T
here are definitely sexier baits; and Roy
Hawk would rather throw several of them.
However, when fish snug those top-shelf-
ers, the accomplished Arizona pro won’t hesitate to swap haughty for humble and send in a
tried-and-true workhorse – a lure that often ex-
cels when others fizzle — the shakey head.
“Personally, I’m not a real big fan of the shakey
head, but it is a vital technique that’s going to add
probably 10-20 percent of what I’ll catch through-
out the year,” Hawk said. “It’s a very key element
because it’s (often) a survival deal. When I have to, I
know I can go to that bait and catch fish.”
And that’s the essence: Sometimes, bass fishing
is all about the adrenalin; one big highlight reel mo-
ment. But often, it’s a grind; a mind-numbing
test of resolve and resourcefulness.
“I know it’s time to go to the
shakey head in
really tough conditions like after a cold front, but also when just getting a limit is a big deal,” Hawk said. “You may throw a crankbait all day long and come in with two or three bass, but I might pick up a shakey head and throw it all day, I might catch a nice bag with a couple nice fish.
“It just has a way of producing bites when every- thing has gone to heck. You can still get good quality bites with a shakey head.”
For Hawk, the shakey head shines through some pretty dim moments. A dropshot might also fit the bill, but he said there’s something about that subtle bot- tom contact
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