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FRESHWATER RIG LIBRARY

Tokyo Rig

A wide-gap hook joined by a split ring to a rigid wire arm that holds the weight below. The weight hits bottom and the bait floats just above it.

Best forBass, peacock bass
WhereGrass, rock, wood
MethodBottom hopping
DifficultyEasy
Tokyo Rig — BigJoe rig illustration
Main lineWire arm + weightWide-gap hook + creature baitSplit ring

Rig diagram (component order)

Tokyo Rig: Main line, Wire arm + weight, Wide-gap hook + creature bait, Split ring

Step-by-step how-to

Tokyo Rig-01
Graphic: Tackle Village, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr

Step-by-step build instructions

  1. 1

    Tie the main line to the split ring.

  2. 2

    Slide the weight onto the wire arm and bend the end to lock it.

  3. 3

    The hook rides on the same ring; Texas-rig a creature bait on it.

  4. 4

    Cast: the weight hits bottom and the bait sits above.

  5. 5

    Hop it with short lifts of the rod.

  6. 6

    Drag it over grass; the bait stays clean above the weed.

BigJoe Tips

  • Longer arms keep the bait higher over grass.
  • Tungsten weights for a compact profile.
  • Floating plastics lift the bait even more.
  • Set the hook firmly like a Texas rig.

Variations

  • Swimbait on the hook for swimming retrieves.
  • Bead on the arm for sound.
  • Shorter arm in rocks.
  • Swap weights quickly as depth changes.

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Target Species

Largemouth bassMicropterus nigricansButterfly peacock bassCichla ocellarisJaguar guapoteParachromis managuensis