Shaky Head Tip You Need To Know

Larry Nixon himself gave me this shaky Head tip that will increase the number of hookups and your landing percentage. You need to know this tip!
Get access to my monthly livestream and additional videos by becoming a member of the channel. Click the "Join" button here: / @mattstefanfishing
Check out my Lake Breakdowns at fishthemoment....
Remember to subscribe to my channel to be automatically entered into my monthly prize drawings!
New KZbin videos uploaded EVERY day!
Click here to SUBSCRIBE to my channel:
/ @mattstefanfishing
How to Support this Channel:
1) Purchase tackle through this link from Tackle Warehouse. Don't forget to bookmark the link:
www.tacklewareh...
2) Share my videos on your social media platforms!
3) Purchase Merchandise from my Store mattstefanfish...
4) If you enjoy the content and want to see more of it. Consider donating to the channel to show your support for future video creation. Very much appreciated!
- Paypal - paypal.me/Matt...
- Venmo - account.venmo....
LINKS TO TACKLE DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO:
1) Berkley Magnum Hit Worm - www.tackleware...
2) Gamakatsu Stand Up Alien Head - www.tackleware...
3) Buckeye Spot Remover Pro Shaky Head - "?from=MSFG
4) Buckeye Spot Remover Shaky Head -www.tackleware...
Follow Matt Stefan Fishing on Instagram / mattstefanfishing
Follow Matt Stefan Fishing on Facebook / mattstefanfishing
Do you live in Wisconsin or plan on visiting anytime soon. Contact me for a guide trip!
MY SPONSORS:
Bridgford Foods www.bridgford....
Berkley www.berkley-fi...
Abu Garcia www.abugarcia....
Striker Brands strikerbrands....
Battle Born Batteries battlebornbatte...?afmc=3p
Dirty Jigs Tackle dirtyjigstackl...
ugo ugowear.com/
Lowrance www.lowrance.com/
Skeeter Boats www.skeeterboa...
The Boat Center www.theboatcen...
Power-Pole www.power-pole...
PROcise Outdoors prociseoutdoor...
TH Marine thmarinesuppli...
Mud Hole Rod Building www.mudhole.com/
MHX Rod Blanks www.fishmhx.com/
CRB supplies crbproducts.com/
Costa Del Mar Sunglasses www.costadelma...
My Profile:
www.mattstefanf...
I was born and raised in Chicago, but after working 12 years in the financial Industry regulating the futures and options markets at the CME/CBOT I decided to pursue my passion fishing professional tournaments and left my full time corporate job. At that point, I moved to Junction City, WI with my wife Sara and two boys Hank and Duke. I've been fishing professionally since 2011 and full-time since 2015. I've qualified for seven MLF Championships and won over a half million in tournament winnings at the professional level.

[@everttebenn4925]

Matt I've been help by Larry Nixon many times on lots of baits I'm very proud that you and Larry help us fisherman and thank you and Larry for all the help

[@MattStefanFishing]

Larry is awesome!

[@franksancimino1297]

Much respect/ Larry Nixon..........great respect sir hearing it told the way you said it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks! I love Larry!

[@johnrayner5599]

Solid tips on this one Matt, The General gave me some lessons a few years back on different baits and tactics and they have proven to be the best tips I have ever had… what a guy!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome

[@gregstabryla9945]

Great info on the Shakey head. Have pretty all the above, time to start throwing them. In PGH, water is just breaking 50°. I'll be out tomorrow and toss some. Thanks 👍.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks

[@brucegilson6187]

This is like the fifth time I had hard a similar comment on this . Good stuff man

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome

[@richardblake4777]

Larry Nixon is one of the all time greatest anglers ever. Any tip of his is made of pure 100 percent gold.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep!

