Every fisher has been there in the midst of summertime, where the bait does not do its job. Nothing will bite it, and you have used all the bait present in your tackle box.
This is also not the first article talking about the struggles fishermen face in the summertime, but that's not all. To bring back the finesse of fishing right away, you can make use of Shaky head worm on your shaky rod.
To find the best shaky head rods for yourself to use, you can read below and find out more about this fishing rod and bait.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Shaky Head Rods
- OUR TOP PICK: Abu Garcia Vendette Spinning Rods
- RUNNER-UP: Duckett Fishing Micro Magic ProCast
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Wright and McGill Skeet Reese Shaky Head
Comparison of the Best Shaky Head Rods
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Best Budget Option  |
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What is a Shaky Head?
A shaky head is a delicate bass fishing rig that is perfect for getting bait when the weather conditions are harsh. The rig not only catches numbers but can catch big fish as well that cannot be caught otherwise all year round.
A shaky head rod comes with a small jig head along with a light wire hook paired with soft plastic bait; this bait is usually a worm or a small creature bait. The shaky head rod is the perfect finess bass fishing technique that can shine all year round in the harshest conditions, even when the bass acts finicky.
How Do I Choose a Shaky Head Rod?
When shopping for the best Shaky Head rod, there are a couple of things you need to look out for. These things include the following:
Jig-Head Size
The secret to fishing effectively is ensuring that you make use of a light jig-head while keeping your bait in contact with the bottom. The ideal size of the jig head is usually 1/16 or 1/8 ounce. This head size is perfect for many fishing situations, but when you get faced with harsh weather conditions such as current or windy situations, then upgrading to the ¼ ounce head size is better for you.
Jig-Head Styles
There are many different shaky head designs, types, and brands present on the market. However, the three main types of head designs for placing soft plastic bait on a shaky head rod include standup head, a ball head, and a weedless head.
Round Head
This style of the shaky head jig is perfect for fishing in gravel bottoms, rocks, and even fishing around open banks. The round jig head provides the bait with a rocking action since the head rolls off the cover.
Standup Head
This standup jig head is manufactured to keep your bait in a straight standing position and is perfect for acting as small baitfish, for example, the bluegill that feed at the bottom. This style is ideal for docks, fishing rocks, and other types of structures.
Weedless Head
A weedless head can act as a round head, and even a standup head with only a slight difference; this head is designed for fishing through the grass and also other kinds of cover. Since an exposed hook can easily get caught in the grass and other structures, that's why screw lock was added to it. This allows you to make your worm weedless by simply screwing the top of the bait present near the jig head and placing the hook at the bottom end of your plastic.
Color Selection
This is one of the essential parts of shopping for a new shaky head rod. There are many different colors to choose from when it comes down to worms and even rods. The color you choose depends on the water you fish from, and so you must choose wisely. If the water is clean, then watermelon red or pumpkin color is good, whereas dark and stained waterworks are good with black and blues.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
Materials: The materials the rod is made of.
Handle: The material and/or type of handle on the rod.
Grip Type: The style of grip the rod has.
Available Length(s): The length(s) this rod is available in.
Available Power(s): Power refers to how much force it takes to bend the rod. These fall under the designations of ultra light/med-light/light/medium/med-heavy/heavy/etc.
Available Action(s): The actions the rod is available in. This refers to where the rod flexes and includes slow/moderate/moderately-fast/fast/extra fast/ etc.
Fishing Technique: The technique(s) the rod is intended to be used for.
Review of the Best Shaky Head Rods
With so many options present on the market, it can be challenging to find the right one for your use. To find the right rod for you, we have compiled the top Shaky Head rods present. You can read below to find the pros and cons along with who it is most suited for, so keep reading.
Best Overall:
Abu Garcia Vendette Spinning Rods
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to buyers of this product, this rod is the most frequently used rod in their collection. The ability to strike using this is impressive, and the accuracy and response it provides are also excellent. These rods are slightly delicate but are suitable for long term use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The most outstanding feature of this product is the excellent design it has. The styling cues on this rod are very modern and are made with a lightweight material. The rod felt excellent even on the display rack, and during use, it is incredibly accurate and provides you with what you need.
