The Mojo rig isn’t one that gets the spotlight it deserves anymore—the Mojo rig, also known as the PD rig or split shot rig. Now, if you’re an angler who’s been around a while, these terms might ring a bell, but for many of you tuning in, you might be scratching your heads wondering, “What on earth is a Mojo rig?”
Well, let me break it down for you. The Mojo rig is essentially a finesse version of the Carolina rig, perfect for scenarios where the traditional Carolina rig setup feels too heavy-handed. Picture this: you’re out on the water, needing to cover a lot of ground swiftly. That’s where the Mojo rig shines. Unlike slower finesse techniques like drop shotting or shaky heading, the Mojo rig allows you to efficiently work through the water column, covering plenty of territory.
Now, let’s talk about when this rig really comes into its own. Imagine you’re fishing horizontal structures, where the bottom contour gently slopes off into deeper waters. This is where the Mojo rig thrives. Think slowly tapering main points or expansive flats—these are the ideal playgrounds for the Mojo rig.
But wait, there’s more! As we move into the season, consider those deep beds where spawning fish lurk. When the fish are bedding deep, especially in clear waters where they can spawn deeper due to light penetration, the Mojo rig becomes your secret weapon.
So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of rigging this setup. Like its Carolina rig cousin, the Mojo rig features a sliding weight, a bead, and a barrel swivel. But remember, everything is downsized for finesse. Opt for a sliding tungsten weight for maximum sensitivity, ranging from 1/16th to 3/8ths ounce, with 3/16ths and 1/4 ounce being favorites.
Next up, the leader. Choose a fluorocarbon leader, with length varying depending on water clarity and cover. In dirty water and heavy cover, opt for a shorter leader, around 8 to 12 inches. In cleaner waters with less cover, go for a longer leader, up to 3 feet.
Now, let’s talk hooks. Keep it small, folks. Sizes 1 to 3/0 are your best bet, ensuring the hook doesn’t overpower your bait. And speaking of bait, think finesse. Smaller plastics in the 3 to 5-inch range with a flat bottom work wonders. Texas rig them on your smaller hook, ensuring the flat side faces down for that enticing glide.
As for gear, outfit yourself with a longer spinning rod, around 7’6″ in length, paired with a larger spinning reel to handle those long casts and ensuing battles. Now, onto the fun part—fishing the Mojo rig.
Make those long casts, allowing the weight to sink to the bottom. Then, it’s a simple slow drag from 3 o’clock to 12 o’clock, but on an angle to the side of your body for better control and hook sets. Reel in any slack, pause, and repeat, focusing on areas with horizontal bottom contours or suspected fish beds.
And when you feel that telltale bite, reel down and execute a side sweep to set the hook, just like with a Texas rig. Remember, finesse is the name of the game here.
So, there you have it—the Mojo rig, a forgotten gem that’s ready to reclaim its rightful place in your tackle box. Next time you’re faced with horizontal structures, deep beds, or the need for finesse, give the Mojo rig a shot. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
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