[@101evo]

This was a good article Matt but I would like to see them have a micro bottle brush holder so the worm could be used many times over. Little tiny plastic arms that would give the worm up easy but do little damage to it. Just a thought.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@joelhenderson263]

Use a pair of wire snips to shorten the "pig tail " this will help 1) widen the gap slightly 2)let the bait pop off easier

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep that’s what i do when i have a pig tail

[@paulbruemmer9629]

Great info as usual Matt! A little trick if all you have is pig tail style is you can straighten it out using a needle nose and then put a slight bend in it. Larry Nixon was awesome!! I remember when Diawa had a series of rods for wormin, flippin etc and Larry Nixon had his name on the wormin rod. Of course I had the the whole line. ha

[@MattStefanFishing]

yes they did!

[@richerwin6397]

Matt, on a separate subject; regarding your Virginia flight incident; that may be an attorney General issue. The airline was obviously unhappy with the price they sold you your tickets for and told you your flight was changed just to get you to reschedule so they could get their desired rate.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yeah i actually got a response from American Airlines telling me to go scratch

[@robjones7410]

I appreciate the info, Brother! Can't wait to give it a try this weekend!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nice!

[@rodlinvon-hugenstine5142]

100% truth … seen a latimer vid about the same concept recently. Absolutely changes your loss ratio Great video!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@bassfishingasia]

I used to use the pigtails but found that the worm ripped too easily. So I mostly fish with either an open hook or with an offset jighead, and have no issues with hookups. I find because Im usually using skinny worms, its not a problem. Lately, I have tried the Picasso heads and I like them as well. Thx

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@stoneysdead689]

This is something I've heard other shaky head fishermen talk about- Brain Latimer just help design a new Z man shaky head that doesn't have the pig tail for this same reason. I rig mine the same way you do a Texas rig and I take the smallest initial bite on the head of the worm as I can so that when I set the hook it tears loose easily. I've used dozens of different heads but so far, I think the little round headed War eagle shaky head or the owner shaky heads have been the best- they don't have a screw lock or push up- just a little bait keeper on the shank of the hook. Steve Rodgers posted a really interesting video about shaky heads today- looking at underwater footage of dead sticking at different depths. I was shocked at the results- the deeper the worm was the more it seemed to move on its own- up shallow with no input it just sat there motionless. I would've expected just the opposite.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing!

[@jersey4755]

Good tip! I actually have some of those alien heads never used them though. Going to give them a try now.

[@MattStefanFishing]

go for it!

[@rvfishingyet]

that is a great tip. I have been using shaky more and more and will look for the push on kinds more

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nice!

[@terrytresemer2864]

Like you the spot remover was my go to. Looks like a change is in store, ASAP! Never really liked the pigtail now I'm sure of it. THX !!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Give it avtry

[@BooSheisty]

The Gambler Giggy head has a push on keeper that works well for me.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing! ill check it out

[@coleallen8557]

I use a Owner pin screw lock. I simply skin hook side of worm allowing worm to get out of the way/gap. Thoughts?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Should help

[@peterhing3608]

Great video Matt and definitely listen to one of the greats. To here the same thing from a younger great Pro is B.Latt - Brian Latimer. He worked with Z Man to create a signature Shaky head worm that hit the market I think end of last year in the States and finally made it here to Ontario. He also has his own Shaky Head Jig which he strictly does a traditional Texas Rig. Same science that the hook up ratio is massive when NOT using a screw lock. He is a master of the shaky head and after watching his videos last summer I started using shaky head rugby jigs with great success and awesome hook up ratio. No screw lock and more of a traditional worm keeper bend near the jig head like an EWG hook. What I could find up here at my local shop were VMC Football head jigs and they are awesome for Shaky head techniques. Thanks again

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@peterhing3608]

Morning Matt. I found the name of the Z Man worm and it is the SMH worm or as B Latt calls them the "shake my head" worm. Haha.

[@clintperry799]

Great tip , thank you and Larry !