Who Will Use This Most
It has an excellent price tag and has the features that you can easily handle. This made the rod ideal for beginners and experts. Also, the low price point makes it ideal for using this product without any worry since you can easily buy another one if you break it or lose it.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this shaky head rod is excellent for experts and pros. Since it is the perfect mixture of robustness and sensitivity, it allows you to catch the fish accurately. The balance that this rod provides makes it very comfortable to use, and it works very efficiently in smaller settings as well. If you want diversity and fish on lakes and rivers both, this rod is for you.
Product Specs
Materials:
30 Ton graphite, Stainless steel guides
Handle:
EVA
Available Lengths:
7 ft
Available Power(s):
Medium
Available Action(s):
Fast
Fishing Technique:
Spinning / Casting
Runner-up:
Duckett Fishing Micro Magic ProCast
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
As buyers report, this rod is made with the utmost care and protection and comes with a precise tip separation. It also has a strong backbone that enhances its performance and ensures good handling. The corrosion-resistant feature present on this rod ensures its longevity, as buyers report using this rod for an extended period of time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These Duckett spinning rods are groundbreaking when it comes to the fishing experience they provide. The premium Sensi-touch blanked present on this rod is made from top quality multi-modulus pre-pegs. It is filled with excellent durability and outstanding strength, along with advanced features that make this a truly impressive product.
Who Will Use This Most
This rod is ideal for professionals and beginners. It has excellent accuracy, a sharp tip, and is easy to handle. The lightweight nature of this rod and the immense power it provides is perfect for anyone who wants a good rod when fishing.
Bottom Line
Overall, this rod is created with durable and robust material and makes it easy for everyone to use. The longevity of this product is meant to add great durability, adding more value to your money. It also has a premium split-grip cork handle that ensures a comfortable experience all day and night, and it also helps in reducing the weight of the rod.
Product Specs
Materials:
Carbon Fiber
Handle:
EVA
Grip Type:
Split
Available Lengths:
6 ft 9 in / 7 ft / 7 ft 3 in / 7 ft 6 in
Available Power(s):
Medium
Available Action(s):
Fast
Fishing Technique:
Spinning / Casting
Best for the Money:
Wright and McGill Skeet Reese Shaky Head
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to recent buyers, this rod is incredibly sensitive and helps you with accuracy. It is made with high-quality material, ensuring longevity. The hook set location present on the rod below the rubber grip is incredibly convenient to use, as many first time users and beginners report incredible ease of use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This rod stands out because it has an outstanding and very convenient design. It is reasonably priced and is lightweight, which makes it perfect for carrying around. It also has the right length, and this ensures an excellent grip.
Who Will Use This Most
We think that this rod is ideal for use by professionals, as well as, beginners. It is manufactured in a well-thought out manner and has the right hook set location. Moreover, the length of this rod allows it to rest entirely against your forearm, which makes it lively and also stiff when you need it to be.
Bottom Line
Summing it up, this is an outstanding rod that is present on the market. It is durable, powerful, long, and lightweight, and ensures accuracy for your fishing trips. This rod goes in the perfect place and is very convenient in use. The reasonable price point of this rod makes it worth investing in.
Product Specs
Materials:
Graphite, Zirconium guides
Handle:
Rubber
Grip Type:
Split
Available Lengths:
6 ft 11 in
Available Power(s):
Medium Strong
Available Action(s):
Medium Fast
Fishing Technique:
Spinning
4. Falcon Rods Cara
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to buyers, this rod is outstanding and very good for fishing. It ensures accuracy and good action. Many people used this rod for over a year and have reported it to be durable. The credits go to the durable material that it is made with. It also has a soft plastic bass rod that the users found to come in handy.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The rod stands out because of the exceptional color it has. The real black seat with the Fuji exposed, and stainless steel finish makes it worth buying. This rod is not only sensitive but also durable and has great balancing power for you to use.
Who Will Use This Most
It is perfect for use by beginners and experts both. It is long-lasting, and its black finish makes it look exceptionally elegant and stylish. Since it is sensitive and has flex in the tip, it allows you to catch fish accurately without any problem. Therefore, learners can also make good use out of it.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the rod is made for all kinds of fishermen, whether novice or professionals. The corrosion-resistant quality on this rod makes it ideal for long-lasting use, and the handle made from cork provides you with the utmost comfort.
