The Ultimate Shaky Head Rigging Guide With A Screw Lock

A shaky head rig is a simple and effective bass fishing technique that works all year round, but is particularly useful in tough conditions when bass are finicky. It consists of a small jig head with a light wire hook and a soft plastic bait, typically a worm. The jig head can come in a variety of shapes and styles, but the most popular is the ballhead. The key to fishing a shaky head effectively is using a light jig head to keep your bait in contact with the bottom. This article will explain how to rig a shaky head with a screw lock.

Screw lock vs ballhead jig

When it comes to shaky head jigs, there are two main types: the traditional ballhead jig and the screw lock jig. Both have their advantages and ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference.

Ballhead Jig

The ballhead jig is simple and straightforward to rig. First, cut the head off the worm to create a flat surface. Then, thread your hook through the head of the worm about a quarter of an inch, and push the hook out through the side. Next, slide the worm down the shank over the bait keeper and rotate the hook so it faces the worm. Finally, identify the point where the hook lines up with the worm, bunch the worm slightly, and push the hook through.

One of the biggest advantages of using a ballhead jig is that it creates an easier hookset. The angle created by running the head of the worm down and parallel to the shank applies additional inward pressure on the worm, making it easier for the hook to penetrate and enter a fish's mouth. This type of jig is ideal for fishing gravel bottoms and along open water banks, producing a spiral action as it falls through the water, making it excellent for deep-water fishing.

Screw Lock Jig

The screw lock jig is also popular and is generally easier to rig. To start, cut the head off the worm to create a flat surface. Then, screw the head of the worm onto the screw lock. Identify the point where the hook lines up with the worm and slide the hook point through.

One advantage of the screw lock jig is that it enables your worm to sit more vertically in the water. Anglers can increase the angle of the screw lock by bending it out, allowing the worm tail to float and dance in the current. Screw lock jigs also provide a better weedless presentation. The screw lock helps maintain the worm on the hook point, reducing snags and unwanted hookups on weeds and cover.

In summary, both the ballhead and screw lock jigs are effective for shaky head rigging. The ballhead jig offers a simpler rigging process and an easier hookset, while the screw lock jig provides more vertical presentation and improved weedless capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the specific fishing conditions.

How to thread a worm

Threading a worm onto a shaky head is easy. Here's how to do it, whether you're using a traditional ball head jig or a screw-lock.

Ballhead Style Shaky Head

First, cut the head off the worm to flatten it. Then, thread the hook through the head of the worm for about a quarter of an inch, and push it through the side. Slide the worm over the baitkeeper of the ballhead and rotate the hook so it's facing the worm. Find where the hook will enter the worm, bunch up the worm at that point, then pull the hook through.

Screwlock Style Shaky Head

As with the ballhead style, start by cutting off and flattening the worm's head. Thread the hook through the head of the worm for about a quarter of an inch, then push it through the side. Screw the worm into the screwlock and rotate the hook so it's facing the worm. Find where the hook will enter the worm, bunch up the worm at that point, then pull the hook through.

General Worm Threading Tips

When threading a worm, it's important to choose the right spot to pierce it. Pick a spot about half a centimeter from one end of the worm. If you go too close to the worm's head, it might wriggle away from the hook. Also, be careful not to hook your hand as the hook passes through the worm's body—avoid pressing directly down onto the hook's point.

To secure the worm, some fishermen tie the short end to the fishing line with a half hitch knot. Loop the fishing line around the worm, passing the line through the loop, and tighten to secure.

When you're happy with the positioning, grab the long end of the speared worm and push the hook through it again, leaving a little slack so the worm can wiggle. Repeat this process, going down the length of the worm. When baited, the worm should have an accordion-like appearance.

Finally, pull the worm down onto the hook, ensuring it's near the hook's barb. You want the fish to bite the barb, so make sure the worm is within reach.

Best jig head for the shaky head rig

The shaky head rig is a simple yet effective bass fishing technique that works all year round, but particularly in tough conditions when the bite gets tough. The best jig head for a shaky head rig is typically in the 1/16-1/8-ounce range, but can be as heavy as 1/4-ounce in windy conditions or strong currents.

