Stop Making This Mistake When Using A Shakey Jig Head!

Larry Nixon taught me this tip about shakey jig heads. It’s a valuable lesson I want to share with to help you catch more bass!
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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.

[@tomrippen6570]

Excellent tip, and one I’ll use. You’re a highly accomplished pro, Matt and yet modest. I know I’m not the only one who appreciates this quality, so often lacking today. Thank you for so graciously giving credit to another pro.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Larry Nixon is one of the best ever IMO!

[@davehuggins5777]

Great tip and good on you for giving Larry credit. Wouldn't mind seeing a video from you on how and when you fish the shaky head, and when you don't.

[@MattStefanFishing]

good idea!

[@secretbassrigs]

And a Shakey head vs Neko rig discussion. 👍

[@carytoms9500]

I started pegging my Texas rig sinker. After hearing Larry Nixon. Say the same thing about the sinker not pegged. And it’s not tight against the worm. Now I peg the sinker a inch or two away from worm. Big difference n hook ups. Thanks The General

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@richardblake4777]

You put Larry Wayne Nixon's and Matt Stefan's brains together and you get the Einstein of bass fishing. It was a great tip to begin with and you tournament proved it. How much better can it get!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for the support!

[@DeltaBassBuster]

Matt, trim a rotation or two off that pig tail. It helps out alot. I was taught that tip years ago. Some brands the pig tail is made to long.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep if im using a bait with a pigtail i always cut half the pigtail off

[@maxbusinessprofitssergiode5747]

100% right. Especially now in the winter here in Fla, they are really soft mouthing the baits.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Agreed, it’s so true.

[@randyoakes7238]

Great tip Matt. I met Larry years ago. Awesome guy . Great fishermen!

[@MattStefanFishing]

one of the all time greats!

[@Whatsinanameanyway13]

Great video. I don't fish a shaky head nearly enough, and it is something I'm going to be working on next year as it is a productive bait on several lakes on our tournament trail. As others have said, I'd love to see a video on where and when you pick up the shaky head vs other presentations.

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@dormie9]

Golden nuggets like this is why I enjoy your channel. Never thought about that issue. Thanks for sharing

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@lynnmiller7947]

Eye opener for me. I have always used the Spot Remover Pro and haven't missed too many fish but henceforth I will be using the regular Spot Remover. Thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try!

[@WFSmith]

Good tip I actually stopped using Shakey heads because I was losing so many fish and yes I was using a head with the pigtail I will use your tip to regain my confidence in Shakey heads Thanks Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it helped!

[@mleicester23]

Dude, you just blew my mind. I use a shaky head A TON as a co-angler, and it's probably my go-to technique for catching fish. I've had trouble with this same thing at times, and this makes perfect sense. Thanks for sharing this tip, I'm going to have to try a different head next season.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad I could help!

[@mikegardiner3934]

great point, Matt. I’ve been using the Frenzy nail SH for past 2 yrs and love it. It’s not a screw in, and I don’t lose too many baits. 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@Eightpoundtest]

Makes perfect sense. I've not had great luck with the pigtail attachment and am going to try your suggestion. Thanks for sharing.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@jackieparker1847]

I was at lake chicot in lake village ar one day fishing. I was coming up to the bridge separating the lake and I saw two guys in a boat throwing Carolina rigs. One was catching a bass on almost every cast. The other guy was getting bit the same but catching maybe one out five bites. When I got closer I recognized the voice and the laugh. It was Larry Nixon who was doing all the catching. He is the General.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yes he is!

[@DavidParker-y8u]

I fish Saturday morning and used the pig tail shacky head. I caught 16 bass in our pond and never missed one with this rig. I'm not doubting what your saying about the alien head but the pig tail worked great for me.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sounds like you found what works for you!

[@everttebenn4925]

Matt great job Larry Nixon told the same thing Matt we have been lucky knowing a great person like Larry Nixon and proud to call him friend

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome

[@billgibson9968]

Vmc rugby head. It has a wide gap hook and you can Tx rig the finesse worm. Best of both worlds!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@mikeantes9597]

Good info Matt makes sense.Do you think you could modify "straighten out" the pig tail with a pair of needle nose pliers?

