Fishing With a Shaky Head Lure - by Ted Thurman

If you follow pro bass fishing at all, or have read any recent fishing magazines, you have probably heard the term “shaky head” thrown around quite a bit. Shaky head jigs have become very popular in bass tournaments in the last two years or so, and have been gaining popularity with the public since.  You might be wondering, “What is a shaky head and why is it so popular?” That's great because that’s exactly what I’m about to explain.

The simple description of a shaky head would be: a lead jig with a worm or some other flexible lure on it. When the lead end sinks to the bottom, the tail of the worm floats upwards. You jiggle the bait gently and the end with the lead sinker hops around, landing in crevices, while the tail end bobs through the water twitching, jiggling and generally attracting the attention of some really nice bass. If you don’t get a bite in a minute or two, then you move the lure a little and repeat.

It’s so popular because it works - period. It’ll work when other stuff just won’t. The weather has less influence on shaky head fishing than top-water and other types of lures. You’re going to have a lot more luck in heavily pressured fishing areas with this as well. Other reasons for the growing popularity of the shaky head include the fact that it’s simple to understand, easy to use and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to get started. No wonder it’s becoming such popular bait!
     
Here are the basics to shaky head fishing: (by the way, for pictures and video explanations you can visit my page at ShakyHeadJig.com.)

• You want a lead jig that has the tie on at an angle to the hook. Anywhere from 45 to 90 degree angle is fine. You just don't want it straight with the hook.







• You want a little distance between the tie on and the ball head (about 1/8 of an inch or so should be fine). This helps you get a more natural movement of the lure when you move your rod.







• Of course, the tail of the worm has to float upward. That's a very important point. It flags down all the bass in the area and draws them over.







• You also want a worm with a tail long and flexible enough to move a little with the undulation of the water currents.

So your strategy would be something like this: cast and let sink, shake your rod a little, wait a few, repeat. Then, if you don't get a response in a minute or two, move your lure just a little and try again... To move your lure, you want to simply pull it upward a little in a sharp motion and it will quickly sink again. This will help get attention from bass that are a little further away and draw them closer. Then start the shake and wait routine again.

That's it! You're on your way to be best bass fishing of your life! Please go to my page and email me with any comments or questions you may have. Good luck and Fish On!