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@oldschoolfishing4194]

Good stuff Matt! The shaky head was one of my favorites. All the lakes I fish now have zebra mussels so I have stopped using it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Bummer

[@everythingoutdoors-vl9bl]

Definitely makes sense

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@jjh31]

That push-up keeper would be great for zman products!! Thanks for the video

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@northeastpac-man5692]

Hey Matt ,, I heard about this from your buddy Randy Blaukat awhile back

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@johnnyweaver1300]

I pretty much have stopped using any shaky head screw on types unless I need a heavier weight & have gone to the owner finesse ball jig it only goes up to 3/16 with a ewg 2 ot hook, that's magic it makes the bait stand straight up the way the line tie is located after awhile you may need to super glue the worm to the ball, it's been awhile since I've committed on the vids, but been watching & liking all of them, only commit when I see a need, good luck on pick wick!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you!

[@davehorn1422]

This is facts, I've noticed a big difference in hook ups.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome

[@georgebramblett6078]

I see what you're saying about the pigtails but i started cutting mine down a little shorter and don't have any problems

[@rickhensley2251]

I do the same with mine, I just cut the screw lock in halve

[@MattStefanFishing]

Me too

[@shannonkirby9295]

Good one, Matt. Thanks for the tip

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@fernandosantiago8451]

Thats a great tip! Thank you Sir!

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet

[@TheBeelzebubba13]

I've pretty much stopped using the screw lock style and use shaky heads with a bait keeper on the shank. Checkout Randy Blaukat on 04/11/2022 talking about the Davis Baits Shaky Head. David Dudley has an old video about how the screw lock causes the worm to act like a guard preventing good hookups. The Bite-Me Tackle Finesse Shaky is sweet for downsized shaky head.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@bassonfly66]

The Picasso Rhino Head (designed by the late Aaron Martens & the BOSS Brent Ehrler Shakey Head both have keepers on their shanks. I spoke to Aaron at an event at the shop I work at & we talked, at length, about this style head giving a larger hook gap than the other style heads. (Actually, I asked a couple questions & he talked while I listened & made mental notes)

[@oldeschoolbob1022]

Thank you, Matt !

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@soonerfan1675]

I’ve always had good luck with the Megastrike shakeyhead with the post bait keeper. I love the way they stand up no matter what. Sometimes you have to use the screw keeper because the post will tear up smaller softer baits. I don’t mind using the old “goatshead” style either. Just depends on the bait that’s chosen.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@bigmikefishingchonicles9950]

Yes I agree that screw lock acks like a weed guard almost

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@CasualBassGuy]

That magnum hit worm is awesome

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yes it is!

[@vincentlivoti4184]

Hi Matt: what about skin hooking the worm on the side, so you're only going through a tiny bit of plastic and still keeping the bait weedless?

[@MattStefanFishing]

It helps some

[@learningtofish7036]

Ah learnt that'n frum Randy. It makes sense.

[@mikeeller557]

Great tip Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@masonlee9609]

Hey Matt great video. I was wondering if you could make a video of how to find spots on a river using Google maps or Earth.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I’ll put it on my list!

[@RG-bf9if]

Great tip, thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@irwinm.fletcher2612]

I just bought my first package of the Berkly general. Dam they are twice as high as Yamamoto but if there is a difference I will see

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good luck

[@craigstevens9734]

Good stuff

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@juleswinnfield826]

Good stuff, thanks for the vid.

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@kennyg3192]

I take them screw pieces met and rip them off and I pinched a side of the worm and take it up the shaft and then I pinch it through the bottom of the worm what happens it’s just like the way they do it with the Z man by B Latimer, The only problem I have with the screw ones is as they come into the boat soon as the slack comes off they shake it out their mouth and that’s because there’s not enough needlepoint to pierce through their mouth I believe there should be a different type of Hook made specifically

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@shanescott3168]

Good tip! I don't like to waste or lose worms or anything else but when we finally get a chance to fish or money is on the line, we shouldn't worry about losing $.35 worms while floating on our expensive fishing rigs. I'd rather catch more fish than worry about worms. I do use worms as long as possible, but they are rather cheap.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching

[@alcav54]

That rod spinning is hypnotizing

[@MattStefanFishing]

Lol!

