The Tokyo Rig SUCKS…Here’s A Better Alternative
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- čas přidán 16. 04. 2022
-  In today’s CZcams video Randy discusses how unproductive the Tokyo rig has been for him and offers a alternative…#bassfishing #fishthemoment #fishing #bass #lures
Lake map breakdowns… fishthemoment.com/lake-breakd... - Sport
I’ve caught hundreds of fish if not a thousand on the Tokyo rig. The times it can be the deal is bed fishing, flipping grass, as wobble head, and fishing deep swim baits for smallmouths in wintering holes. I use ZMan baits exclusively on the rig. Some advantages are that you can use a lighter weight when going through grass than standard punching with a Texas rig which makes it easier on you physically to flip all day. Also it keeps creature baits and swim baits on the bottom easily. But if it isn’t thick cover or the water gets really clean it’s not going to work good and a drop shot or a power shot is the way to go. If you get on some bed fish especially smallmouths that are hard to see whether cloudy, windy, or a little stained but you know where the bed is, the Tokyo is money. 12 to 15# flouro with a 3/8 tungsten, 3/0 hook and a green pumpkin goat. Throw that thing in there. Keep just a little slack in the line without pulling the bait out and you’ll see and feel every bite.
To be honest I understand why Randy doesn’t like it possibly. The lakes in the Ozarks don’t have grass for one, two they are generally very clean, and three the fish suspend off the bottom a lot. I probably would never throw it in those types of lakes either.
Lol the “deal” yeah man that’s why so many tournaments are being won on it…it’s a gimmick does it catch fish yes…but this is a rig that got novices anglers to believe the classic magic rig or bait trick
My “guess” is there are 50 plus ways to catch bass.
Bottom line is the majority of the “new rigs” are simply a variation on an old theme, from years ago….
This is a prime example, because as a boy in England, I fished this rig for flounder of the south coast… It had no name, it just worked well in salt water for bottom feeders..
Same as 50 shades of Grey. Apologies for the correct English spelling of grey!
@@christophercook723 gray makes more sense tho
@@michaelg8841 so does removing the o from the Untited States OF the Continent of America. Tyre and tire mean entirely different things but l understand the need to spell sounds phonetically for simple minded people.
I’m planning on trying the Tokyo rig quite a bit this year. I bought a few with the straight finesse hook instead of EWG. I feel that they will work if I give ‘em a chance. I have a lot of lures that don’t seem to work but I also rarely use them. The power shot is good but I hate slinging a bolo type apparatus like that or a Carolina rig. Tokyo is compact and easier to pinpoint cast. Also the wire to me isn’t anymore obvious than the big hook sticking down from the bait. Similar to big treble hooks hanging off a crankbait. I will have a better idea after this season. Also for punching heavy cover, you don’t have the fish eating a huge 3/4 oz tungsten weight like when using a Texas rig, so the weight doesn’t force the fishes mouth open on hookset. Also the line isn’t down scraping on rocks like with a Texas rig.
I missed so many fish on the Tokyo Rig that I finally took it off and threw it in the trash 🗑.. . Started doing exactly what you described and I don't miss fish anymore.. Thanks
1st time I saw the Tokyo rig I thought the same thing... power shot is the same and less visible.. I'm with you on this Randy
Seth Fider has been someone with some success I have noticed, but I never fished it or spent the money on it. I thought the same thing that a metal wire in fairly clear water on a clean bottom will spook fish more. Makes sense a heavy duty drop shot would be more effective less obtrusive with less visible line. Its like the Jinga rig i caught one at first and didn't after.
When I first saw it, I said, whoopee. A short dropshot rig with wire instead of fluoro. I fish dropshot with a leader as short as 3 inches at times. In heavy cover, I up it to "power shot" territory as far as line weight, but even with a traditional drop shot, there are times when a super short leader works. I never could see the wire drop to the sinker as any advantage.
I have tried this rig for a couple of years now with the same results as you. I have switched to a power shot and do really well with it.
