BEST Damiki Rigging Tackle and Rod Setups

Minnow profile baits have proven indispensable on the decks of both amateur and professional anglers nationwide. Wired2fish's Kobie Koenig offers a detailed breakdown of his preferred techniques and equipment choices that cater to certain weather conditions and the unique behaviors of fish.
TACKLE USED (retail links)
LONG ROD SETUP
• ROD - Trika 6X Carbon-Weave Spinning Rod, 7'6" Medium: Buy at Trika Rods bit.ly/3El0z0U
• REEL - Shimano Twin Power FE Spinning Reel: Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/3Rj0EJp
• PLASTIC - Z-Man Scented JerkShadZ: Buy at Bass Pro Shops bit.ly/3Q2Uq00 | Buy at FishUSA bit.ly/4bJHt3z | Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/3rDeMUg
• JIGHEAD - Northland Tackle Smeltinator Jig: Buy at Bass Pro Shops bassproshops.vzck.net/21ZJd0 | Buy at FishUSA bit.ly/3KxG6cg | Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/3PkZ20X | Buy at Northland Fishing Tackle bit.ly/3IACLZ6
• LINE (braided line) - PowerPro Super8Slick V2 Braided Line, 8-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops bassproshops.vzck.net/nLJX9V | Buy at FishUSA bit.ly/3KxGc3C | Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/4c7p14N
• LINE (fluorocarbon leader) - Shimano Mastiff FC Fluorocarbon Line, 10-pound: Buy at FishUSA bit.ly/3Xg0iHv | Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/48FbRuO
SHORT ROD SETUP
• ROD - Trika 6X Carbon-Weave Spinning Rod, 7' Medium: Buy at Trika Rods bit.ly/3El0z0U
• REEL - Shimano Stradic FM Spinning Reel: Buy at Bass Pro Shops bassproshops.vzck.net/1rJV7D | Buy at FishUSA bit.ly/461bpVV | Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/3X9hwWG
• PLASTIC - Rapala CrushCity Freeloader: Buy at Bass Pro Shops bassproshops.vzck.net/AW5V7J | Buy at FishUSA bit.ly/3VpMJDP | Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/3P0iVtf
• JIGHEAD - VMC Hybrid Swimbait Jighead: Buy at Bass Pro Shops bassproshops.vzck.net/5gkyrN | Buy at FishUSA bit.ly/4bLvX81 | Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/3YGsYYC
• LINE (braided line) - PowerPro Super8Slick V2 Braided Line, 8-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops bassproshops.vzck.net/nLJX9V | Buy at FishUSA bit.ly/3KxGc3C | Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/4c7p14N
• LINE (fluorocarbon leader) - Shimano Mastiff FC Fluorocarbon Line, 10-pound: Buy at FishUSA bit.ly/3Xg0iHv | Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/48FbRuO
*Additional gear links at the bottom
THE ESSENCE OF MINNOW BAITS
Koenig starts by introducing the basics of the jig and minnow setup. He explains how advancements in technology, like forward-facing sonar, have transformed how anglers utilize this setup to target fish exceeding 100 feet away from the boat. Whether you're reeling straight or incorporating subtle rod tip movements, Koenig provides insight into tailoring your approach based on the fish's behavior observed through sonar.
PAIRING THE RIGHT JIG AND MINNOW
Koenig dives into the specifics of choosing the right jig head and plastic minnow, highlighting popular options that have dominated recent competitions, including a notable victory at the 2023 Bassmaster Classic. Kobie also discusses the importance of the jig head design in achieving the desired bait action, such as rolling or side flashing, which can be crucial for enticing finicky fish.
ROD AND REEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Further refining his technique, Koenig recommends a stiffer rod to effectively transmit movement to the bait at long distances. He also details why a longer rod like the ultra sensitive Trika 6X line of rods might be your best choice for maintaining control and maximizing the effectiveness of your setup. He also covers reel and line preferences, advocating for a larger reel with 8-15 pound braid paired with a 10 pound fluorocarbon leader to balance visibility and strength.
OTHER PRODUCTS
• PLASTIC - Strike King Z Too: Buy at FishUSA bit.ly/4aKgfZz | Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/3XaE75f
• PLASTIC - Berkley PowerBait Power Switch: Buy at Bass Pro Shops bassproshops.vzck.net/vN3dbd | Buy at FishUSA bit.ly/3XhsyJs | Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/3EQCS0D
• PLASTIC - Duo Realis Finder Shad: Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/3PPdRth
• PLASTIC - Deps Sakamata Shad: Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/4e7XvpI
• JIGHEAD - Owner Range Roller Jig: Buy at FishUSA bit.ly/3X8by8A | Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/4bNKsYR
• HOODIE - AFTCO Reaper Windproof Pullover: Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/49063fH | Check out Fishing Clothing at AFTCO bit.ly/3tzgEy6
• TACKLE BOX - Rapala RapStack 3700 Tackle Tray: Buy at Bass Pro Shops bassproshops.vzck.net/21mPZG | Buy at Tackle Warehouse bit.ly/3JBLn21
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[@andreanngeise3738]

Great video and information

[@nawinchester]

Really quality video. Well done.

[@25Handicap]

Cramped up just watching him sit like that

[@TheLoojlis1]

Just the video I needed on this topic. I wish he would have mentioned the weight and size of the jighead and the length of the plastic. Maybe I missed it. Overall, good video. 👍

[@Wired2Fish]

Glad it helped! Weights and sizes will vary depending on desired depth and forage. Good rule of thumb is 1/4 oz. in less than 15 feet, 3/8 oz. deeper than 15 feet.

[@vernervanschalkwyk2280]

Great video. Can i ask you if you would use a casting setup at all with this rig? I live in South Africa and the dams around my home town is farmers dams mostly where i fish but we have massive amounts of grass in the dams. I fish nothing under 30 pound braid because we loose too many fish with weaker line. I do use a leader at times but it will be 20 pound an nothing less.

[@Wired2Fish]

We've never attempted it on casting gear, but it should work just fine if that's what you need to pull them out of the cover!