There are two types of jig heads for a shaky head rig: a traditional ballhead and a screw lock. The screw lock is easier to rig, but some anglers believe the ballhead produces a better hookset rate. The ballhead jig is ideal for fishing gravel bottoms and open water banks, as it produces a spiral action as it falls through the water, making it ideal for deep-water fishing.

The screw lock jig allows your worm to sit more vertically in the water, and can be adjusted to create a more vertical presentation. It is also better for a weedless presentation as it prevents snags and unwanted hookups on weeds and cover.

The most popular jig head used with a shaky head rig is the ballhead, but there are several other styles including football, arkie, horseshoe, finesse, and canterberry. The hook size will depend on the size of the worm and your target fish. For finesse worms around 4 inches, use a 3/0 or 4/0 hook. For worms over 6 inches, a 5/0 is the minimum hook size. If you're targeting bass over 5 pounds, you'll need a bigger wire hook.

When it comes to brands, Dirty Jigs Scott Canterbury Shakey Jig Head is recommended.

Jig head styles and hook size

There are several designs of shaky head jigs available on the market, including ball heads, standup heads, and weedless heads. Ball head jigs are ideal for fishing in gravel bottoms, rocks, and around open banks. The round shape of the jig head gives the bait a rocking action as it rolls off the cover. Standup jig heads are designed to keep the bait standing straight up and are excellent for imitating small baitfish such as bluegill feeding on the bottom. Weedless jig heads can be either standup or round jig heads with a slight variation to make them suitable for fishing through grass and other types of cover.

When selecting a jig hook, the hook shank length is more important than the weight. The hook size should be appropriate for the soft plastics being used as bait. For example, a 4-inch bait might pair with a 3/0 hook. Jig hooks are available in a range of sizes and styles from brands like Mustad, Eagle, VMC, Gamakatsu, Victory, and Owner.

Additionally, the colour of the jig head can be an important consideration. Popular colours include green pumpkin, black, and natural shad. Some anglers prefer to colour coordinate their jig head with the lure, while others opt for more subtle colours like grey when the fish are spooky.

How to fish a shaky head rig

A shaky head rig is a simple yet effective fishing technique that can be used in a variety of conditions to catch bass. It is a versatile rig that can be used in any season and almost any location, but it is particularly useful in clear water conditions when the fish are inactive or in cold weather.

Setting Up the Rig

To set up a shaky head rig, you will need a shaky jig head and a soft plastic worm or creature bait. The jig head can be a traditional ballhead or a screw lock, depending on your preference. The ballhead is simpler and more straightforward to rig, while the screw lock allows for a more vertical presentation of the worm in the water and is easier to rig weedless.

For the ballhead jig, follow these steps:

• Cut the head of the worm to create a flat surface.
• Thread the hook through the head of the worm by about 1/4 inch.
• Push the hook out the side of the worm.
• Slide the worm down the shank over the bait keeper.
• Rotate the hook so it is facing the worm.
• Identify the point where the hook lines up with the worm.
• Bunch the worm a little and push the worm through.

For the screw lock jig:

• Cut the head of the worm to create a flat surface.
• Screw the head of the worm onto the screw lock.
• Identify the point where the hook lines up with the worm.
• Slide the hook point through the worm.

Fishing Techniques

There are several techniques you can use when fishing with a shaky head rig:

• Drag and Pop: Drag the jig head along the bottom of a lake or waterway. Pop the rig up off the bottom by 6 to 8 inches with one or two small jerks of the rod, then let it fall back. This is when most fish will strike. Repeat as you retrieve the rig.
• Shake It: As the name suggests, this technique involves shaking the shaky head as it moves along the bottom. This is particularly effective when fishing in the shallows during the spring spawn.
• Dead Sticking: This technique involves casting and letting your bait sit still. This can be effective for finicky bass as they will not be able to resist the subtle movement of the shaky head worm.
• Swimming: Swimming the shaky head above a weed line or close to the bottom is another way to catch bass.

Frequently asked questions