How To Tie A Shaky Head Rig For Bass Fishing

 

The Shaky Head rig is a popular and effective bass fishing setup, particularly useful for finesse fishing when the bass are less aggressive. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to tie a Shakey Head rig:

Materials Needed:

• • Main fishing line
  • Shakey head jig (a jig head with a screw or bait keeper)
  • Soft plastic worm or bait (typically a finesse worm or creature bait)
    
    

Steps to Tie a Shakey Head Rig:

1. 1. Select Your Shakey Head Jig:

      • Choose a Shakey Head jig with the appropriate weight for your fishing conditions. Common weights range from 1/8 to 3/8 ounces. The jig head should have a screw lock or a bait keeper to hold the soft plastic bait in place.
        
        

   2. Tie the Jig to the Line:

      • Use a strong knot, such as the improved clinch knot or Palomar knot, to tie the shakey head jig to your main fishing line. Ensure the knot is tight and secure, then trim any excess line.
        • Improved Clinch Knot:
          1. Thread the line through the eye of the jig head.
          2. Wrap the tag end around the main line 5-7 times.
          3. Pass the tag end through the loop near the eye, then back through the big loop you just created.
          4. Moisten the knot and pull it tight.
             
             

   3. Rig the Soft Plastic Worm:

      • Select a soft plastic worm or bait that matches the size and style of the jig head.
      • Steps to Rig the Worm:
        1. Insert the point of the jig hook into the head of the worm.
        2. Thread the worm onto the hook until it reaches the screw lock or bait keeper.
        3. Rotate the worm so that it aligns straight with the hook shank.
        4. Screw the worm onto the screw lock or push it up onto the bait keeper.
        5. Once the worm is securely attached, embed the hook point back into the body of the worm to make it weedless.
           
           

Fishing with the Shakey Head Rig:

1. 1. Casting:

      • Cast the rig to likely bass habitats, such as near rocks, docks, submerged vegetation, or drop-offs.
        
        

   2. Let It Sink:

      • Allow the jig to sink to the bottom. The flat or rounded head of the jig will help the bait stand up, mimicking a feeding or injured prey.
        
        

   3. Retrieve Technique:

      • Use a slow and steady retrieve with occasional shakes or twitches of the rod tip to impart subtle action to the bait. The key is to keep the bait in contact with the bottom while maintaining a natural presentation.
      • Hop and Pause: Lift the rod tip slightly to make the bait hop off the bottom, then let it settle back down. Pause briefly to let the bait sit motionless before repeating.
        
        

   4. Feel for Bites:

      • Pay close attention to any changes in tension or subtle taps on the line. Bass often pick up the bait gently.
        
        

   5. Set the Hook:

      • When you feel a bite, reel in any slack and set the hook with a firm upward motion. Since the hook is usually exposed or lightly embedded in the worm, a solid hook set is necessary.

By following these steps, you can effectively set up and fish with a Shakey Head rig, making it a versatile and productive technique for catching bass, especially in tough fishing conditions.