[@MattStefanFishing]

yes

[@raymaylone8563]

Hey Matt, one trick with that screw lock keeper take a pair of wire cutters and one of the wire comes out of the head is straight and the very first loop. Cut it there then thread your warm on! Has worked for me for years.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@eddiepayne8533]

Good info! Of course that is about all I have in my boat, the Pro Models! I have caught quite a few fish on them up to 6 lbs, but agree with you on the worm wadding up on the hook. I had a high school kid out in a tournament, he hooked a big fish, it jumped several times before coming unhooked. The gap on his hook was tiny! Now I have to use these up or sell them!! Thanks again.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@RyanSmith-fb8rf]

I’ve wondered this for a while about the screw locks on Swimbait hooks and everything else. Well said

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@johnrayner5599]

I use that pro Spot Remover head and this past summer I caught a 7.2lb at Table Rock and when I lipped the fish I held him up and the hook fell out of his mouth, I think I just learned why that happened, thank you, now I can sleep at night!!! Lol!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good stuff

[@OtherEndofLine]

Great tip, thanks !! It is crazy that I bought this shaky head before even buying the pig tail one, because I thought it would be more effective. I didn't think of how it will release the plastic, of course. :)

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad I could help!

[@phillipchristensen3202]

Exactly the reason I only use shakeys without a keeper at all. True blue TX rig right on the shank. I prefer the style with a small wire barb on the shank as a keeper rather than the extended lead. The fat lead keeper tears up the bait so I can use less plastics and have a great hookup ratio. Thanks for a great video!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@johnroskosky7816]

Matt, I never thought about this! I was using the screw-on bait keeper thinking it was a better way to keep my bait on. Time to switch back to the way I was fishing. Merry Christmas my friend.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad I could help!

[@secretbassrigs]

Great tip! My next batch of shakey heads will have the screw type keepers replaced with trimmed down straight wire keepers used for Ned heads.

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck!

[@willperryman4559]

I discovered that a couple of years ago,and I’ve now got a few favorites, 1 is the ZMAN SMH, and XZone has a tungsten which also has a longer shank hook and smaller pigtail. I’m definitely going to get the ones you have with the simple prong to attach the plastic to 😜👍👍👍👍🍀🎣🍀 congrats on your Top channel endorsement from Randy B. and Best Success in 2023 🍀🎣🍀

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for the continued support!

[@joee681]

Yes, have lost fish, but didn’t even think about that ? Thanks, another great tip 👍👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Happy to help

[@carlmorales6872]

Great tip, Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MrJohnB-qs6dp]

Very interesting!!! Very good point. Makes sense, it's like using a fat bodied worm on a round bend worn hook. Stay Safe & God Bless!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

you too!

[@mikegoodman8136]

Also I find that if you open up the hook 1to 2 degrees and hook the worm 🪱 on the side , that way you don't have as much plastic to go through. Works for me. Been tournament fishing 30 +

[@MattStefanFishing]

sounds good!

[@secretbassrigs]

The side hook is such an easy remedy. Most people over think it. To keep the worm straight, you can also twist the hook to the side, with a pair of pliers, so the hook point is still facing straight but is offset.

[@normanwiggins1320]

Great tip I'll be changing up my shaky head from now on thanks again

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@brandonsmith606]

Very interesting thanks for sharing I would have never known I've been using the scree lock type

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@treymorey]

I have heard of this problem but I don’t have it as much as Ive heard it discussed and what I’ve noticed is I always use a Trick Worm which is a very thin worm which I think helps for me. I think the corkscrew style works fine but if you have thicker worm or more stout plastic the worm is made with it exacerbates the issue you’re speaking on. That being said I can totally see how it could be a problem for some folks.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@TheWaymont]

I agree 100% on this. Everyone fishes differently, and uses different baits, rods, line....So it seems however Matt fishes these type heads don't work well for him.

[@johnnyweaver1300]

Myself I never really liked those cork screw heads, I like the ewg ball head type, great tip though!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@bobsheller1427]

That's amazing! Thanks, Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@jeffreypennekamp7101]

Great info , I will listen to Larry N . To Thank you.

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@willperryman4559]

Okay Matt, I just placed an order using your link to TW Happy Holidays my friend🙏🥳🍀🎣🍀

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome thank you!

[@WILDBILLSOUTDOORS]

I completely agree with you, but there are a few shakyheads that have the screw lock keeper that have a bigger bite in the hook. One is the shakyhead made by Yum, it has an ewg hook on it and works really well. Another good option is the old school original made by Strike King that has the barb on it built into the lead, it gives you more bite from the distance of the head to the hook point because there is no screw lock in the way. But with that style like the spot remover, I agree it makes sense to stay away from the screw lock.

