12 Brands of Christmas- Drop Zone Tackle
The Jika Rig v. Tokyo Rig for Smallmouth Bass
Happy Holidays to everyone. This holiday season we are presenting our “12 Brands of Christmas” with products that will certainly assist with everyone catching more Smallmouth in 2025. I will also release companion videos to the newsletter so everyone can get a look at the brands products this year as well.
Our first brand is one of our own regional brands. It is quickly making a name for itself in the Smallie community because it has mastered the terminal tackle required for two of the best presentations out there.
Introducing Drop Zone Tackle.
Drop Zone Tackle produces everything you need for that drop shot presentation out there on the river or even the reservoir offering not only various weight sizes but also hook sizes ranging from the 3/0 to 5/0 variety but also has introduced the popular Rattle Head to market. The Rattle Head is a Shakey Head style jig head with rattling capability to entice strikes. With 1/4, 3/16, 3/8 the Rattle Head has you covered. Green Pumpkin.
Lets talk about one of my favorite presentations; the drop shot.
The drop shot has certainly evolved in the last few decades even while other presentations seemingly have taken over the fishing industry like chatterbaits and now Forward Facing Sonar but the drop shot should still be an integral part of your planning when river fishing especially when you have vegetation to consider.
Drop Zone Tackle not only has a great lineup of Rattling Drop Shot Weights in two varieties easily attached but has a pre rigged Rattling Jika Rig which hands down is my favorite of the offerings.
What is the Jika Rig? Is it the same as a Tokyo Rig?
The Jika Rig and Tokyo Rig are two Japanese bass fishing techniques designed to adapt to different environments and fishing scenarios. Here’s a detailed comparison and explanation of each, especially for targeting Smallmouth bass in rivers, lakes, or reservoirs:
Jika Rig
Description:
A Jika Rig consists of a hook (usually offset or straight-shank) connected to a split ring, with a free-hanging cylindrical or teardrop-shaped weight attached to the ring.
The weight is not fixed to the hook, allowing the bait to move independently for a natural presentation. This is critical and different than many other presentation set ups.
This rig keeps the bait close to the bottom while allowing subtle action. Often times the Jika remains on the bottom and is a compliment to those that may like to Ned Rig fish but are not catching Smallies with that offering.
Casting is greatly improved in the transfer of energy from bait to rod for more effective long casting as well.
Best Applications:
River Fishing:
Ideal for fishing in areas with strong currents because the compact profile resists getting swept away. The weight utilized is critical here. While I prefer the 1/4 oz at times going with a 3/8oz or even a 1/2 oz may be required based on the current levels and rates of flow.
Works well around rocky bottoms, as it’s less likely to snag compared to other rigs. How you rig your soft plastics is also a big factor in this.
Effective for Smallmouth Bass in shallow to mid-depths (2–10 feet), especially in summer when fish are active in current breaks or near boulders or ledge/rocklines.
Easily punch through vegetation atop the river surface like matted grass, hydrilla or milfoil
Lake/Reservoir Fishing:
Excellent for targeting bass holding near structure or cover, such as submerged logs, rocks, or vegetation edges.
Works well in clear water where a natural presentation is crucial.
Presentation Tips:
Cast near structure or into current breaks in rivers, allowing the rig to sink directly to the bottom. Let it sit for your desired count. I usually prefer a five count before making any movements with the rod tip.
Use short, subtle hops or drags along the bottom to mimic a crawfish or baitfish scurrying on the bottom. Try to remain in contact with the bottom as much as possible.
Ideal for slow-to-moderate retrieves. This can also work extremely well as water temps drop and Smallies become less apt to chase baits.
The split ring set up of the Drop Zone Tackle Rattling Jika Rig allows the bait to fall vertically or present vertical on the fall.
Tokyo Rig
Description:
A Tokyo Rig features a short piece of wire extending downward from a swivel, with a weight attached at the bottom. Above the swivel is a hook (often a flipping or straight-shank hook) for the bait.
The wire keeps the bait slightly elevated off the bottom, offering a dynamic range of motion.
Best Applications:
River Fishing:
Effective in areas with moderate to slow current where Smallmouth Bass are foraging above rocky bottoms or near vegetation.
The elevated bait presentation can draw strikes from bass that are feeding just off the bottom, especially in deeper pools but is not a true bottom contact bait like the Jika.
Lake/Reservoir Fishing:
Excellent for fishing over soft or muddy bottoms where a Jika Rig might sink into sediment.
Effective near drop-offs, ledges, and submerged vegetation where the elevated presentation mimics baitfish or crawfish.
Presentation Tips:
Use a lift-and-drop technique to make the bait appear alive and moving naturally.
Let the rig settle periodically to mimic a feeding baitfish or crawfish.
Vary your retrieve speed to determine the bass’s preferred tempo.
Key Differences
Tokyo Rig Bait Action Subtle, closer to the bottom but Elevated, more dynamic motion Weight Placement Fixed directly below the bait Free-moving on a wire below the bait Snag Resistance High Moderate Ideal Conditions Fast currents, rocky/structured areas Deeper water, soft bottoms, vegetation
Seasonal and Situational Use
Jika Rig:
Summer: Use in rivers for Smallies in shallow, rocky areas where they hunt crayfish or minnows.
Fall: Use in lakes near structure as bass feed aggressively before winter.
Tokyo Rig:
Spring: Effective in lakes or reservoirs when bass are moving into spawning areas and staging near drop-offs.
Post-Spawn/Summer: Great for targeting bass that suspend above soft bottoms or near submerged vegetation.
Additional Tips for Smallmouth Bass
Use natural colors like green pumpkin, watermelon, or shad patterns for both rigs in clear water.
In rivers, focus on current seams and eddies where bass wait for food to pass by.
In lakes, use electronics to identify structure or suspended bass, then adjust your presentation depth accordingly.
These rigs offer versatility and adaptability, making them essential tools for any Smallie Chaser targeting Smallmouth in diverse environments.
The Drop Zone Rattling Rig and Rattling Drop Shot Weights are unique because of the rattle that entices and draws Smallies to the bait presentation from distance.
Next Up: 12 Brands of Christmas: Thomas Custom Lures —-
Resources:
Facebook Groups:
Smallmouth Army:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1322144201945490
Smallie Chaser River Bassin:
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallieChaserChannel
https://www.facebook.com/groups/885248796934955many challenges for Smallmouth anglers especially those fishing from a kayak or wade fishing.
If you are interested in joining the tournament community for Smallmouth Only-River Only - Smallie Chaser River Bassin reach out for info via Facebook Messenger for schedule information on a river near you or fish the open national online events in your own Smallie River.