Spring bass fishing can be simple and highly effective when you use a shakey head. In this video, Matt Becker breaks down a proven approach for targeting bass during the spawning season. Although many anglers now favor drop shots or Neko rigs, Becker shows why the shakey head still deserves a spot in your lineup.
Featured Product
- PLASTIC – Yamamoto Sensei Worm: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- JIGHEAD – Shakey Head Jig (1/8 oz.): Shop Jigheads at Bass Pro Shops
- ROD – FishUSA Flagship Elite Spinning Rod 7′ Medium Fast: Buy at FishUSA
- REEL – Shimano Twin Power FE Spinning Reel 3000 Size: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- BRAIDED LINE – Seaguar JDM PEX8 Braided Line: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- FLUOROCARBON – Seaguar Tatsu Fluorocarbon (12-pound): Buy at Tackle Warehouse
Where to Find Spring Bass
Location plays a key role in shakey head success. Becker focuses on flatter banks with a gradual slope. In particular, he targets areas with stumps, brush, or isolated cover. These features attract spawning bass, and casting near them increases the chances of getting bites. Becker also recommends casting past the target. This approach prevents spooking fish in shallow water. Then, slowly drag the shakey head back toward the structure.
How to Fish a Shakey Head
Instead of constantly shaking the rod, Becker uses a slower, more controlled approach. First, Becker drags the bait along the bottom. Next, once he reaches the structure, Becker pauses and subtly shakes the worm. This technique creates a natural presentation. As the worm quivers in place, bass often strike out of instinct. After moving past the cover, Becker continues working the bait slowly. Often, fish follow before committing to the bite.
Why the Shakey Head Still Works
Matt Becker trusts the shakey head because it stays in the strike zone longer than most finesse rigs. He also values its weedless setup. Becker pulls it through stumps, brush, and docks with fewer snags. That allows him to reach fish others miss. The larger hook improves hookups and landing percentage. For Becker, that mix of control, presentation, and efficiency keeps the shakey head effective year after year.
Boat Setup
- FISH FINDER: Lowrance HDS-12 PRO: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- FISH FINDER – Garmin GPSMAP 8616 16″ Chartplotter: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- FORWARD-FACING SONAR (FFS) – Garmin LVS34 LiveScope Plus Live Scanning Sonar Transducer: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