[@MattStefanFishing]

good point!

[@secretbassrigs]

Making sure the hook is loose in the worm makes a big difference.

[@kevinbeaudean704]

I use the yum shaky head for bulky baits like mag worms and craws. Hook up ratio is excellent, stands up decent also.

[@jamescreation6612]

Pretty new to fishing and don't want to lose a ton of plastics so this was a great video LOL. Good to know once I am all about max hookups though. Thanks for the video sir!

[@MattStefanFishing]

glad to help!

[@rodcashman4793]

That really makes sense 🤔 never thought about that. Thank you for sharing 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@jeffreywaters3934]

I use the Strike King Tour grade shakey head with the barb holder, works great! But I do have some pig tail heads and I just cut down the spring to 2 curls and the worm still holds good but breaks away with a fish on.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@SimplyFishing]

Solid tips once again.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you like them!

[@mikeeller557]

That's way you test new products . Thanks Matt . Wow Larry Nixon .

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@ReelwomenF1sh]

Makes sense👍thanks for the tip!

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@rooterdaddy6889]

I started out using the Spot Remover, but have now switched to the Davis Baits Shakey Head. I switched on Blaukat's video recommendation.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i havent used those heads

[@WolverineXXXX]

I got a story, today at the river, I told fishing buddy I'm going to show him Trout Magnets work bc he had them, but never used them. He got mad and asked if I always think people are stupid. I wanted to say yes, but there were people around. I just let him berate me. I said, you know it works but how come you never use them? He gets mad. Went off on me. I don't know why people are so sensitive? Such low self-esteem. Wanna get on my level? Work and be smart. I asked why he was trying to be a smartarse. He asked me the same thing. They don't know anything, yet they act like they do. I said I was just going to show you they work. Never understand these people thinking I was condescending. You go fishing with someone, you talk fishing. He makes it like I'm talking life or things about his mommy. I guess if they want to know, I am smarter than everyone in this fooking game. My brother caught many trout in front of buddy and them and they asked him what it was he was using the day before. My brother said, it's just a random cheap spinner, knowing exactly what it was. That's his favorite. I couldn't see from the distance, but I knew what he was using just by the big flash. I said, it's a Joe's Fly. Now these kids could guess how I know these things. I told you I am an oracle and a genius. A guy today was killing it in the shallow. I said to buddy who have just berated me, "You wanna know a good lure? Ask that guy." At this point, I'm just being a prick. The guy comes over and I was interested moreso than my buddy bc I am all about knowledge. I asked if I can see his lure. He says it's a spoon. I looked at it and said, "It's a Cleo." I'm letting people know I am the best in this game. Before we had the berating, buddy took out a chrome spinner. He didn't know what it was. He catches a fish. He asked if I know in order to buy more. I said Mepps. He then tested me if I know what his in-line was. I looked at the blade and built and I said, that's them Chinese Roosters you see at Walmart and they don't spin that well. They are made thicker everywhere. These kids wanna talk to me about fishing? Fooking kidding me. Kids these days are fools. They have no gratitude. I put them on the most fish of their lives and they trash my skills. I taught them to buy the best rod, instead of that trash rod. Now he's killing it. They fishing to eat. I fish the art. I also taught these kids the elite level. We were the only ones killing it out of the hundreds of people there but they don't want to give me credits and just put me on blast like that. Fools they are. They ought to be grateful they get to fish with the best there is. My going rate to be around me is $800 per hour unlike Randy, and I don't even charge them since they are friends. No more, not even being frienemies. I kid you not. People are losing respect these days. You don't wanna know how many spoiled, entitled brats there are in the world. Sometimes it is best to play dumb like my brother and lie to these idiots. Losing faith in humanity. They've even seen that I put that Mexican gang gang on them fish when he asked to buy a lure from me. I gave him two jigs and a Kastmaster and he smoked them for being a clueless gangster. They asked why I do that. I never told them, but my heart is pure and I want people to know they are fishing with the best of the best. I took these dumb kids from zero to hero in a matter of minutes, yet nobody sees and nobody gave me my due respect. It's a shame what this world has come to. If people don't respect your skills, you don't need to be around them, and have no mercy if they shall come against you. I see why people don't humble themselves and always play the villain. Tomorrow I shall go take them out again. Today, I suggested we go to this area. I told the dumb buddy to go to the beach since I had to park outside. He is so smart he went another way. He is so spoiled I had to drop him off inside. When I came back on foot to the beach, he wasn't there. There were some guys there struggling. I got there and it was every cast. It was less than 5 minutes and I limited out. The buddy came soon after to join me and he asked if I have caught anything. I told him I limit out. Lol. Ask the guys that were there. Surely they were impressed. It's always like that. They always watch me and my crew kill it. Like I said, gotta declutter these useless friends. My heart is not cold. The world is cold. Just want yall to read a cool story.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for the story

[@alcav54]

The Gamakatsu Alien head has been my favorite for years. Plus the hook is razor sharp

[@MattStefanFishing]

super sharp!

