Fishing shaky heads is easy, and they're one of the most productive lures in your arsenal. Although not known as a "big fish bait", a little shaky head with a straight tail worm trailer will often produce bites in conditions when it seems nothing else works. Learning to fish a shaky head is an excellent way to develop confidence that can be applied to fishing other styles of jigs. We've put together some information that we hope will help you learn the technique and make you fishing experience the very best it can be.
Shaky heads were developed out of the desire for a small, ball-shaped jighead, like a crappie jig, built on a hook appropriate for adding a finesse worm. It's a finesse technique that requires a light wire hook for effective hooksets using lighter tackle. Spinning equipment is popular but in no way required for success. Medium action baitcast equipment with mono up to 12lbs or fluoro up to 14lbs works perfectly.
There are lots of shaky head styles out there. One of the biggest differences is the angle of the hook eye - either a 60 degree flat eye or a 90 degree vertical eye. A 90 degree angle provides the best upright presentation regardless of the head shape.
Here, the head on the right has a 90 degree bend while the head on the left has a 60 degree bend. You can see the more vertical position of the worm with the 90 degree hook angle.
Here is another example. This time the 60 degree angle is on the right, and the 90 degree angle is on the left.
A round head shape is best for a vertical presentation regardless of the angle of the structure it rests on. A flattened bottom is not necessary, and can actually deaden the action somewhat.
Just about any trailer can be used as long as it's not so thick it impedes the hookset. A straight tail worm is most popular and has great action. Most shaky heads come standard with a 4/0 hook and are not designed for use with heavy trailers like brush hogs and beavers - a 5/0 hook would be required for those trailer styles.
Many shaky heads are built with a spring cast directly into the head to screw the trailer onto, which maximizes the trailer action. A good spring will be slightly flexible and have a wide gap to secure the trailer. Fine gauge, super flexible springs do not hold the trailer securely and tend to core out the center.
Shaky heads can be fished about anywhere except thick grass. They work in deep or shallow water and they're perfect for tough conditions like post front days and pressured fish. The technique is very easy. Cast it out and let it fall while watching your line - hits may come on the fall. Many anglers gently shake the rod tip as the bait falls. Once the bait hits bottom, shake it. Pop it up and let if fall. Shake it. Keep repeating. Experiment with speed and shake intensity until the fish tell you what they want. Some days they may want it barely crawled along or even just left still, others they may want it popped and shaken wildly.
We hope this helps you become a better shaky head fisherperson. If you have any tips or tricks you'd like to add please let us know!