shakey head

[davidsa]

I fish them extensively and have had good success with a Loomis BSR 852 GLX spinning rod and a Loomis BCR 802 GLX casting rod with a tuned MG50 on it. I tend to use the spinning for ligher rigs and the baitcasting for 1/8 heads and bigger.

My preference is to throw baitcasting any time I can but as said by someone else, I tend to work the bait faster on the casting equipment. Not an issue if the fish like that pace. I prefer baitcasting because I'm more accurate and can spool 12# FC without issue.

Case in point, I was down in Florida last month and they were hitting the shakey almost upon entry. I found I was more effective getting on them quickly with the casting gear and I can make two casts with baitcaster to every one I'd make with spinning.

I guess the fish have to tell you what speed. By my observation, I'd say 8 out of 10 guys prefer spinning gear so my baitcasting preference is in the minority.

[dpage70]

The key to the right rod for shakey head fishing is in the tip of the rod. That SHOULD be the only thing that's moving when using that technique, at least to do it right anyway. That being said, lighter actions tend to be better in order to find the right tip. What I'm saying is you want a VERY limber tip to the rod, but a little bit of backbone as well. I've built several shakey head rods and had quite a few other blanks in my hands and by far the best I've found is a medium/light with a fast tip. The one a I like the best is actually an inshore blank but it has the perfect action. It's a 7 footer. I've built them as both baitcasters and spinning rods. If the action is right then it makes casting a light weight with a baitcaster as easy as it is with a spinning rod, but again it HAS to have the limber tip. When I build one as a baitcaster I build them as a spiral wrap so the line lays in the guides just right. One thing I've noticed is that very few people use a light enough action for this technique. If the jighead has the right hook and the right type of worm is used with the right line, you won't miss on the hookset.

[863 bassmaster]

Thanks guys I think I will go with a spinning rod thanks

[MLTSPCS]

I've used both and found i really like using 8# fluoro spooled on a prolite finesse baitcasting reel with the prolite 6'6' ml rod for this technique. I use a strike king 3x finesse worm in green pumpkin and I put it on the gambler 1/4 oz. giggy head. They even like that at the dirty T.