How To Rig Artificial Shrimp Like A Pro (For Any Water Depth)
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
What’s the best way to rig artificial shrimp?
Well, it depends.
How deep is the water that you’re fishing in?
Is there a strong current?
Both of those factors will determine the best way to rig your shrimp, and in this video, I’ll give you a simple rule of thumb to help you decide based on the conditions you’re fishing in.
Enjoy!
Rigging Artificial Shrimp [VIDEO]
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Lures mentioned:
And you can get the Owner TwistLock hooks and jig heads mentioned in this video from our shop (Insiders only).
How To Rig Artificial Lures In Shallow Water
When fishing in water less than four feet deep, I like to rig shrimp on a weedless hook.
Some baits, like the Chasebaits Flick Prawn, come pre-rigged, while others, like Gulp Shrimp I rig on a weighted swimbait hook, such as the Owner TwistLock hook.
I like rigging lures weedless in shallow water because there will typically be seagrass, tree limbs, oysters, or other debris in the water and rigging your shrimp weedless will decrease your chances of getting snagged.
The exception to this rule is that if you’re fishing close to four feet deep and there’s a lot of current.
In this scenario, I may use a jig head to get my lure down to the bottom.
How To Rig Artificial Lures In Deeper Water
When fishing in water greater than four feet deep, I like to rig shrimp on a jig head.
I typically use jig heads from 1/8 oz to 1/2 oz, depending on the depth and the current, so when I go out on the water I’ll bring a few different size jig heads with me.
Now the reason jig heads are better for deeper water is that all the weight is at the front of the lure, so they can dive straight down, making them more hydrodynamic.
With weighted swimbait hooks, the weight is in the middle of the lure, where which causes them to slowly sink down horizontally.
Another note here is that most pre rigged shrimp don’t work well with jig heads because they have pre-made grooves or other elements that make them best for the hooks they were made for.
Conclusion
If I’m fishing water deeper than four feet, I typically use a jig head, and when I’m fishing shallower water, I’ll use a weighted swimbait hook.
Have any questions about rigging artificial shrimp?
Let me know in the comments below!
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Can you use splitshot weight to add to this setup if the size jighead you have is not heavy enough due to current or wind etc ?
Hey Adrian! You could, but I would recommend rigging the shrimp with a weedless hook and a heavier bullet weight (Texas rigged) to get it down deeper.
Thank You Gentlemen,
Maybe a video on the Top Ten Hooks (or whatever # is appropriate) to carry for all your needs from live bait and rigs and jigs
I enjoy the content
Happy New Year to All from Myrtle Beach!
For deeper water or faster current you might try borrowing from the bass folks and use a Carolina rig. The Zman shrimp float above the bottom but the Carolina rig will hold them close and the clacking weight can attract fish. DOA shrimp would also work. If you are using a wide gap hook you can also use DOA clamp weights on the hook shaft. These weights can be broken apart to fine tune the weight being used.
Great video. I too often forget about using artificial shrimp in deep water. In the winter shrimp are often the primary food source so matching the hatch is important.
Great tip!
How about a drop shot shrimp or a shrimp used as a teaser?
Thanks Tony….. do you ever use the jig heads with the wire guards that make them
weedless, I was told they might impede the bite.
No problem Stuart! I have tried them but I’m not a fan. I would rather use a heavier wide gap hook that can be rigged weedless.
Great information. Thanks as always
Thanks Tom!
Hey Tony…..
I Always look forward to your videos and expertise ..
Your chuckle whenever you hook up is great!
Question:
What about the different colors of gig heads? Any rule of thumb on when to use what?
Thanks!!
Thanks Peter!
Here is a video I did on jig head colors:
https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/best-jig-head-color/
So I need help understanding the whole line – leader – weights and if they are needed in addition to this excellent video. Can someone direct me to those vids? I am learning inshore in Sarasota Bay and offshore in the close in gulf to 5 miles.
Mark, if you’re an Insider Member check out: https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/best-size-rod-reel-for-inshore-fishing/
If not you really should consider joining as an Insider. Lot’s of helpful info like what you just asked about. Fish On!
Hey Mark! I always use leader for inshore fishing. About 2 feet of 20lb flourocarbon if targeting redfish and trout. I’ll bump it up to 30lb if targeting snook. I attach my leader to my mainline using an FG knot, and then attach my lure to my leader using a non-slip loop knot. The weight should be part of the lure and will vary based on how deep you may be fishing.