[@robertcwillifordii2630]

I'm glad they make EWG pro spot removers.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@LowBrowFishing]

Honestly, I have never been a huge fan of screw locks for baits. Sometimes they're just a pain to use, especially on something like a swim jig. And it's often hard to get your bait to line up straight. I don't think any of my shaky heads have screws on them, they're all push on or Texas rig. Also - Good luck on Pickwick tomorrow! I'll be watching! I have you and Miles on my fantasy team (along with Jim Moynagh and Brian Latimer). Pickwick is a place you can really get on a good flipping bite or pitching cover up shallow. Go get 'em!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@nelsonchiro]

Great tips! Shaky head links aren't working.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I’ll see if i can fix them

[@hookedonbassncats]

Matt great tips. Where I live everything also just thawed out and I can't buy a bite from the shore for smallies, any advice? It's in a lake and I just don't think I'm reaching them. I think they haven't moved to their staging areas and I might just be too early out there fishing since the water temp is still so cold.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Probably need to warm up for the smallies from shore

[@hookedonbassncats]

@@MattStefanFishing I agree. I'm just to early. But you can relate to having to wait the long winter both our states have. It sucks

[@wolverinex4243]

Shakyheads are best floating. That's the only time I will use them. Hard to screw lock tho. Hate floaters like that....esp. when they melt like the witch in the Wizard of Oz.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep that’s no good

[@k1llerdir]

I use the pig tail on shakeyhead and I do not loose fish because I skin hook to make it weedless.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@ronaldclark1023]

Matt tackle warehouse has EWG shaky head with pig tail and cone keeper

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@blackhillsbassing6167]

That's a great idea

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@danielradebaugh9687]

To save on baits, can you just bite off the top 1/4 inch or so, without impacting your bite?

[@MattStefanFishing]

It’s an option

[@AndrewGarnerAdventures]

You will hear ppl say that will take away from the presentation of your bait. In example; you take a 6” and then it becomes a 4” after while.

[@jasondaniels209]

Well Matt, of course your crazy, your a pro-angler. Ya gotta be some sort of crazy to do that shit 😂. But I think your onto something with the spot remover. My favorite shaky head actually. Nice tip. Good to know

[@MattStefanFishing]

Lol!

[@josephhillman8831]

I agree the pigtail heads have not been as effective thanks for the intro of the alien head!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@XxNiteStockerxX]

I feel the hook is too small on the spot remover. It is also bent in the slightest bit. I bought a bunch of the non pro model at Dicks on clearance for $.79 so I do throw them. I would def bend the hook out ever so slightly with pliers to increase hook ups

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@alcav54]

If you’re using a Zoom Trick worm at $4 for a bag of 20, cost isn’t a problem

[@MattStefanFishing]

Gotcha

[@LoopKnot]

How about if you skin hook it off to the side of the worm ??????

[@MattStefanFishing]

That might help a little

[@randallrandolph4977]

But the line tie? Does a horizontal line tie actually help hang ups over a vertical ?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@allenhoward5382]

That would be so on a straight shank hook but if you have an EWG hook like on the Buckeye baits shakey head with the screw lock I've never had a problem with hookups. Plus I'd rather have a football style head with a flat bottom.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I’ll check it out

[@allenhoward5382]

@@MattStefanFishing or I could always send you some if you have never seen them

[@hookedonbassncats]

I don't mind going through more worms as long as I got fish to show for it, but I can't stand going through a bunch of baits with no fish landed.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Agreed

[@harahara10]

Maybe use a hook with a bigger gap to make a shakey head with a screw lock?

[@MattStefanFishing]

It’s an option

[@seizedcarcass8440]

What maxscent worm is that? It’s not the hit worm

[@MattStefanFishing]

Magnum hit worm

[@irwinm.fletcher2612]

I always cut the pig tail down by 60%

[@MattStefanFishing]

Me too

[@stevekeen7035]

Of course you are crazy Matt. But it has nothing to do with todays tip😄

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha!

[@AndrewGarnerAdventures]

Not you in general but the more videos ppl put out, the more ridiculous excuses and reasons to deviate from what actually works. Again, not you in general.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching!