There are countless techniques in the world of plastics today,  but there is one  I never leave the boat ramp without, “The Shakey Head”.  While numerous  “shakey head” jigs flood the market, my personal choice is Buckeye Lures’ “Spot Remover.”  I have been fortunate to have Buckeye Lures as a sponsor since I began fishing professionally in 2007, and have found their jig heads come in a variety of sizes and colors that meet my needs for every lake around the country.

These jig heads come in wide range of sizes, shapes and colors making them a truly versatile lure.  Jig head styles, such as “round,” “football” or “flat head” impart different presentations to bass.  They are available in weights from 1/16 oz. to 5/16 oz., either painted or unpainted.  Size and style depend on the depth and structure being fished.  When fishing rocks, rip rap, etc. in depths from two 2 to 10 feet, I prefer the lighter 3/16 oz.  but when fishing deeper water and deep grass, I usually switch to the 5/16 to get the bait down faster.

Which lures work best on shakey head jigs? I like to use a variety of soft plastics.  You can experiment with different types of lures to find the right presentation for a particular lake, water clarity or to match the forage on which the bass are feeding.  My choice is a soft plastic worm.  Kicker Fish Bait Company’s “Hightail Holeshot” works exceptionally well with its upright presentation and movement.  It is designed with holes in the tail for trapping air so the worm always floats up giving a natural action. Use the 4 ¾-inch or 7-inch depending on size of bait fish or forage the bass are keying in on for food.  I like to use a variety of creature baits as well - like Zoom’s Baby Brush Hogs or a Crazy Leg Chigger Craw.  Depending on the clarity of water or the weather conditions, when water is somewhat stained or day is cloudy and overcast - I go for darker colored baits like black or green pumpkin. When the sun is out or the water is clearer, I opt for clearer colors like watermelon red or watermelon candy. 

As for gear, I use a spinning rod when fishing a shakey head.  My reel is spooled with 20lb Tuff Line Braid main line above a 3-foot leader of Seaguar’s InvizX 15-pound fluorocarbon.  The braid provides extreme sensitivity and strength, while the fluorocarbon leader, allows for a virtually invisible line presentation of lure to fish. 

If I’m not getting the proper hook set on larger fish with spinning equipment, I often change to a 6-foot 6-inch medium-heavy bait-cast rod with a Shimano Scorpion reel lined with Seaguar 15-pound fluorocarbon line.  While this setup is usually better (allowing a more solid hook set,) it’s not nearly as fun as my spinning rod combination.

I have extreme confidence in the shakey head presentation.  There are times when no other lures work – and I pick up my shakey head rig and can always catch fish on it.  As stated above, this presentation works extremely well around rocks, but I also use it around wood and grass.  Experiment with colors, different types of soft plastics and conditions.  This is a fun way to catch fish and gives you one more weapon in your fishing arsenal.

Tight Lines and Happy Fishing,    Patti Campbell