[@DanielEvans-kc5ub]

I agree totally!! No lie!!I was throwing baby brush hog on 1/8oz pro model and was catching fish but somehow was loadingup on hook set as I usually do and started missing a bunch of good bits, sometimes reeling then halfway in then losing them and my bait was still hooked into the plastic... didn't kno why I was missing fish... got broke off had to tie on the regular one and I swear didn't miss another one, haven't put it to the test yet but i am soonI, I'm pretty sure your right on

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@samuelschult985]

Great tip, that's the problem I've been dealing with never though of that 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

glad to help!

[@retflo2583]

Thanks Matt, I am not counting a shaky head as a strength, but will definitely try it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

You can do it!

[@mulder5118]

another great video bub. thanks as always.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks again!

[@clintperry799]

I never would have thought that. 🤔👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

i didnt until larry nixon told me

[@bassngal3314]

I’ve used jewels shakey head which is like a Texas rig, used both types of spot remover, found I liked the pigtail better but was using elaztech products then that don’t go on the original spot remover, going to try some of yours and see if I notice the difference

[@MattStefanFishing]

stick with what works for you!

[@kevinhaley1150]

Yep Larry is the man,met him at fishing university .he speaks I listen lol

[@MattStefanFishing]

he is!

[@kevinhaley1150]

@@MattStefanFishing your pretty cool too lol Matt love your attention to detail and your tips thanks happy holidays to you and family

[@HankAaronJoseph19]

I never liked the shakey head because I was always losing fish. I used the vmc shakey head with the screw on keeper. Now I have a good idear to give it another try on a different jig head

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck!

[@PaintballShyguy]

Hell, Matt I never thought of it but that makes sense. Perhaps we could trim down the pigtail a bit so it will hold in place but still release when hit.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep i usually cut them in about half if Im using them

[@jasonrutherfordbassfishing]

Huh! That’s a really great tip! Thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@twinbadger1]

Great tip as always. Will that set up go through grass or at least flip into holes in submerged grass?

[@MattStefanFishing]

comes through grass great! Thats what its made for!

[@kevinloper6551]

Good God Man that's some really good content! Thanks for that, I've been there and just didn't put one and one together.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@raymondbradford4086]

I believe when especially a big bass sucks in a bait like a shakey head.. it has the whole bait in its mouth and we as bass fishermen don't realize how much it takes to open up the fish's mouth to get a proper hook into it.. head design on a shakey head I feel is key to help that..

[@MattStefanFishing]

agreed

[@terrytresemer2864]

I think Larry's right! I've both types and don't like the pig tail. I will cut it completely off or use a portion of the tail to make a rough spike to stick the head with. If you just thread it on and use a dental rubber band to make it weedless.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep!

[@lancepoore3045]

Crazy I'm seeing this this morning. Just yesterday I spent 5 minutes in my boat trying to find heads with the screw locks because all I could find were the ones with just the pegs. 😂

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha

[@vincentlivoti4184]

One added tip with the original Spot Remover head is the key to improving your hook up and catch ratio is take a pair of needle nose pliers and open up the hook point angle about 2 ~ 4 degrees. Don't overbend the hook or you will weaken it or break it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@oldschoolfishing4194]

Good stuff as usual Matt! Ideas for topics. I would love to see a vid on when rotating baits to find a pattern when to change baits. Is it 5 casts each or 15 minutes? I would love to see your approach to this. Another would be when to change areas of the lake. I know we all would love your advice on this.

[@MattStefanFishing]

good ideas!

[@secretbassrigs]

Unless you are using Livescope, 5 casts and 15 minutes seems too short.

[@oldschoolfishing4194]

@@secretbassrigs My comments were for Matt. The 5 casts and 15 minutes were just an example. I can catch fish without livescope.

[@secretbassrigs]

@@oldschoolfishing4194 good to hear 👍

[@Dave-jo1hf]

The fin-tech with the swinging keeper looks promising, a little expensive but promising. Going give that a shot too. Thanks for the tip!

