Shakey Head-Hook Set

[deer0373]

I just started using this technique a few months ago and have caught a few decent fish on it. My problem is that I've missed more than I've caught. Is there a secret to the hook set?

[Luke]

dont snap the hookset like you would a jig or a Texas rig...just use a sweeping hookset while reeling

[teelman]

I dont set the hook quite as hard. So, I find them picking it up when I'm shaking it. When I go to drag it along, it's just "heavy", then I feel a tick, that's usually the fish spitting it out Senitive rod and line is a MUST for this, especially if you are fishing it near riprap / rocks.

Also, sunfish LOVE the shakeyhead, could be some bream instead of a bass (at least that's what I keep telling myself)

[Original TrickWorm]

Right rod, right line, right drag setting you can set on em pretty damn good and hard and not worry about the line popping. I have 3 different shakey head set ups now and Like luke I use a more sweeping set than vertical sharp set but still I sweep hard and have no problem. Just make sure you have a soft tip rod, quality line, and a reel with a smooth drag and you will be fine.

[tailchaser]

the big mistake i made when i started fishing these was when i felt a tap i would real down and "feel" the fish before setting the hook.. kind of like a c-rig... now when i feel a tick or anything else, i start swinging.. and i set it like a freight train.. i hardly ever miss one now..

[deer0373]

What type setup are most folks using to fish it? Rod action, line size, etc? I don't have any spinning reels and am having to make do with a little larger size lead head and a smaller baitcaster. I am using an OLD Daiwa PM10S reel on a Quantum 7' Medium action KVD series rod with 10 lb Sufix clear. Hoping to get some upgrades for Christmas though. By the way, I know most folks will probably recommend GLoomis, St. Croix, etc, but those are WAY outside my budget.

[Original TrickWorm]

I happen to use a Loomis, but that is personal preference, I would say a M action with a fast taper and soft tip will be just fine. Might want to look into a BPS Pro Lite baitcasting reel as it handles this application wonderfully, I use Izorline Platinum or Sunline and have had great success with them. I used suffix a while and found it to be a great cranking line but not so good on soft plastics always popped on the hookset FYI. 1/4oz head will work best with your setup add your worm of choice and practice til you get confident setting with it, try different things.

Also if your shakey head has a heavy wire hook you will have trouble burying it with a shakey head set up and mono as the limber rod and light line have to much give for burying thick hooks IMHO 3/0 or smaller on shakey heads is what I prefer.

[deer0373]

WOW. You mentioned the exact reel (ProLite Finesse) that I just posted another question about. That's what I think I'll be trying for my shakey rig.

[teelman]

I use a St. Croix Premier 6'6"MF rod, 8lb Trilene XL or 10lb braid with a leader, and a cheap $25 Okuma Stratus GT-30 reel I got at dicks. Reel isnt as smooth as I would like and I want to upgrade to a a shimano stradaic when I find one at the right price. Other than that, my setup works for me.

I also sometimes use a 6'9" MLXF St. Croix Avid. I have that paired with a Shimano 100D baitcaster. I really dont have problems throwing 1/8oz weight plus the worm on this setup. I use 12lb Stren floro on it, as well as most of my other reels.

[Original TrickWorm]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by deer0373 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">WOW. You mentioned the exact reel (ProLite Finesse) that I just posted another question about. That's what I think I'll be trying for my shakey rig.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I just saw that I have one and love it!! Great for throwing light baits, key is rod has a good tip on it.

[deer0373]

Maybe this is a stupid question but...how do you know if your rod has a <TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Original TrickWorm &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

good tip on it.</TD></TR></TABLE>?

[Original TrickWorm]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by deer0373 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Maybe this is a stupid question but...how do you know if your rod has a ?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Want the tip to be soft/sensitive for the first few inches allows you to cast light baits a little better. And allows for more feel fo the bait when fishing it.

[deer0373]

Thanks for your help. Sounds like I might have to spend some money

[tailchaser]

for the lighter shakey's 1/4 oz and down, i use a 7' MH extra fast action rod.. mine is a castaway that cost @ $100 with a good old green curado and 14-16lb floro..

for the heavier ones, i use a 7 or 7'6" H extra fast with 20-30lb floro...

i know that sounds weird, but it works pretty well for me...