Feeling Shaky?
by Trey Blocker

Photo taken by Mike Pizzolato Jr.

There will come a time for every bass angler when the dominating pattern fizzles out and the keeper bite starts to fade away. This is the time to tie on the shaky head and get to work. This technique uses a simple lead head hook with a little notch or screw lock on or close to the head to keep the soft plastic lure attached. The point of the hook is buried in the soft plastic to keep it mostly weed less resembling the most common lure tie, the texas rig. The shaky head is presented in situations where bass have become finicky because of rapid climate change, extreme water temps, and/or clear water conditions. Nevertheless, this application can be used successfully under most conditions and can always help put more bass in the boat.

Shaky head fishing requires lighter tackle than the more common, texas rig or jig, fishing tackle. Usually a spin cast reel attached to a 6-½ or 7 foot medium fast rod will do the trick. Spool anywhere from 8 to 10 pound test fluorocarbon fishing line to get maximum sensitivity and invisibility. Using as little weight as possible, with still being able to get the lure down to the bottom, is recommended to keep the presentation as natural as possible. Start out with 1/8th ounce initially and move up in weight as needed depending on depth, wind, and current. To work the shaky head keep the rod at a ten o’clock position with a little slack in the line. Shake the rod in an up and down motion only enough to feel the lure at the tip of the upswing. Repeat this process over and over. This method keeps the lure in one spot but frequently moves the head of the jig head just enough to give the finesse worm a slight waving action. Every now and then slowly pick up the tip of the rod to move the location of the lure. Usually the bite will come in the form of a “dead weight” sensation. This presentation is a productive way to entice finicky bass.

The most common reason for bass to stop attacking the more frequently thrown lures is climate change. One day bass may be inhaling a ½ ounce jig like there is no tomorrow, then a front comes through bringing high pressure, rapid temperature change and blue bird skies ordering a sees and desist to an action packed pattern. Other situations would be the extremely hot temperatures in mid summer and the super frigid temperatures in the winter that can have the water temps in their respective extremes. These changes in pressure and extreme water temps suppress the urge to feed creating a tough time getting bass to strike normal lures at normal speeds. The shaky head is a great alternative because it gives a downsized approach and a slower speed at which the bait is fished. A small 5-inch finesse worm compared to a jig or even a texas rigged 7-inch worm has a substantial difference in profile. When bass are finicky, a smaller lure just sitting there upright wavering with the water movement looks natural and seems to be an easy meal.

The shaky head, like everything else, has its advantages and disadvantages. This lure will entice all fish, big and small, so quality can be achieved while sifting through the quantity. Using light line and small lures will catch more finicky fish when nothing else will, but this same line is what may enable the big one to get away. Keeping the drag set with the proper resistance is essential to increasing the chances of boating more bass. The drag needs to be stout enough to set the hook but loose enough to let the bass pull line out as it fights. Although the spin cast reel is generally not as accurate as a bait caster, it can cast light lines with small lures without back lashing.

The shaky head is a productive weapon for any angler to have on the deck of the boat. Being that the shaky head can catch fish when many other methods cannot, it is absolutely a “must learn” method of fishing for any bass angler. Although, the shaky head technique utilizes light line and small lures, many bucket mouth bass have been put into live wells using this method. Whether it's sizzling hot, blistering cold, or anything in-between, the shaky head is a proven way to hook into a great day on the water.

About the Author: Trey Blocker is a pro angler and freelance outdoor writer in southern Louisiana. He competes in the Bass Master Weekend Series, other local circuits and charity tournaments. He is currently on team LOUISIANA FISH FRY, with other sponsors including SWAMP STICK RODS, and ROBELOCKER FISHING. Trey owns his own lawn and landscaping business named Blocker Landscaping and loves to cut grass and catch bass.