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Winter 2018
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Introducing the Nail
Not satisfied with any of the existing shaky heads on the market, Gutierrez began working on a shaky head design of his own, one that would address the shortcomings he found and that would meet his personal standards. He came across an old wood jig that had many of the attributes he wanted.
It came through the wood and grass well and it worked great in the rocks too. He started carving and testing a new prototype. He came up with a unique barbing system that held the bait on better and shaped the head so that it would stand up without rolling to the side.
After much testing and refinement, the jig head evolved into what is now the “Nail”. The Nail is equally at home in the grass flats of the California Delta, the rocky bluffs of Lake Oroville or the wood at New Melones. It is available through Gutierrez’s company, Frenzy Baits. (www.frenzybaits.com).
“The goal was to develop a bait that would present a wide range of finesse baits, from a 4-inch worm to a beaver-style bait and still have a big enough hook where I could fish it on the Delta or Clear Lake and not worry about it straightening out,” explained Gutierrez. “I think the Nail is just a more mechanically efficient bait. You just feel the fish load down on the bait. It’s like the fish don’t even know they are hooked yet and all you do is lean into them and they are pinned right through the nose.
“I think I catch more fish and good ones too. Overall, I can fish a shaky head in more conditions more effectively than a darter head. It does not get hung up as much either and if it does simply get your rod tip over the top of it, give it some slack and pop it off.”
It did not take long for the angling world to learn about the Nail’s winning pedigree. Gutierrez used it to win the 2016 Costa FLW Series Event on Lake Shasta.
Gearing Up
As a professional angler, Gutierrez pays strict attention to even the smallest detail, knowing it can be the difference between success and failure. He views shaky head fishing as a complete system that extends to his tackle selection as well. He relies on a 7’1”, medium- action spinning rod made by IROD.
The longer rod takes up a lot of slack on the hookset and has a sensitive tip and plenty of power to handle big fish. He matches the rod to a size 30 series spinning reel, favoring a larger reel, for a number of reasons.
“It is a little heavier, this helps to counter balance the
rod better,” noted Gutierrez. “The larger arbor has more drag surface; the line does not come off in tight spirals and you can take up more line per handle revolution.”
He spools up with 15-pound Gamma Torque Braid for his mainline. He then uses an FG knot to attach a leader that is 10- to 20-feet in length. When tying the leader to the shaky head, he employs an Improved Clinch Knot.
Not Dead Yet
Gutierrez finds himself reaching for the Nail more and more and as a result, the darter head has taken a backseat.
“Dart heading is still not gone,” he said. “For me personally, as a tournament angler, I still have dart heads and I will use them if I need to, but for the most part I am usually throwing a shaky head.”
When Gutierrez talks jig head specifics, you’d be wise to take note, I certainly did. •