If you’ve ever fished ponds or lakes for bass and wondered why sometimes your lure never reached the bottom, this blog post on how to fish a tokyo rig is for you. The Tokyo Rig is a unique fishing rig that allows anglers to precisely place their presentation on the bottom of nearly any body of water, no matter how deep – and it’s one of bass fishing’s best-kept secrets.

So if you want to get more bites by getting your lure right where the fish are hiding, then keep reading to learn everything you need to know about rigging up and fishing the versatile Tokyo Rig.

I’ll cover the basics of the rig setup, different lure options that work best, techniques for fishing it effectively, and even share some of my own biggest catches that I’ve made using this overlooked bottom-contact rig. By the end, you’ll be eager to tie one on and drop it to the bottom to find out for yourself why the Tokyo Rig should be in every bass angler’s tackle box.

10 Simple Step-by-step Instructions on How to Fish a Tokyo Rig

Step 1: Gather Your Gear

Before you hit the water, make sure you have all of your supplies. This includes:

• Tokyo Rig (or Materials to Make Your Own)
• Fishing Rod and Reel
• Braided Fishing Line
• Fluorocarbon Leader Line (12 – 20 LB Test)
• Barrel Weight (1/4 Oz – 3/4 Oz Depending on Depth and Cover)
• Swivel
• Soft Plastic Lure (Creature Baits, Craws or Worms Work Best)

Step 2: Prepare Your Tokyo Rig

Start by tying a swivel to the end of your braided fishing line with an improved clinch knot. Then, attach your fluorocarbon leader line to the swivel using another improved clinch knot. You’ll want to choose a leader length between 12 and 18 inches, depending on water clarity and cover. It’s important to use a leader line because it is more abrasion-resistant than a braided fishing line, allowing you to fish the rig through heavy cover without fear of breaking off.

Step 3: Add Your Barrel Weight

As with any bottom-contact rig, the weight is what makes it all work. Choose a barrel weight that will allow you to get your lure down to the bottom quickly, but won’t snag in heavy cover. A 1/4 oz weight is a good starting point but adjust accordingly depending on the depth and cover you are fishing. If you need more weight, try a 3/8 oz or even a 1/2 oz, but keep in mind the heavier the weight, the less natural your lure will move on the bottom.

Step 4: Choose Your Lure

The best lures for Tokyo Rigging include creature baits, craws or worms. These soft plastics mimic the movements of natural prey and entice bass to strike. Be sure to choose a lure color that matches the local forage in the body of water you are fishing. The key is to present a natural-looking prey that bass are used to seeing in their environment. It’s also important to offset the hook point towards the top of your lure so that it is less likely to snag on the cover.

Step 5: Thread Your Lure Onto the Tokyo Rig

Thread your chosen soft plastic lure onto the hook of the Tokyo Rig, starting from the top and working down. Make sure that it is centered on the rig and won’t twist or tangle during casts. You can also add a plastic keeper to your lure to help it stay in place. But if your lure is already designed with a keeper, then you can skip this step.

Step 6: Adjust the Position of Your Weight

Position your weight on the barrel swivel so that the rig stands up straight when resting on the bottom. This will keep your lure in a natural position and allow for maximum movement and action. You can also experiment with different weight positions to see what works best in different fishing conditions. It’s all about finding the sweet spot.

Step 7: Cast and Let it Sink

Now that your Tokyo Rig is set up, it’s time to get it in the water. Make a cast towards the likely fish-holding cover or structure and let the rig sink all the way to the bottom. Keep an eye on your line and wait for it to go slack, indicating that the rig has reached the bottom. But don’t let it sit there too long, as you want to keep the lure moving and actively working. The key is to fish it slowly and methodically, dragging the rig along the bottom with short pauses in between.

Step 8: Retrieve with a Drag-n-Hop Technique

Once your rig is on the bottom, it’s time to start retrieving. Use a slow and steady drag-and-hop technique, dragging the rig a few feet at a time before letting it settle back down to the bottom. This imitates a natural prey moving along the bottom and is sure to grab the attention of bass lurking nearby. You can also vary the speed and distance of your drags to see what works best.

Step 9: Vary Your Retrieve Speed

If you’re not getting any bites, don’t be afraid to change up your retrieve speed. Sometimes a faster or slower presentation can make all the difference, so experiment with different speeds until you find what works best for the day. You can also try adding occasional pauses or twitches to your retrieve for added variation and action.

Step 10: Be Patient and Keep Trying

Fishing with a Tokyo Rig requires patience, as it may take some time to get the hang of this unique rig. But keep trying and don’t give up, because once you do hook into a bass using this technique, you’ll be hooked on the Tokyo Rig for life. However, be aware that this rig is not foolproof and may not work in all situations or fishing conditions. So don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t produce results right away. Just keep practicing and perfecting your technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Tokyo Rig and Why is It Important for Bass Fishing?

As mentioned, the Tokyo Rig is a unique fishing rig that allows anglers to precisely place their presentation on the bottom of nearly any body of water, no matter how deep. This is important because often, times in bass fishing, the biggest fish are found near the bottom where the cover is thickest. By being able to accurately fish on the bottom, anglers have a better chance of getting their lure in front of these big bass and enticing them to bite. The Tokyo Rig also allows for a more natural and subtle presentation of lures, making it a great option in clear water or when the fish are being picky.

Q: How is the Tokyo Rig Different from Other Rigs?

The Tokyo Rig differs from other bottom-contact rigs, such as the Texas rig or Carolina rig, because it has a free-floating weight attached to the hook. This allows for a more natural movement of the lure, mimicking a baitfish or crawfish on the bottom. It also gives anglers more control over where their lure lands and how it moves, making it a versatile rig for different fishing situations.

Q: How Do You Set Up a Tokyo Rig?

To set up a Tokyo Rig, you’ll need a few key components: a hook, weight, swivel, and leader line. Start by threading the weight onto your main line, followed by the swivel. Then, tie on your desired length of the leader line to the other end of the swivel. Finally, attach your chosen hook to the end of the leader line using either a snell or Palomar knot. You can also add a soft plastic lure, such as a crawfish or worm, to the hook for added attraction.

Q: What Lures Work Best on a Tokyo Rig?

The beauty of the Tokyo Rig is that it can be used with a variety of different lures. Soft plastics, such as worms and creatures, are popular options as they mimic natural prey and can be easily attached to the hook. However, hard baits like crankbaits and swimbaits can also be effective when fished on a Tokyo Rig. Experiment with different lures to see what works best for the current fishing conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion on how to fish a tokyo rig, the Tokyo Rig is a versatile and effective fishing technique that can help anglers catch more fish in a variety of situations. By following the step-by-step guide in this blog post, you now have the knowledge and skills to confidently use this rig on your next fishing trip. Remember to choose the right setup for your desired target species and adjust your presentation based on water conditions.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different baits and techniques to find what works best for you. With patience and practice, you’ll soon be reeling in plenty of fish using the Tokyo Rig. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, give the Tokyo Rig a try and see the results for yourself. Happy fishing!