I wonder if it would suck if Megabass came out with it??? I bet it would be the bees knees if that was the case.
I’m not sure what your point is but you’re completely missing the point of the video
@@19empire85 No, you implied that Randy’s opinion is controlled by his sponsors. That’s not entertaining, it’s hostile.
@@19empire85 I wouldn’t say effected. I’d say affected. And only if I agreed with you, which I don’t. Trustworthy people tend to trust people until they break their trust. Randy hasn’t broken my trust (except with some of his click-baity titles LOL). You know who expects everyone else to be crooked? Crooks.
@@19empire85 Most people come here for learning and encouragement. Not many have answers, and not many even see comment number 147. On the other hand, when you spout negativity and project your character flaws onto others, you’re begging for negativity back. It’s Newton’s Third Law.
@@19empire85 Oh, to answer your question, even the Bible says “the laborer is worthy of his wages” and “don’t muzzle the mouth of the ox while he treads the grain.” Why do you begrudge Randy the chance to get a little value from giving us value? What are you, a freeloader? A communist? Ha! When I was a kid, those were fighting words. Your generation probably takes it as a compliment.
I have tried using the Tokyo rig a few times but they ended up snagged and breaking off. There is a local guy who uses them flipping into cattails at our highly pressured lake from the kayak and he does great. Like many rigs and baits, time and place for everything.
I tried the Tokyo Rig a couple years ago, and caught a really nice bass on the first cast with a baby brush hog. Problem is, I haven't caught a fish on it since, and I have tried.
I've caught plenty of fish on a Tokyo rig but I predominantly fish stained or dirty water. I think that hardware helps the fish find the bait. Otherwise I completely agree with you if the visibility is clearer
I tried the Tokyo Rig before but I took it out of my arsenal once I had a fish die on me. The wire with the weight got lodged in between the fishes tongue and it actually ripped the gill right off and the Mountain Dew trick didn’t get the bleeding to stop. Needless to say the fish died and so did my trust in the Tokyo Rig.
Has anyone else had this issue with the Tokyo Rig or was this just some kind of freak accident that only happened to me?!?!
More Power to you Randy !!! Keep it up
Hey Randy try using 2 smaller weights instead of one large one. They will bang together and the noise will help your catch rate. I use both of these rigs and if the bottom isnt hard I use the power shot due to a longer lead to the weight.
It’s meant for heavy grass or mossy bottoms where that pice with the sinker would disappear in the grass leaving your bait floating on top
100% dude. I figured that one out a while ago and it's so much better. Although, I wish the power shot wasn't talked about as much, but regardless, people are gonna figure it out eventually I guess
I think you’re right Randy. That wire, in my mind, is just gettin in the way of your hook set n when they try to eat.
I have fished four times with the Tokyo rig and caught nothing. I thought I was doing something wrong. Thanks for sharing
You were probably in Osaka.
That’s a great tip! I bought a few Tokyo rigs this winter to try. Maybe I won’t. But I do know that here in Idaho that I tried that GIka Rig and that worked really well. Similar to the Tokyo rig. But I like your rig the best! Happy Easter!
you should always try things for yourself. people results vary wildly with different rigs. i would give it a shot and make up your own mind. gl out there!
I agree, if your not getting bit , what’s the point? I have had mixed results with different baits. I don’t use heavy gauge hooks or drop wires. I think making your own on how you like to fish is the way to go with most plastics techniques.
I have not bought any of these Tokyo rigs but I made a few and used a fairly thin wire to make it less visible. Have not had the chance to try it yet but who knows it may work but I just may shelve it and use what you mentioned. The rig that you presented looks like a better choice. Thanks for a great video and Happy Easter!!
Works great in Florida. I use creature baits to magnum worms on it. Great results.
Not only visually but when a fish sucks something in their mouth how much more likely are they to spit it before you get the hook set if the rig is more metal and lead than more natural feeling soft plastic
they are working great for me, I even stocked up on them...
I agree tried it many times no success. A drop shot works. You have to realize the distance between the hook and the bottom is less than the distance between the hook and the sinker when you cast it out some distance.
