split ring, I been using a #3 and found that some have a different thickness, the bulk imported ones seem to be thicker.