Shaky head, neko rig, drop shot rig

[FishAndPlanes]

Hi, I'm looking to add these finesse techniques to my arsenal and I was wondering, what are some situations where one shines over the others? What are some of your favorite soft plastics for each? And any recommendation for rod (and reels?) that would be ideal to use these techniques? Thank you in advance!

[IYAOYAS]

Can't go wrong with a good ole zoom trick worm for shakey heads. Watermelon seed is my favorite since I fish pretty clear water. For my neko rig setup I use a strike king OCHO(senkos are too soft IMO) alot because i like a little more meat on the worm since I don't use an o'ring and on a dropshot rig nothing beats a 4  or 5 inch roboworm.

[FishAndPlanes]

5 hours ago, IYAOYAS said:

Can't go wrong with a good ole zoom trick worm for shakey heads. Watermelon seed is my favorite since I fish pretty clear water. For my neko rig setup I use a strike king OCHO(senkos are too soft IMO) alot because i like a little more meat on the worm since I don't use an o'ring and on a dropshot rig nothing beats a 4  or 5 inch roboworm.

Is smaller profile generally better for pressured fish or bigger profile? Also, would a medium action rod be sufficient to throw all 3 of these techniques? Or would medium light be better? I currently am throwing dropshot, T-rig, and shaky heads on a Dobyns fury 703SF. Thanks! 

[IYAOYAS]

I use the same rod for all three it is an Abu Garcia Pro series justin Lucas made for shakey head and neko rigs. The action is a medium fast. As far as pressured fish go as a general rule the smaller the profile the better. Correct. There are always exceptions to the rule as nothing is ever 100% with the behavior of an animal.

[JackstrawIII]

To answer your question about rods, I like a Medium action for shaky heads and neko rigs, whereas I normally use a medium light for dropshots. I like the St Croix Premier line of spinning rods. A decent cheaper option is the Tharp series by Ark. 

[Brian11719]

I prefer shakey head lures that stand up straight like an x-zone deception worm. For a neko rig I just use a senko with a nail weight in it but honestly I don't use one that much and typically just throw a senko on a 3/0 twistlock light...might be a bit old school for some but it seems to be what works the best for me.

 

For drop shots I like a yamamoto sensei or a roboworm. The roboworm has great action and I'm honestly not sure why but something about the sensei just seems to get bites over most of the other worms I've tried.

 

I prefer a spinning rod for all of these techniques. In terms of which one to get I'd say the same thing that I've been saying for a while now which is to pay attention to how you actually like to hold the rod and then pick one based on that rather than just doing that the internet says to do.

 

Medium fast is what I'd suggest for these for the most part...maybe an extra fast if you are looking at something like a st croix or a cashion but for most other manufacturers I'd probably suggest a fast action. 

 

I personally use a st crox 6'10 ml xf for my dropshot rod and would recommend anything at or above the mojo line.

 

For other stuff if I was going to buy another spinning rod it would most likely be a poison adrena and that 7' medium regular fast or that 7'2 medium light fast both look good to me.

 

If you want something a little less expensive the dobyns sierra 692sf is a solid choice.

 

For reels I like the shimano ultegra, stradic, or vanford. The vanford is noticeably lighter but all three are very good reels.

 

'Budget' choice would wait for the next Dobyns sell whenever it is and pick up that sierra and you can still find the previous gen ultegras on sale. Those two also pair nicely together color wise.

 

 

[softwateronly]

5 hours ago, FishAndPlanes said:

Is smaller profile generally better for pressured fish or bigger profile? 

 

Generally, I'd say yes.  @WRB is the guru of big bass and socal and is a vocal proponent of the split shot rig.  Probably worth looking into and adding to your arsenal...

 

 

 

There are times where a jigworm or a large profile fished super slowly and weightless is the presentation they want, but I fish NLB and in grass.  It might be something to keep in the back of your mind if you know they are there but can't coax a bite; think weightless 7" stick bait, fluke, or 5" bullflat.  

 

scott

 

[Harold H]

I saw a member on here say they've caught more bass on straight worms than curled, and large bass. I've always used u tail/curly tail worms and saw the Powerbait Nightcrawlers were selling a lot on Amazon so decided to try them. Caught a nice bass first time out on a 3/0 Gamakatsu worm hook weightless, skipped under the dock, skipped really well. This presentation is good in shallow water, and difficult for them to resist. The straight tail has more of a slithering action which looks very tempting. These worms absolutely reek but I will be using them until they don't produce

[FishAndPlanes]

9 hours ago, JackstrawIII said:

To answer your question about rods, I like a Medium action for shaky heads and neko rigs, whereas I normally use a medium light for dropshots. I like the St Croix Premier line of spinning rods. A decent cheaper option is the Tharp series by Ark. 

How do you like the St Croix rods? I'm currently using Dobyns line up because I like their warranty policy, but I would like to venture out and try other brands too. Thanks!

 

[JackstrawIII]

7 hours ago, FishAndPlanes said:

How do you like the St Croix rods? I'm currently using Dobyns line up because I like their warranty policy, but I would like to venture out and try other brands too. Thanks!

 

I’m a big fan of Dobyns casting rods due to the way they tend to fish a bit slower than their ratings… but as far as spinning goes, I really like the way that the St Croix rods balance. I started on St Croix spinning rods years ago and to me, this is what a spinning rod should feel like. I also like how they’re a bit fast and can fish heavier than rated. For example, I caught my largest bass ever on a wacky rig in super thick cover using a 7’ Medium/Fast St Croix premier spinning rod. I horsed that thing out of some serious weeds and sticks with no problem. I can also throw small neko rigs with that same rod effectively. Very versatile and capable, which is important to me, as I don’t like carrying tons of spinning rods on the boat. I need versatile rods that I can let my guests use for a wide range of techniques. 

[Harold H]

I've never used St Croix, but Trey Mckinney snapped a $500 rod on 7 lber

 

https://youtube.com/shorts/36ntGFN_56s?si=ssdyNymioAgzsFp-