Was out yesterday for 45 minutes getting nothing on a Texas rig, slow retrieved a Bonsai rig across the bottom and got a 2.5 pounder.
I've never bought a tokyo rig, I just assumed making a short leader drop shot, alot of hardware like u said. I know my buddy does like them though. Tons bass spawning Clarks Hilll lake, theirs baby bass almost 2" long & bunch of fry guarders with new hatch's & dozens of empty beds just a single cove I was fishing.was a good day on water for me
my brother randy,agreed,but what will stop wrapping up on the cast,thanx
Yes, the "Powershot" does work...been doing it for a long time...for years I thought I was the only one that ever did it that way.
The Tokyo rig did catch one big ol' carp...me!
Out in California this toyko rig works pretty well 👍.. very good quality bass
Maybe that wire hanging down is not a good thing in really clear water, but I’ve had good luck with the Tokyo rig, but I’ve narrowed it down to 2 applications. Bed fishing and brush piles, I don’t get to do a lot of bed fishing for 2 reasons, one often I’m fishing lakes/rivers that aren’t that clear, and two, with work I often miss the prime days, but... the Tokyo is a killer bed bait the few times I’ve been in the right situation. What I like about it in brush piles is it’s so easy to get unhung it’s not bad about hanging up, but when you do, all you have to do is get over and shake it, with that hanging it always comes loose. I literally have yet to break one off. And 99% of the fish I’ve caught were all hooked in the top of the mouth. All this being said, I throw Texas rigs, shaky heads more often, but for sight fishing and brush piles, I’ll probably always have some in the boat.
Mechanically, there should be no difference with respect to snags between Tokyo and power drop shot. But if the weight snags, you lose the whole rig. Snags are a huge problem where I fish. That’s why I use lightly crimped split shot that slips off the line. Crimping on a split shot is much faster and cheaper than tying on a whole new rig.
It was originally designed for grass and to keep it off the bottom when there’s grass on the bottom where they wouldn’t see the wire. Not as easy to get a power shot into heavy cover like the Tokyo.
I couldn't agree with you more Randy! I have found a use for them that has actually worked for me that's a little bit different than most fish it. I'll put a 1/2 Oz or a couple 3/8 Oz weights on it and fish it like a would a swing head. Seems I lose fewer fish on it and at times the do seem to eat it better. You might try it sometime. Maybe get some use out of the one you have left. 😂
Even though I’m a fan of a lot of the bass fishing culture in Japan and the products and techniques, Tokyo rig is one I didn’t bother trying. I’m confident with regular flip/punch rigs. The wire on that rig just didn’t make sense to me, I figured bass might shy away from it more than other flip/punch rigs.
Good bye Randy , it was a very thin slice of heaven. Good luck to your channel in the future . First sexy shad stinks now the Tokyo rig Ott just won the heavy hitters on .
He probably would have won it by a bigger margin with a power shot
@@randyblaukatintuitiveExcept he didn’t. Talk is cheap.
Same feeling about the Tokyo rig, speaking as an Scandinavian perch angler (we adopt techniques from bass fishing for the perch here). There is to much metal junk on that thing, fish are not blind, they see it even in semi staind waters. And not that weed less. Weed gets tangled up on the sinker/wire all the time.
I like the zeka rig it won’t keep your bait Off the bottom but gives the same action to the bait
I tried the Tokyo rig. Never caught a fish on it. Just seems like a lot of hardware for a bass to leverage to throw the hook, unless you got them really stuck good. Like Randy said if it works for you more power to you. Fishing is 75% to 90% mental confidence in what lure you are fishing.
With that said I would be very curious to try one for Flounder or Fluke fishing with a zoom fluke or big worm. Maybe a Striper would hit it. Would have to make a heavy duty one for saltwater.
I’m told that strippers respond better to dollar bills.