[@MattStefanFishing]

go for it!

[@pondparadisedesignsinc.rob5313]

Great points in this video I thought the pigtail was the way to go now I’m thinking twice 🤔

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful

[@shadybanks8625]

I like the ones like Aaron designed for Picasso and Davis baits. You can snip that pigtail in half and it will work much better. The Gammy Trickyhead is good too. BTW Zappu just released a Power Inchi Wacky hook that is promising for bait caster Weedless Wacky rigs. It has a strong 5-6 strand stiff weed guard that to me feels like it would need to be thinned by half. The Hook Up has them now.

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill check it out

[@WildBillHabiki]

the Picasso Rhino that Aaron designed doesn't have a pigtail keeper. The Rhino is my fav. It has a recessed line tie which cuts down on snags.

[@seizedcarcass8440]

If I use a screw lock I try and use a thinner worm unless I have a fairly large hook gap. I really like fishing with the SMH jig head because the angle that the keeper holds the worm makes the hook get better penetration

[@MattStefanFishing]

sounds good

[@CHASIN_A_BASS]

Interesting. I myself haven't had any problems with screwlock style keepers on shakeys .. and I rarely lose a fish on a shakey head. I use spot remover pro and owner ultra head

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@douglasspickler4925]

Absolutely agree. I don't care for the pigtail keepers. Larry Nixon is the man.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yes he is!

[@jimk4267]

100% correct...hate the corkscrews. I pour the midwest finesse jig with a modified mold to accept a larger hook. It uses 1 wire keeper. I skin hook to that. How I have gotten around the using too many plastics problem. Purchased an injector and mold. I now remelt my used plastics. Win-win. Paying it forward...that's what you are doing

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on

[@coache5898]

I don’t know if I lose more fish, however, putting on certain plastics like Zman is super difficult with the pigtail. Because of the composition of the plastic, I find it easier to go with the bar bait retainer

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@artvandelay418]

Matt, What shaky head to you recommend for fishing grass and or branches? Thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

i like the picasso tungsten rounball for the best all around presentation in weed, wood and rock. no shaky head is great in grass... www.tacklewarehouse.com/Picasso_Tungsten_Shakedown_3pk/descpage-PTSD.html?from=MSFG

[@thekidfishing5745]

This tip makes total sense. Randy B says you can use the screw keeper but hook the worm on the edge just putting the hook slightly under the skin. Do you have any thoughts

[@MattStefanFishing]

I do not like side hooking baits.it often leads to the worm spinning when retreieved back to the boat which can lead to line twist

[@thekidfishing5745]

@@MattStefanFishing thank you makes a lot of sense will start doing your way. Thanks for all the info you share

[@curtisloden7201]

If you could only bottle up Larry Nixon's knowledge. Great Tip. Thanks for sharing.

[@MattStefanFishing]

no kidding!

[@capital613]

Mine is pig tail keeper haven't catch anything last July 😄 great info will buy some regular keeper for next season.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good luck!

[@joshua87Adam]

I use weighted screw EWG with my swim baits and regular with my flukes, and I don't seem to lose many. Same with a need rig. The shaky head pro is like a need rig to me, except for the angle of the hook. Both work great for me, but I've also never used the original shaky head, so I couldn't tell you if it makes a difference for me. I just know what I have used has worked. Thanks for the video though. I'm going to buy a pack and try them out.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@kevinbeaudean704]

Thanks Matt. I find that I don't shaky head as much since the neko came out. How do you feel about threading the worm with a keeper on the hook? Went to a paid seminar that Larry and 3 other pros gave back in 2004. To this day the nicest pro I ever meet. The people asked some of the most off the wall questions I ever heard. He was the only pro who didn't get irritated.

[@MattStefanFishing]

hes a good guy! Im OK with threading the worm on

[@danlaminger5265]

Totally the truth, I hook way more with the push on keeper or putting on like a tex rig then the screw on. Bought some nice ones that had the screw, wasn't til I ran out and had to use the push on did I see a huge difference

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sounds good!

[@bassfishingasia]

That makes sense but the downside is that you probably go through worms faster. Ever since they started making offset hook jigheads, I've favored them because the worm can slide down the shank with less damage. My favorite has been Decoy nail bomb

[@MattStefanFishing]

yes you do

[@ChandlerWrites]

Love any story involving Larry Nixon. Still have a couple Larry Nixon Signature Bomber 6A crankbaits I won't use...

