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FRESHWATER RIG LIBRARY

Shaky Head Rig

A round or flat (football) jig head with a screw keeper. A straight-tail worm screws on and the head keeps it standing tail-up off the bottom as you shake it.

Best forBass, peacock bass
WhereRock, gravel, points
MethodFinesse bottom
DifficultyEasy
Shaky Head Rig — BigJoe rig illustration
Main lineShaky head jigStraight-tail worm

Rig diagram (component order)

Shaky Head Rig: Main line, Shaky head jig, Straight-tail worm

Step-by-step how-to

Shakey Head Rig How To Graphic
Graphic: Tackle Village, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr

Step-by-step build instructions

  1. 1

    Tie the shaky head directly to the line.

  2. 2

    Screw the head of the worm onto the keeper.

  3. 3

    Lay the hook alongside and bury the point in the worm.

  4. 4

    Cast and let it reach the bottom.

  5. 5

    Shake the slack: the head stays put and the tail stands up and wiggles.

  6. 6

    Drag a few inches, pause, and repeat.

BigJoe Tips

  • Football heads roll less on rock.
  • Floating worms stand up higher.
  • Keep the line semi-slack while shaking.
  • Set the hook with a firm sweep.

Variations

  • Exposed-point heads for open water.
  • Small craws on the keeper.
  • Lighter heads in shallow water.
  • Brush guard heads for wood.

🛒 Get the parts

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Target Species

Largemouth bassMicropterus nigricansButterfly peacock bassCichla ocellarisJaguar guapoteParachromis managuensis