@@ricksonora6656 🤣
I totally agree Randy, I haven’t been able to get any fish on them either, thanks for the tip 👍😁
I have caught many largemouth on the Tokyo rig as it is on the California Delta. I always have it tied on! I also have a Senko Texas weightless.
could you do some videos on weather and how it affect fish. what to look for in a forecast. which weather app do you use. etc.etc.etc. thanks
I agree with you. I never even tried it because of all the hardware. 10 years ago I figured out my own way to make something similar, but better, which some are now calling it free lining. Randy, come up to Lake Ozark and I would be happy to show you in person out on the water!
Show me! I’m just now learning lake o!
@@joshuagibbs9752 might be able arrange some day. I only fish week days. Where you located?
@@BodeknockerBrumbill I’m located in Jefferson City but much rather fish week day than weekend!
@@joshuagibbs9752let's get in touch privately. R U on FB messenger?
I've had good luck fishing it in heavy grass with a 3/4 oz, 1 oz or 1-1/2 oz Red one tungsten weight which has a unique diamond shape . That pointy tungsten sinker will get through grass lot better than a bullet weight .
Never heard of it until I saw this video. Just use a slip sinker and 2 small split shot in front of your lure or bait and it doesn't interfere with the hook up. It is easier to change the distance from the weight to the lure/bait and you can adjust the distance between the 2 split shot so finicky fish don't feel the weight before a good hook set.
Tip rig a straight shanked one with zoom z hog and crank it on the bottom. It will catch bass and big ones. Fish have to be relating to the bottom. Don’t pause it just reel it wit a weight that will keep it in the bottom
Let randy give the tips on his chennel respect the comments
I do not care for the rig myself. I rather fish a short drop shot. I have seen guys fish it and catch a ton of small bass, but switched to another bait or the drop shot to catch the bigger fish
I haven’t caught nothing on them either, I experimented the same as you did and caught them on Texas rig and jig , I’ll try what you’ve got there
Hi Randy have you ever tried the finesse version of this rig, called the Jika Rig? Less hardware.
Did you try a floating creature bait on it? I’m just curious
ANYBODY that calls you old...or sends negative comments...NEEDS TO GET A LIFE!!!! PLEASE keep posting videos.. wde love you Brother!!!!
Follow up from my earlier post went out today for a bit got nothing except on the bonsai rig. Lol.
Randy I have never made a comment on anything I watch in fishing videos but we fished a tournament on Kerr lake in 1993 bass master event David Fritz won it throwing a magnum pop r and cranking shallow if you remember you're doing fantastic job as a you tube angler thanks for being a real bass master if you know what I mean and thanks for the truthful insight to the world of Bass I am a proud dinosaur 🦖 and we'll keep on catching them together
Stumbled across this because I was thinking of combining the power shot and the drop dead need with the tokyo rig as the Ned, but with the tokyo rig stuff I saw before it was in the US using stiff salt water leader instead of wire.
Randy , you tickle me good , the way you go about heading off the sarcasm of the critics , on your videos !! The Bad News is I still got about 7 Tokyo Rigs in my Arsenal, still in the packaging ! 🤪😲😣Thanks for the Tip, as always , my friend !!
Agreed. The first time I saw it I knew it would not end up in my arsenal. Too much hardware.
How do u rig the powershot????
Me too I tried it and never got a bite so I usually fish Texas rigs. I don’t like drop shot unless I am fishing super clear water.
I have a buddy who swears by these. I bought several packs and finally gave up fishing them. I didn’t catch one single fish while using one and I am a huge worm fisherman. I was so happy to see this video because I know it’s just me now Keep up the videos Randy. I watch them every morning with breakfast.
Exactly Randy. My immediate thought of that contraption, "A short dropshot."
Has anybody gotten bit using a JIG instead of a DROPSHOT weight?
I have not, but I'll keep trying ... for a while.
Ill fish a micro jig on the bottom like a 1/4oz size or lighter and have atleast 4 foot of line to my dropshot bait works well but usually all your bites come on the jig or the dropshot so i just switch to just using one
@@connorerhardt1767 Thanks. I've not heard of it being used/touted, but it makes a lot of sense.
