What’s up with the Jika Rig?

Not too much before being knocked off my pedestal seat by the Alabama Rig this week, I started seeing rumblings on Twitter and forums about the Jika Rig. It seems every couple years, there are new rigs, techniques, gear and technologies to keep up with in bass fishing.

As pictured above (Fork Craw, 3/0 EWG Hook, Voss 1/4oz Weight) – can be done w/ single or double split rings

The Jika Rig (also called The Jig Rig) is very interesting, it is actually very simple. While Owner company is marketing this, it began is Japan, much like the drop shot and the Neko Rig. You can buy this rig pre-rigged, but I really don’t see the point. You almost certainly have the stuff in your tackle box already to make them and if not, just about any local retailer would have what you need. If they don’t, order them online.

All you need is a good selection of offset wide gap worm hooks, some split rings and a weight with wire loop or attachment on top and put the three together. I have also seen, where people have used short pieces of braid to make a loop and tie the weight to the split rig, making it almost like an ultra low profile drop shot. I think you can use different shape weights to tailor your presentation and to the cover. You can also use one or two split rings to adjust the action as well.

To me, the Jika Rig is a cross between a Texas Rig, Football jig and a drop shot, also kind of like the Biffle Hard Head. I also think this rig will prove to be very versatile, can be flipped pitched, dragged like a football head and probably serves as a decent bed fishing rig among other things.

Here is a video of a JikaRig (JigRig) that I made and demonstrating underwater at a boat ramp.

I think its most attractive quality as it offers freedom to the plastic and offers it in a very horizontal and natural way. I think Byron Velvick does a great job explaining the features and benefits of the rig in this video.