Need help with shakey head

[ChrisD46]

On 5/29/2023 at 11:08 AM, braden said:

That is my number one rig.  It was getting hung up along the rip rap, so I was trying something new.  I do have some Z man ewg mushroom heads that I could have rigged up a weedless Ned, but I was trying to try something else, just to have another tool that I felt comfortable with.

I know this doesn't answer your question - but if Ned is getting hung up ,  try 1/16th oz. max Ned jig head weight (or even the 1/24th oz. Z-Man Ned jig head) may work better and not dig down in the rip rap near as much.

[Chris Catignani]

Not knowing anything about the equipment your using...I will say that sometimes the fish just gets off...and sometimes the line breaks.

[Choporoz]

On 5/28/2023 at 7:12 AM, paulmandude said:

No mention of what shakey head. They’re not all created equal

And worm?

This seems to be an overlooked part of the discussion. A 'stiff' or thick plastic on a screwlock shakyhead fished on 10# or less FC has the potential to be disappointing. 

  I will say that the Siebert Zenith is one exception, since the gap is good, the wire is light enough,  and the point angle works well.  I also use MegaStrike (screwlock) heads, but only with heavier line/leader

[Darth-Baiter]

i think a shakey head is kinda like a Big Ned anyways.

 

but to the 8lb leader.  i think 8lb needs a double knot.  as in the line needs to go around the hook-eye twice.  i use the double san diego jam knot.  i think some people call it the Jimmy Houston knot.   and the hooks are needles.  you just have to reel and lean into the biting fish to push the barb in.  

[UmairF]

Figured this would be a good thread to ask this on,

 

I love throwing a shakey head especially dragging behind the boat along the bank and even when I’m out pond fishing. Was super productive for me last year but for some reason this year I’ve gotten so many short strikes. Figured the 6” was too big for them so I went to a 4” and still have the same issue.

 

Not sure what changed not really doing anything super different. The fish here in IL and WI aren’t necessarily “gigantic” but was always able to catch anything from dinks to 3-4 pounders on it for the most part.

 

Any suggestions?

 

Thanks!

Umair

[MN Fisher]

You sure it's short strikes and not panfish nibbling at it? I've seen crappie and bluegills nip at the tail of my shakey head worm when I'm pulling it back in while shore fishing...so that's a possibility.

[Brian11719]

If it is short strikes you could try something like this:

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/bass-fishing/how-to/how-to-rig-a-shakey-head-stinger-for-bass-fishing.html

 

Might also be worth trying out a different type of lure and or hook just to rule out an issue there...

[UmairF]

Could be possible that it’s some panfish nipping at the worm. I want to stick with the 6” and only go with the 4” when it’s super pressured.

 

Thanks Brian might try that if I’m still not getting them hooked good.

 

How long do you guys usually wait to set the hook once you feel the *tap-tap*?

 

Also, what are your favorite shakey head baits and heads? My go to has bee the gamakatsu tricky head and a t-mac

 

Thanks,

Umair

[MN Fisher]

8 minutes ago, UmairF said:

Also, what are your favorite shakey head baits and heads? My go to has bee the gamakatsu tricky head and a t-mac

I'm partial to the Owner Ultrahead Shakey with either a Zoom Trick Worm or Zoom Finesse Worm

[ChrisD46]

I like #15 lb. braid to #10 lb. FC leader so you can get a good reel hook set then lean into them good . Key is to reel up the slack line first before you lean into the bass as braid can snap if you set the hook on slack line . Some guys use #10 lb. braid for shakey head but I reserve #10 braid for a Ned Rig main line . 

[UmairF]

43 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

I'm partial to the Owner Ultrahead Shakey with either a Zoom Trick Worm or Zoom Finesse Worm

Classic I like it!

 

22 minutes ago, ChrisD46 said:

I like #15 lb. braid to #10 lb. FC leader so you can get a good reel hook set then lean into them good . Key is to reel up the slack line first before you lean into the bass as braid can snap if you set the hook on slack line . Some guys use #10 lb. braid for shakey head but I reserve #10 braid for a Ned Rig main line . 

Same I use suffix 852 15# braid to a 10-12lb fluoro leader. The rod Im using is extra fast too so I’m not too worried about the power aspect.

 

What are some ideal conditions/locations you guys fish a shakey head in?

 

Thanks,

Umair

[roadwarrior]

https://www.megastrike.com/shakey

[Brian11719]

I use a kaden 7'1" medium fast with a stradic 3000 for a shakey head. 10lb braid to 10lb fluoro leader. Trick worm in red bug, green something or junebug red if the water is dark / stained. 3/16 picasso shake-e-football or a spot remover for the hook (I'm not too picky on hooks and prefer a screw lock as long as the worm has enough clearance when it gets bit which in the case of a trick worm and these hooks hasn't been issue). In terms of waiting I give it about the same amount of time as everything else...Feel something wait just a half second or so then reel down and set the hook. This is one of my favorite techniques for a rocky lake shore or anywhere that doesn't have too much grass on the bottom and for me when it seems like they are in the mood for one it can do really well.