Shaky Head Jigs

If there is one bait that I know will catch largemouth, even on the toughest of days, is shaky head jigs.  Several years ago, at the urging of a fellow angler (a friend, too), I started investing my money into a nice shaky head jig collection - one of varying sizes, weights, colors, and styles.  An angler can feel overwhelmed at the sight of so many options, even on the most logically organized online tackle store.

I started with independent, small business jig constructionists (a fancy, pretentious way of saying "jig maker"), and by contacting these individuals via email, I was able to learn what kind of shaky head jigs I needed for specific conditions and environments.  Though shaky head fishing is generally considered a finesse technic, it can be used with heavier jig heads and bulkier baits, especially in deep water over bass haven structure.

Tourney Jigs, owned by Carl Boaz, makes superb shaky head jigs.  Lunkercatch.com will carry his fantastic jigs in the coming weeks.  Carl even made a 3/4 9/0 football head-style shaky head jig for Lunkercatch.com, which will be used in several upcoming tournaments.  Most likely in the JC Outdoors Fall tournament series on Lake Fork.   There are many different styles and sizes available to anglers.

I'll discuss other shaky head jigs and the actual fishing technique in the coming weeks.  In addition, I will discuss why to use certain jigs in a particular situation.

Photo: Tourney Jigs

Mad Dog Moore - Memorial Bass Tournament

I had the pleasure and pain of fishing the Mad Dog Moore Memorial Fishing Tournament on Lake Fork, hosted at Oakridge Marina, in Emory, Texas.  Even as early as 5:20 am, there were 100 boats registered, with two people in each boat.  So, going into this bass fishing event, I knew 8 or 9lbs would win a tournament check.  Tough fishing competition on Fork, that's for sure.

Prior to the tournament, I had pre-fished several areas, but I focused on shallow water as the lake was turning over, and I had some TOAD largemouths the previous three weeks in the same location.  I caught multiple 15.25 inch bass with fat bodies and caught over four 20 inch bass and several in the 22-23 inch realm. However, since Lake Fork is a slot lake, I continued to fall short of 1 inch to .75 inches on an over.  Folks, that is Lake Fork fishing.  Despite falling short on 24 inch or longer fish, I had been catching plenty of 15-16 inch largemouth bass.

Well, we had 20-25 Northern winds that churned the lake and made long distance boat travel difficult.  Despite Mother Nature's insistent winds, my partner and I fished the areas where I pre-fished.  The results, not as hoped.  We managed a meagre 5lbs on five largemouth bass, but some folks barely caught any fish.   My partner and I caught plenty of fish - just the wrong size or weight.

I am glad we supported such an amazing event, even though the fishing wasn't as good as expected.  I highly recommend this tournament to other anglers.  Keep your eye on future dates.





































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