New Technique with Flat-sided crankbait: What is Shakey?
1. What is Shaky?
Have you ever heard of a technique called "Shaky"? It's becoming popular in Japan. Shaky refers to the technique of making a flat-sided crankbait dart side-to-side using fine rod movements. It's a fishing method that has existed in the U.S. for some time, so some people may have heard of it before. However, among Japanese anglers who have been pursuing hard bait fishing, there has been a lot of buzz in recent years, wondering, "Could Shaky be incredibly effective at catching fish...?"
With Shaky, you can appeal to suspended bass in the middle layer by limiting the travel distance and fishing slowly and methodically. This allows you to attract and lift bass not only from directly below the lure but also from a wide range, such as diagonally below. It's a technique that can catch bass that wouldn't react at all to other hard baits, so it's a must-have in your arsenal.
2. How to Fish Shaky
Basically, avoid making long casts and instead cast the lure within your sight. As soon as it hits the water, point the rod tip towards the surface and make short, quick movements to cause the lure to roll side to side as you retrieve. Focus on minimizing the travel distance and enticing the bass slowly. Also, try swimming the lure at a depth you can visually track. Bass will rise from the middle layer and strike aggressively near the surface. It's not uncommon for bass to notice the lure's presence upon splashdown and eat it within the first one or two twitches. However, instead of setting the hook immediately, wait for a split second until the bass turns its back to return to the water, then set the hook to ensure a solid hookup.
Since Shaky is a surface presentation, you can see up close as the bass bites, making it an exciting way to fully experience the thrill of fishing.
3. Recommended Gear
Lures
Marunomi Flat 60: NORIES
Released by NORIES in 2024, this new flat-sided crankbait was originally developed by Mr. Tanabe with the intention of creating a flat-side that exhibits an attractive action even when straight retrieved at high speed. However, it was discovered to be exceptionally well-suited for Shaky, to the point where Marunomi has become synonymous with the technique.
Typically, flat-sides with high buoyancy are difficult to dart as desired, but the Marunomi Flat manages to be highly buoyant while also being responsive to subtle rod technique. This buoyancy allows it to avoid obstacles while swimming, making it possible to cast near cover such as rocky shorelines.
"MARUNOMI" is a Japanese word meaning to swallow in one gulp. As the name suggests, despite its 2 3/8" (60mm) size, surprisingly large bass will engulf it whole. Of course, it also exhibits a high-pitch wobbling action when retrieved normally, making it a versatile lure. It comes in 10 colors, all of which range from yellow to near-white, chosen for their high-flash effect when the body rolls side to side.
Rods
In the video above, the Marunomi Flat 60 was fished on a NORIES Road Runner Voice Hard Bait Special HB630L. Meanwhile, pro angler Takumi Ito recommends the Hard Bait Special HB630LL, so aim for an L power rod or one with a softer action than the L class.
Line
Fluorocarbon is recommended. It doesn't float on the surface, creating a straight connection between the rod tip and lure, allowing the rod's subtle movements to be translated effectively.
4. Best Situations for Shaky
Shaky time arrives in early spring when the water temperature rises above 50°F (10°C) and bass begin their pre-spawn movements, becoming more surface-oriented. Bass that had been holding deep will move up to mid-to-shallow ranges and start feeding actively to build energy for spawning. As winter fades and the water clarity decreases, becoming stained, it's the perfect opportunity for high-appealing moving baits to shine.
Shaky excels at drawing up bass during the back-and-forth temperature swings of spring, especially after cold rains or on days with low air temperatures when bass are holding in the middle ranges rather than shallow. The side-to-side flashing of the lure on the surface attracts bass from a wide area, mimicking a vulnerable baitfish moving slowly. Focus on casting to areas where small fish like bluegill or goby are swimming.
Shaky has proven effective not only for pre-spawn bass with strong feeding impulses but also for mid-to-post-spawn bass. By using Shaky to methodically entice them, you can lift and catch even sluggish post-spawn bass. However, unlike pre-spawn, there tends to be a longer pause before they commit and eat, so it's important to keep twitching the lure even if they don't strike right away.
Compact, easy-to-eat lure sizes like the 2 3/8" (60mm) Marunomi Flat, combined with a slow speed that's easy for bass to eat, appeal to a wide range of bass from over 20 inches to around 12 inches class. Shaky is a technique to use when you want numbers rather than size.
Also, since you're retrieving near the surface, you can watch the moment the bass bites right in front of you, adding to the excitement of the catch.
Shaky is generating a lot of attention, with various companies planning to release new flat-sided crankbaits. Further research into this technique is sure to expand. It's the latest must-try tactic that you won't regret adding to your skill set.