@@FiciousCritik yeah i wouldnt say its a great technique since you fish a jig very different than a drop shot but worth a shot
@@connorerhardt1767 I was thinking ned rig as a dropshot weight, my ned rigs get bit while shaking, sitting still.
No luck; but I get bit on both separately ... grrr.
@@FiciousCritik i use a rig very similar for perch with 5 or so dropshot hooks inline to a ned and have caught plenty of bass on it and hundreds of pounds of perch but like i said before the bass always seem to eat one and not the other
I love the Tokyo rig but only in certain situations.
OMG...Toyko Rigs rock! You have to be kidding! Tokyo Rigs with a senko, creature bait or craw bait are deadly in cover. I have caught lots and lots of bass, especially in thick cover or the tulles using them and my hook set percentages are pretty dang good. I use straight braid with them and have pulled bass out of thick, thick cover. Can your fluoro line rig haul bass out of heavy cover? In a clear water lake, I agree your rig may work better....but heck..basically all it is a drop shot rig.....but in less clear lakes, the Toyko rig pitched in openings in the heavy cover or tulles is what has worked for me(again I am using straight braid). I have tons of pics of bass with Toyko rigs hanging out of their mouths that I have caught..and in fact some of my biggest bass caught over the last 5 years have been on Tokyo rigs. Toyko rigs do not suck.
I fish the Tokyo rig and normally catch good numbers of fish but normally smaller fish. When I change up to a Texas or power rig they catch size are generally larger fish.
Happy Easter everyone. Love ya 🧡
When you can't with the Tokiyo rig you must shout out Banzai. It's essential . It also helps if when using the Texas rig to shout out Geronimo when casting.
Maybe in Oklahoma. But in Texas you’d better shout Alamo.
@@ricksonora6656 ln California shouting Trsnsgender might be very effective there!
@@christophercook723 I’m not a Californian, but I’ve been trying to escape it since birth.
@@ricksonora6656 l am not an Obstetrician but willing to take a look. Great T shirt! Nothing to do with Angling the Dangle though!
Great points going to try the power shot!
Agreed!! Our local lake is waaaay too clear.. they just don't eat it here on our little lake inn va
Which lake? I'm near Smith Mountain Lake, but that's not a small lake.
Without getting into the name of the different rigs there’s a number of rigs that I don’t use for the very same reason. If it doesn’t work and you find something else that’s working it’s real hard to go back to it.
Definitely gonna try a hot dog Texas rigged next time I go out 😂😂😂
I agree that in that application it’s not the greatest. I have however come up with my own kind of “hybrid” that works great in other ways. Instead of wire for the weight I use the heaviest mono I can find, use a fairly lite weight, drop it below a avg size swimbait and swim it right at the bottom. The stiffness of the mono keeps the swimbait just off bottom. Sometimes I will use rattling weights for some extra sound in dirtier water. Works great when you want it near and just off the bottom.
I’ve tried it in Florida and haven’t found it useful. People are always trying to find that magic bait/rig and all it does is catch fishermen. My philosophy is KISS (keep it simple stupid) and dance with the one that brung ya. Guys are over thinking this fishing thing
I use a Tokyo rig all the time, probably the best rig I’ve used, probably because i never use all that hardware bc bass have eyes O and i call it a dropshot 😎
I had the same problem just wasn't very effective at all not a fan as of yet.
I have tried it a bunch as well, I have missed fish with it but no keepers, this is over a two or three year period mind you.
Never tried one,never will.Older fella's don't have to waste fish catchin time trying all the "new" fads.
I finally realized this, too. I kept trying all the new rigs for years, but when the Inurig came out, I had to say enough. If I fished for a living, of course, I'd be obligated to try everything. As you said, there just is not enough time for us old guys.......
The TR is more compact and will get into more cover than the power shot.
I agree, I like it in heavy grass.
were you flippin or punching it? ive come to accept the tokyo is strictly to flip and or punch swimming it on the bottom with a paddle tail is a no go , flipping it into beds also a no go. just my opinion I agree with you to a certain extent.
