Jika Rig 101: Ultimate Guide For The Jika Fishing Rig

The Jika rig is a new bass rigs technique for using soft plastics while bass fishing. This new method was originally developed in Japan and has recently made the jump into the US fishing markets. It is taking the industry by storm and is resulting in a lot of fish being caught. It is the perfect setup for targeting both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. One of the most common questions we hear from bass anglers is, "What is a Jika rig"? We plan to answer this question and a ton of more questions today in this complete Jika rig guide. This will be your go-to Bible for everything Jika rig related.

What is a Jika rig?

What is a Jika rig: Jika rig components

The Jika rig is a bass rig that is very simple with only a hook, split ring, and a hook. The split ring connects the drop shot weight to a wide gap hook. In this set up the drop shot weights are free-floating to give it better action in the water. It creates a very unique swimming action while getting a dropping motion on every reel. This is a very compact bass rig that allows for better casting and precise placement. The bait rig will sink straight down due to the drop shot weight. The wide gap hook with your favorite soft plastic is free to move and rotate on the split ring giving it lifelike movement to bring it to life. Fish your rig with your favorite soft plastic bait whether they are worms, creature baits, swimbaits, or craws. The movement they make is perfect for sparking interest in nearby fish. It is perfect for causing a reaction strike.

Why use a Jika rig?

Why use a Jika rig when bass fishing.

After polling 100 American bass anglers we have found the number one reason they use a Jika rig is due to the sensitivity it gives you when bottom fishing. It provides an angler with a precise feel as to what kind of bottom them are fishing. It will allow you to be able to determine the bottom composition and different depth transitions. Many anglers chose to fish Jika rigs on rocky bottoms. The noise your weight will make when hitting against rock and debris gives it an advantage over other rights. It acts as a bass attracted bringing in more curious fish.

What size weight for Jika rig?

What size weight for Jika rig? Angler preference depending on drop speed.

 The drop shot weights size depends on the water depth you will be fishing and the bottom composition. Along with that, it is very angler dependent. I know fishermen who swear by a 1/4oz Jika rig while others will not fish with one above 1/8oz. Personally, when fishing in dense vegetation I opt for a heavier rig. One of the great things about this type of fishing rig is you can change your weight size fast. What size weight you chose will be based on how fast you want your drop speed to be. Keep extra tungsten weights in your tackle box for when you need to change up how your Jika rig is performing.

How to fish a Jika rig?

Effective ways for how to fish a Jika rig.

There are three main reasons for fishing a Jika rig. These are:

1) Fishing Heavy Vegetation

2) Small, Compact Profile For Casting

3) Prefer it over the original drop shot rig

Let us dive into more detail bout each reason to better explain why you should be fishing this type of rig on your next fishing trip.

 Jika rigs are the preferred method for fishing in heavy vegetation. They are able to punch through the aquatic grass and get your bait down to the bottom. This is a huge advantage over other bass lures on the market. Use this rig to punch through any type of grass or heavy vegetation like hydrilla, lily pads, milfoil or other matted grass. The smaller profile gives it a smaller area and mass getting it through the grass quicker. Once it punches through the split ring allows for your bait to stand vertical on the descent. 

Another great reason many Anglers choose the Jika fishing rig is because of its small, compact profile for casting. Cast it with more precision in windy or rough conditions. Many bass rigs are big and bulky and hard to cast. The Jika fishing rig eliminates this problem and allows for an easier time fishing.

The last reason anglers chose to fish Jika rigs is very simple. You prefer it over the original drop shot rig. This is the perfect rig for fishing around bass ambush points. These points consist of rock pile structure, sunken timber, stumps, docks, and other structure piles. These areas tend to hold baitfish and crawfish. The Jika fishing rig will bring provoke reaction strikes in these high bass food areas.

Jika rig vs. Tokyo rig

Jika rig vs. Tokyo rig, why to use one over the other

Comparing the Jika Rig vs. Tokyo Rig may seem difficult to the untrained eye.  However, a bass fisherman can tell the difference instantly.  Although very similar they both have different uses and applications.  The Jika has the drop shot weight attached to a split ring, which is attached to the eye of the hook.  The Tokyo rig has a 2-3 inch length of wire that the weight is attached to connected to the eye of the hook.  Why does this matter? The Tokyo Rig works great in an application where you want to have the bait up off the bottom as opposed to directly on it.  Slowly dragging the Tokyo Rig across the bottom will keep the bait and hook an inch or two off the bottom.  The Jika, in this same application, will have the bait directly on the bottom.  Some days one will work better than others but they both work.  This just depends on the fish and how you fish it, ending the debate of Jika rig vs. Tokyo rig.

Jika rig vs Texas rig

Jika Rig vs Texas Rig: When to use it.

Two fishing rigs that are very similar, yet different, are the Jika rig and Texas rig. Both rigs are great for catching bass and serve a unique purpose when fishing. The Texas rig is an easy setup that many bass anglers prefer. The hook is rigged through your soft plastic worm with the point of the hook flush to the back of the body. Bullet weight is attached to the line at the head of the hook giving it the weight needed to sink. The weight is the difference between these two rigging methods. The bullet weight can float freely up and down the line on a texas rig, while the drop shot weight on a Jika rig is fixed but can move freely around on the hook. Both presentations are effective yet the Jika rig has the edge when fishing heavy vegetation and punching through.

Jika rig vs Wobble head

Jika Rig vs Wobble Head, why to use one over the other

When looking at the Jika rig vs the wobble head there are a few things to remember. The Jika rig is a very similar rig to the traditional wobble head. Many anglers claim the Jika fishing rig is a finesse presentation and the wobble head is a power presentation. As far as the rigging goes there are several differences to the two rigs. On the Jika rig, the bait is separate from the weight. The wobble head the weight is in front of the bait attached to the hook. These subtle differences affect how the two rigs wok in the water and the movement they produce. Both are great for areas with a heavy structure like rock piles, humps, ledges, beds, or bars. The Jika rig will keep your bait off the direct bottom and more in the face of fish.

How to make a Jika rig For Bass

Maybe you are the type of angler who loves to make their own soft plastic baits and fishing jig head. If that is the case then making a Jika fishing rig is something you can do pretty easily. The components of a Jika rig are all the same, but angler preference will determine which size and brand you will use. Let us look in more detail as to what you will need to complete your Jika rigs.

Components:

1) Wide Gap Hook - We prefer to use 4/0 through 6/0 for our rigs. This is of course angler dependent. Use a hook that will work with the size of your soft plastics.

2) Split Ring - You can use almost any size of split ring for your rig. We recommend you use a size 2 or 3.

3) Drop Shot Weight - Drop shot weights are the key to making this rig work. Use lead weights or tungsten drop shot weights depending on your personal preference.

This is such a simple rig so putting it together is easy. Simply put your extra-wide gap hook onto the split ring, then add your drop shot weight. You will need a pair of split ring pliers to complete this rig. Maybe building your own rig isn't an option. We have our own affordable and cheap Jika rigs that are perfect for your next fishing trip.

After reading this ultimate Jika rig guide you can see the effectiveness they possess and their ability to fish all water conditions. Their ability to be fished in dense aquatic vegetation makes them the go-to Jika fishing rig of many anglers both professional and amateur. If you have any questions or concerns, then leave a comment below or email us at [email protected]. If you love to fish for bass using a Jika rig, please share your stories with the community and comment below. Send us all your bass fishing pictures to be featured on our social media page. If you love bass fishing and have not tried the Jika fishing rig then make it a priority and start fishing a Jika rig today.