Try These Shaky Head Techniques

Although shaky heading seems to be an easy technique, there are subtleties that can make a huge difference. Those subtleties are anything from Shaking, Hopping, Dragging, and Swimming to size of shaky head or the plastic bait you choose. The most common techniques for fishing a shaky head are:

Shaking – this by far is the most common method. Keeping the bait active and alive on the bottom is the main goal of this technique but requires effort and concentration on your part.

Hopping-this allows the bait to bounce along the bottom which provides a fresh look to what the bass normally see from the shaking method.

Dragging- this is the most overlooked technique. The bait always stays in contact with the bottom and can be varied in speed of retrieve.

Swimming-this is the same concept of dragging but raised above the bottom. Swimming utilizes the current and provides lots of erratic movement.

The recommended type of shaky head you use will be based on when and where you are fishing. Most common is the BALL HEAD that allows the angler to roll their shaky head along the bottom creating more natural movement. Fishing a BALL HEAD is ideal for gravel banks and open water. Less common is the STAND UP head which has the ability to make your plastic bait stand straight up. Fishing a STAND UP head is ideal for slow minimal shaking and hopping techniques on rocky bottoms or brush piles.

My preferred set up:

Rod-St Croix BASSX 7‘2″ Med Heavy/Moderate

Reel – Lews Super Duty 300 LFS 7:2:1

Line – 12- 14-pound Fluorocarbon

I can say if there ever was a year around bait it’s the shaky head. No matter what lake and what time of year it’s my confidence bait and you can guarantee it will be on the deck every day on the water.

Fallon Clepper