Product Specs
Materials:
F120X graphite blank, Fuji Alconite Lowrider-style guides
Grip Type:
Split
Available Lengths:
6 ft 8 in / 6 ft 10 in / 7 ft / 7 ft 2 in / 7 ft 3 in / 7 ft 4 in / 8 ft
Available Power(s):
Medium / Medium Heavy / Heavy / Extra Heavy
Available Action(s):
Extra Heavy
Fishing Technique:
Casting
5. SHIMANO Compre 7'6 Muskie
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Endless reviews from satisfied buyers back the rod. It is reported to be an ideal and very flexible rod that has great sensitivity. It is strong enough to handle the big currents and flexible enough to catch fish in low tide as well. Moreover, the material used in its making provides the user with a great grip and excellent performance.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This rod is incredibly multi-functional, and this makes it stand out. It comes with a full grip handle and even with a split grip handle, providing you with a reliable and sturdy experience. Its unmatched power and very lightweight build make it easy for you to catch fish and allows you to implement the best fishing technique.
Who Will Use This Most
We think that this impressively lightweight rod is ideal for use by experts and beginners both. It has medium-heavy power and a good 7 foot length. The light weight allows easy directing of the rod, and since it has fast action, you can catch your fish accurately without any worry.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Shimano rod is an ideal rod due to the premium quality material it uses. This rod ensures durability and is also corrosion-free. It does not break under harsh weight, and its length allows you to handle it easily, making it worth your money.
Product Specs
Materials:
Fuji Alconite Guides + Stainless Steel Tip
Handle:
AA Cork
Available Lengths:
7 ft 6 in / 8 ft / 8 ft 6 in
Available Power(s):
Medium / Medium Heavy / Heavy / Extra Heavy
Available Action(s):
Fast
Fishing Technique:
Spinning
Cautious Considerations to Keep in Mind
Even after following the buyer's guide mentioned above, there are some other considerations you should keep in mind when shopping. These considerations include the length, weight, and action of the rod you are investing in; read on to find out what things to remember.
Length
If you are planning on going fishing in larger lakes, deep water, or the sea, then the best option is to choose a long length rod. For such fishing, you should get a large, heavyweight rod that has a strong line weight so that you can easily catch the big fish.
However, for small lakes and marine environments, getting a lightweight and short length rod is a good idea.
Action
Action is the power threshold of the rods that allow them to withstand a certain level of pressure without breaking or getting damaged. This power capacity corresponds with the speed of the rod's line that shows how quickly it can spring back. You should have a good understanding of the three different action classes: medium, fast, and slow, to grab the best reel and rod combo for yourself.
Weight
The weight of the rod varies according to the different fishing scenarios; the heavy rod is needed for a bigger fish, whereas lighter ones can be caught with a small or medium-sized rod. You need to be clear on the size of the fish you want to catch and the environment you want to catch it in.
How to Fish a Shaky Head
To learn how to fish a shaky head, you should watch a video because simply reading about it will not give you a very clear picture. We have mentioned a video below, so watch that along with following the steps we have added for this question.
- Drag It; dragging a shaky head along its bottom is a good way to get some good results. Simply drag it and avoid shaking it and let your bait give the action.
- Hop It; this is perfect for imitating crawdads. Even though having contact from the bottom provides your bait with some pops, you also vary your cadence depending on the condition.
- Dead Stick; dead sticking is a slightly deadly technique. It involves making your cast and allowing you to place your bait there. This may not look like an exciting technique but allows you to catch fish right away.
- Shake It; this is the approach that gives the shaky rod its name and is a very common one. However, anglers sometimes over shake it, and that is a mistake. The best thing to do is to let the bait give the action and do its thing.
- Swim It; this is one approach that gets overlooked when it comes to these rods. However, swimming a shaky head over a weed line or near the bottom can be a good way to catch fish.
If you’re still not clear about what to do, the following video can prove to be of great help.
Conclusion
A shaky head rod is a great rod that functions in the toughest of conditions. When the temperature falls, you can easily use shaky heads on this rod and fish like you want to. With this article, you can find out everything you need to know about these rods along with how to buy them and which ones you should buy. Good luck with your shopping endeavors!