Never tried the Tokyo rig before. I use maybe 6-8 baits that always get bit. SIMPLIFY!
Amen !!!!
My exact results as well with it hate it
I'm right there with you Randy, I found that if I set the hook on a big bass I have broken or messed up the swivel causing me to lose the fish. So then I tried to make my own by removing the swivel, and threading a split ring into the hook and the eye of the wire arm. and what I've found was the wire and the wire ends up angling itself around the eye of the hook and prevents a good hook set. Power shot is the way to go.
Can't be all that bad... Ott Defoe just won MLF Heavy Hitters on Tokyo rig
I think it sucks to. Just maybe using a heavy weight through a mat might work
Your absolutely right Randy. Power shot the way to go.
Thanks for the eye opener. I’ve never like the TR either.
I think Ott Defoe caught the winning fish at Heavy Hitters on one but I'm with you, doesn't work for me. I power shot a 4 inch stick worm with far better results Thanks Randy
Plan on trying it for a. Week if it doesn’t work bye bye at the same time power shot see which one works! Let you know Randy, I’m 70 years old your not old I love your videos
So, if your bullet weight wad turned around so that wider part of the weight, it would set on the bottom a lot better. If Bass are biting on or a few inches from the bottom, they will hit it pretty hard.
Now, if you fished it during the spawn, you would probably win since you can control the weight and bait size! Do yourself a favor this Spring and you'll know what I was talking about! Love your CZcams a lot.
Completely agree. Kinda wish you wouldn’t have shared this though 😂😂 I been doing it for years, not a lot of people use it.
Well I've got 5 of them that I haven't fished yet. But I'm gonna give them a try and then make my own opinion of them. After rigging them up I've noticed something that I didn't like that you didn't mention. The wire hook at the bottom that holds the weight on is bound to catch grass/moss etc on the retrieve. Not sure but I'll give them a try anyway. On the flip side, if that little wire hanging down with weight is a distraction how can so many people be using the A Rig ? It's got 5 or 6 big long wires on it ! Lol. Had to say that cause I know you hate those too !! Thanks for all the great videos !
@@tagg946 I don’t know, but it looks like you might want the weight to point down for punching through vegetation, but pointing up for getting past snags. I would never use it because snags are a nasty problem where I fish, and if the weight snags, you lose the whole rig, whereas a drop shot with a lightly crimped split shot just loses the weight.
@@tagg946 Mire ideas about the bullet weight.
Maybe two, half sized, back to back would both punch down and snag less. There are also rounded, slotted weights that hold the line in with a rubber insert. They might pull off like split shot does.
Instead of bending the wire so the weight can’t come off, bend it enough that snagged weights come off with a hard pull but before the line breaks.
I always thought the weight would be in the way!!
It’s great in big rivers for smallmouth
If the weight sinks into muck, maybe the wire stands up and holds the bait up off the bottom. But I don’t see why a wire is any better for punching through grass than line.
And if the weight snags, you lose the whole rig. The bullet weight pointed down makes that a lot more likely.
With a split shot lightly crimped on a drop shot line, it slips off. Replacing a split shot is a lot faster and cheaper than tying on a whole new rig. Snags are real bad where I fish, and my budget is limited, so I won’t even be trying a Tokyo rig.
They work well for me on lily pads. Never caught em much on anything else with em
The Tokyo rig has its time and place, I only use it when bass are on beds...the rest of the year it stays at the bottom of the tackle box
I've fished it.it works is my favorite no but when you need a fish I'll try anything
Giving away my secrets lol... Good video as always brother.
Idk man. I made some of my own with different length wires. I have had pretty good luck.
Fish a Tokyo rig all the time and caught few today on it. I wouldn’t take the opinion of one angler too serious. It’s just that. Bass aren’t looking at wire they’re looking at bait.
Well done Randy ,On this we do agree ! What a waste of effort. Mini power shot, Now thats a great tip Many Thanks
I agree