Hmmm, Shaky head on a bait caster?

[bkoguy07]

Hi,

I plan on getting some 1/4oz and 3/8oz  Bagley Shaky Jighead.  I plan on using this with my baitcaster and some 14lbs line.  I've noticed that most shakey head setups are fairly light consisting of a long rod >6'6" and spinning reels, with 8lbs test line.  Why is this so?  I can cast 3/8oz with my baitcaster, but is this shaky head setup going to be extremely light?  I was going to pair them with zoom trick worms (which are considerably light) so please fill me in with some info, I'm looking to learn and would love to add this to my skill set, especially when the fish are being extremely finicky.  

Thanks,

Nick

[Gone_Phishin]

You shouldn't have any trouble casting a 3/8oz jig on your baitcasting gear.  The 1/4oz jig might give you trouble if you are using a heavier set-up.  With the proper rig, 1/4oz should be no problem.  I cast light jigworms all the time on a casting outfit, and have a blast doing so.  My rig consists of a Loomis BCR852 GLX, and Daiwa TD-Z 103ML, and 8# Yozuri Soft.  The 852 has a rating from 1/8 - 3/8oz; darn near perfect for shaky heads.

Most people are using spinning gear because they are throwing light jigs, and many times they are paired with a finesse plastic.

[Ron Sutton]

I have been fishing a shakey Head(1/8 oz) on a bait caster for a while. I use a Powell 684 which is a heavy action rod with a ABU garcia Revo reel  with 15 lb. Seaguar line and can cast as far as I want to. On this setup I can handle a big fish around a dock or in brush with no problem.

Regards,

Ron

[Sam]

This is a finesse application and light line makes it work.

I use either 8 pound test on my spinning reel or 10 pound test on my baitcaster when throwing finesse rigs.

Be sure to "balance" your baitcaster with the bait when throwing any bait, especially finesse baits, to help avoid or reduce backlashes.

I like to use my spinning gear as I know the shaky head will fall straight down where I place it.  With a baitcaster, remember that the bait will swing back towards you so you are moving the biat from the selected strike zone you pitched, flipped or casted.

I also like the spinning setup as I can keep my finger on the tight line and feel the bites so much better.

I use the 2500 Strtadic spinning reels and a graphite rod as the graphite rod transmits the feel of the line excellently.

I also use flouro, Vanish, Trileen XL and YoZuri lines.  They all seem to work with this setup.

Be very sensitive to hits.  Sometimes the bait will get heavy so watch your line and keep that finger on the tight line.  If you think you have a strike, set the hook.

And the bluegills and bream may drive you crazy before you get a good bass hit so be ready for that, too.

Have fun.  

[Catt]

Who came up with this idea that finesse fishing can't be done with bait casting equipment?

In the marshes of Southwest Louisiana when fishing Texas Rigs it's done with 1/32, 1/16, 1/8 oz bullet weights or weightless using the exact same rods used on Toledo Bend. My reels are Shimano Calcutta 50 or 100 and Chronarch Mg 50 spooled with 15# Berkley Big Game.

[Raul]

Who came up with this idea that finesse fishing can't be done with bait casting equipment?

My reels are Shimano Calcutta 50 or 100 and Chronarch Mg 50

GLoomis CR721/722 + Pixy, Alphas Type F, Alphas Itö, Chronarch Mg, Scorpion 1000, Scorpion 1000 Mg = !!!!!

[TournyFish001]

light line and spinning gear is the way to go- but if you want to use casting gear go for it- anything is possible you can catch fish that way.  The drag is the main benefit of spinning gear it is better on light lines than baitcasters.

[roadwarrior]

Hmm...

I guess I have never understood the attraction for

exclusively using baitcasting equipment. I like both

types of gear and spinning tackle fits my finesse

fishing perfectly.

8-)

[bkoguy07]

Well money has been a little tight with me cuz I'm 19 and I have no job lol and well I got a spinning reel but my last rod snapped in half on my spinning outfit, so until i get a new rod I need to use it on a baitcaster lol

[TournyFish001]

Well money has been a little tight with me cuz I'm 19 and I have no job lol and well I got a spinning reel but my last rod snapped in half on my spinning outfit, so until i get a new rod I need to use it on a baitcaster lol

You can make it work don't let it keep you from using a great summertime tactic "shakey head"!  I just started using the the "shakey head" this year and I love it.  Save your money get a nice Spinning combo for that "Shakey Head" use it for drop shot and split shots as well heck anything with light line and finesse baits.  I used to hate getting out the spinning gear but lately I love the tactics and my favorite combo is indeed my spinning outfit- but you gotta use whatever the fish want don't limit yourself.

[Infidel.]

I use trick worms on 1/4oz-3/8oz shakey heads and throw it on 15lb floro. You'll do fine with your baitcaster.

Remember, no matter what anyone says, a shakey head is no more than a worm on a jighead.  People t-rig 4" robos with 1/16th oz bullet weigths and others t-rig 10" powerworms with 1/2 oz bullet weights.  Do they both work?  Yes!  A shakey head is no different.

[Gone_Phishin]

Who came up with this idea that finesse fishing can't be done with bait casting equipment?

In the marshes of Southwest Louisiana when fishing Texas Rigs it's done with 1/32, 1/16, 1/8 oz bullet weights or weightless using the exact same rods used on Toledo Bend. My reels are Shimano Calcutta 50 or 100 and Chronarch Mg 50 spooled with 15# Berkley Big Game.

When people are using these super light weights on their stout bc gear, chances are they're pitching or light flippin'; close-range stuff. Unless the individual has the proper tackle, like a finesse casting reel, trying to cast those little buggers can cause a ton of problems. A four inch hand-pour on a light jig is not always a cakewalk to cast on a heavier rod. God forbid it's windy. Again, if it's close-range stuff, no prob.

If the person is fishing a heavier plastic like a senko, creature, etc, then again, no prob.

A lot people's heavier plastics/jigs reels ( Zillions, Chronarchs, Curado 200's, etc.) are not always the best choice when fishing light shakey jigs, and even lighter plastics.

As I said, I even prefer to fish these combos on bc gear: a rod with a lower rating and a reel that can handle casting lighter weights.  Most of my fishing is casting, not pitching/flipping.

For a person looking for an all purpose light plastics rig, a spinning rod or properly matched bc is the way to go. JMHO. That's all I was suggesting.   8-)

[CJ]

I use baitcasting equipment 95% of the time. I have never had trouble with it on my Revo and I like a med power fast tip.

I with Sam and others who posted about the light line. 8-10 lb. test is the ticket. Heavier line hinders the natural action (given we're talkin' bout finesse worms). The key is to get action out of the lure with a subtle presentation.