Shakey Head Hookup Ratio

[Jeffrey Walker]

I just started fishing the shaky head. I am using screw lock shaky heads. I've been mostly using pretty decent size bates on them. I figure she has like half ounce and up, but I noticed that I'm not getting a good hook up ratio. I've gotten bites. I'm going to set the hook and I miss it. It's really the first time. I've noticed that it be like this is happening. I googled. I couldn't find much information, but I did see YouTube or a video from Bryan Latimer and he was saying that he has his own jig had shaky head jig head for this reason and it's not offset. Is anybody had an experience like mine? Has anybody tried his jig heads? 

[Jig Man]

No I have not tried them.  I make my own.

I fish shaky a lot.  I keep my rod tip from 10-12 o’clock.  When I feel a bite I drop my rod tip and watch the line where it enters the water. If it moves I set the hook.  If it is just tapping I figure it is a dink and won’t take the bait.

[casts_by_fly]

Are you sure it’s bass and not bluegills hitting it?

[LrgmouthShad]

On shaky heads I have a pretty good hookup ratio but it is not uncommon for a few to become unbuttoned or even break off if you are using really light line. My standard shaky head setup is an owner ultrahead with a zoom finesse worm. Shaky head fishing is an art. There is a lot to it

[FishTax]

I try to reel down until it's heavy, then give them a tug. This works well unless they're running toward you. I use 1/8-1/4 weights with good luck. I don't usually have an issue sticking them. 

I hold the rod about 2 o'clock. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I prefer a straight shank with an Oshaughnessey bend for worms and such, but some baits can be too big for that style bend IMO.  For thicker baits I like an EWG hook.  I catch fish with screw lock SHs, but I really prefer heads without a screw lock, just my preference. 

Ive found I have a better hook up rate when I use the lightest head possible.  

I find myself going back to VMCs finesse Rugby head often, because it works well with bigger baits and I have tons of them.  For 6" to 8" finesse worms, my favorite overall has to be Gamis Tricky head.  For shorter worm like 4.5", I like Bite me Tackles shakey head, Davis baits and picassos takedown head.  All of those heads come with or offer a hook with a short shank that isnt too long for the shorter worm.