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@fishaholic122]

Great tip, what happens to all the worms that wind up in the water, I heard that fish that swallow them end up dying because they can't pass them. What do u think?

[@MattStefanFishing]

i think it depends on the plastics. SOme will degrade over time and others will swell significantly. I have caught some plastics that were sold as 4 inch craws and swelled to be 8 inches in size....they had bodies one inch thick.

[@MailmanDownEDC]

I’ve got an idea. For those that only have the Shaky Heads with the pigtail keepers, what about cutting the pigtail keeper a lot shorter so that it only takes about a half of a turn to thread the bait on it instead of 3-4 turns. Think the bait would break away easily during the bite? I’m gonna try it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@MailmanDownEDC]

You’re welcome.

[@silverdropstang]

Great idea. Have you actually did this and tested? I literally just got home with the screw type pro model and now worried to use em

[@MailmanDownEDC]

Yep! I’ve tried it, but haven’t caught a fish with it. 😊 The bait does screw on enough to stay attached. I tested it by doing a “dry run” and it doesn’t take much pressure for the bait to break away. Theoretically, it should work.

[@wesleynelson1776]

That’s exactly what I do

[@benholliday5526]

I don’t fish shaky heads much, well none, but that makes all the sense in the world. When I do finally fish one I will remember this. I am a big time drop shot devotee. Would love to hear when to fish drop shot or shaky head.

[@MattStefanFishing]

good video topic!

[@secretbassrigs]

Drop shot is a close to bottom suspending technique. While Shakey head fishing is fished on the bottom.

[@benholliday5526]

@@secretbassrigs I am aware of that.

[@secretbassrigs]

@@benholliday5526 Shakey heads use bigger worms than drop shot, traditionally.

[@georgebramblett6078]

I started cutting the pigtail down to one curl and it seemed to make a big difference

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep that helps!

[@freddyj5845]

What did you use to cut it?

[@randomschmo5778]

Great juice....I wouldn't have figured that out in a million years. Being a relative old timer, i only recently started using some hooks with the pigtail keeper, mainly on weighted swimbait hooks. So, now I'm wondering if the pigtail will cause the same problem with losing bass on my large Glide baits and large swimbaits? Any thoughts on this MS?

[@MattStefanFishing]

it could be hurting. i tend to cut half the pigtail off

[@patrickmahoney3479]

Good pointer.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@TheWaymont]

I've been using the Owner pigtail shaky head jig for years, never miss fish.

[@MattStefanFishing]

stick with what you have confidence in

[@SpookyRedz]

I like the shove ons by gambler giggy heads bro , but u have to watch cause some have too thin of a hook , they have a spike with 2 small flanges

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@Garminrules]

Well kinda shoots down texas rig worm straight shank or ewg....same problem.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching

[@Garminrules]

@@MattStefanFishing your my number 1 guy in front of randy now....bro you got good , down to earth stuff....hope you dont mind the feedback... Randy still mad at me I think because I dont like backreeling on spinning reel...lol....keep doing what you do!!

[@Garminrules]

​@@MattStefanFishing still the the concept you talked about

[@davidwilliam320]

What about the shakey head that have the spring keeper attached to a second eye on the bait? So that the keeper is “free swinging”. Any experience or opinions on them? For reference VMC makes one called the stand up shakey head. Thanks and appreciate the tips!

[@MattStefanFishing]

im honestly not a huge fan of those

[@gregbroyles2908]

Makes sense!

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

🍺Thanks Matt. Numerous company’s make EWG screw lock shakyheads that could help that potential issue some. Berkley fusion 19 Shakyheads are 35%-50% off today at Tacklewarehouse.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thats a good deal!

[@damnitman1969]

I use the pig tail football head but a wide gap hook instead of the j hook rarely lose fish

[@MattStefanFishing]

sounds good!

[@waynesalamon8911]

I have better success with the Jewel Pro Shakey Head because the gap between the hook point and the bait keeper is bigger versus the style you throw. Love watching your videos. You have excellent cotent.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you!

[@CoopOutdoorsy88]

Try a tube on a shakey head especially non-hollow body tube like the googan doob tube. I love using that for smallies in Wisconsin

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@bigguy7618]

Good stuff!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@TonyMadrigal-yn3hd]

Sorry, I'm a bit late to this one! Question,.....did you ever try modifying your existing pigtails and if so how did that work out? I.E. - straightening them out and shortened with a hooked end.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep i shorten them