Advanced Tokyo Rigging

James Lindner and Jeremy Smith reveal one of the newest, most versatile, and deadly bass tactics on the scene – Tokyo Rigging.

When using the Tokyo Rig for fishing, anglers have limitless options in terms of bait selection, presentation styles, and fishing techniques, allowing for a creative and adaptable approach to catching fish in different environments. The Tokyo Rig can be used for fishing plastics on a steady retrieve, providing anglers with the opportunity to experiment with different bait presentations and retrieve techniques to attract fish in various situations. The Tokyo Rig is particularly effective for fishing pressured fish that are accustomed to seeing the same lures day after day, as it allows anglers to present lures in a fresh and unique manner that can entice these fish to bite.The Tokyo Rig offers versatility and the ability to present fishing lures in ways that many fish may not have seen before, making it an excellent choice for fishing in various conditions.

Tokyo rigging is a highly effective method for fishing in heavy cover and dirty water. It allows you to present oversized baits and provides excellent hooking capabilities. We will explore the benefits of Tokyo rigging, the equipment used, and some tips for success.

The Benefits of Tokyo Rigging

One of the main advantages of Tokyo rigging is its ability to navigate through snaggy spots without getting hung up. The design of the rig allows the weight to be separated from the body, resulting in a direct drive hookset when a fish bites. This ensures a solid hooking and landing ratio.

Additionally, Tokyo rigging provides a unique action to the bait. The tungsten weight attached to the rig ricochets off the bottom, creating a sweeping and bouncing motion. This action can entice fish to strike, even in heavily covered areas.

Equipment Used for Tokyo Rigging requires specific equipment to maximize its effectiveness. Here are the key components used by the Angling Edge TV team:

1. Tokyo Rig: The Tokyo Rig is a specialized rigging system that consists of a heavy-duty hook attached to a swivel, which is then connected to a leader. The leader is typically made of fluorocarbon or braided line.
2. Bait: The team recommends using oversized baits for Tokyo rigging. In the video, they used a 4-inch cane thumper, but other options like a 10-inch big bite creek tail worm or a creature bait can also be effective.
3. Tungsten Weight: A tungsten weight is attached to the Tokyo Rig to provide the necessary weight for casting and to create the unique bouncing action. The weight is designed to ricochet off the bottom, allowing the bait to sweep over various types of cover.
4. Fishing Rod: For Tokyo rigging, a medium-heavy rod with a moderate-fast action is recommended. The moderate-fast action helps to find purchase in the fish’s mouth, increasing hooking efficiency. In the video, the team used a 7-foot-4 Saint Croix Bass X rod.
5. Fishing Reel: A high-speed reel is preferred for Tokyo rigging to quickly pick up slack line when fishing the bottom. A reel with a gear ratio of 7.3:1 or higher, like the Daiwa Tatula 100 used in the video, is ideal.
6. Fishing Line: The choice of fishing line depends on personal preference and the fishing conditions. In the video, one angler used 30-pound braid, while the other used Suffix Advanced Fluorocarbon. Braid is recommended for heavy cover situations, while fluorocarbon is preferred for fishing in sparse weed cover or rocks.

When fishing for pressured fish that encounter the same lures regularly, it is essential to utilize versatility in your approach. Varying the presentation of fishing lures can be highly effective in catching the attention of these fish that are accustomed to seeing the same offerings repeatedly. By altering the way you fish the lures and presenting them in innovative ways, you can increase your chances of enticing and hooking these experienced fish. Experimenting with different techniques and strategies can be a successful method for targeting pressured fish and achieving fishing success in challenging conditions.

Tips for Success

Here are some additional tips to help you succeed with Tokyo rigging:

1. Experiment with Different Baits: It is important to have a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors of soft baits for Tokyo rigging. Every day on the water is different, so it’s essential to be prepared with different options. In dirty water, dark soft baits, like black and blue, provide better contrast and visibility for the fish.
2. Consider the Fishing Line: The choice of fishing line depends on the fishing conditions and personal preference. Braid is recommended for heavy cover situations, as it provides strength and durability. Fluorocarbon is preferred for fishing in sparse weed cover or rocks, as it transmits bites well on slack line and offers better sensitivity.
3. Use the Right Rod and Reel: A medium-heavy rod with a moderate-fast action is ideal for Tokyo rigging. The moderate-fast action helps find purchase in the fish’s mouth, increasing hooking efficiency. Pair the rod with a high-speed reel with a gear ratio of 7.3:1 or higher to quickly pick up slack line when fishing the bottom.
4. Stay Comfortable: Being comfortable on the water is crucial for staying focused and catching more fish. Consider wearing performance shirts designed for fishing in hot weather, like the ones from Blackfish Clothing. These shirts wick away moisture and keep you cooler compared to traditional cotton tees.
5. What are the limitless options for using the Tokyo Rig, and how can it be adapted to fit regular fishing gear for different fishing styles and preferences? The Tokyo Rig offers limitless options for anglers, allowing them to experiment with various weights, baits, and fishing techniques. Additionally, the adaptability of the Tokyo Rig enables anglers to customize it to fit their regular fishing gear, making it suitable for a wide range of fishing styles and preferences.
6. What are some examples of different weights and baits that have been successful with the Tokyo Rig in various fishing scenarios, such as fishing in matted vegetation or dredging bottom in deeper waters? Anglers have successfully caught fish using the Tokyo Rig with both light weights and finesse baits, as well as heavy weights for crashing through matted vegetation. The rig has also been effective for dredging bottom in depths exceeding 20 feet with swimbaits, showcasing its adaptability to different fishing environments.
7. In what ways can the Tokyo Rig be adapted to fishing plastics on a steady retrieve? The Tokyo Rig can be adapted to fish plastics on a steady retrieve, providing anglers with a different presentation style that can entice fish to strike. This adaptability adds to the rig’s versatility in various fishing techniques.
8. How can the Tokyo Rig be used to target pressured fish that are accustomed to seeing the same lures day after day? The Tokyo Rig offers versatility and a unique way to present fishing lures that many fish may not have encountered before. This makes it an effective method for targeting pressured fish that are used to seeing the same lures repeatedly.

Conclusion

Tokyo rigging is a highly effective technique for fishing in heavy cover and dirty water. It allows you to present oversized baits and provides excellent hooking capabilities. By using the right equipment, experimenting with different baits, and staying comfortable on the water, you can increase your chances of success with Tokyo rigging.