= PRO PICK
TERMINAL TACKLE & JIGS
THERE ’ S NOT A TOUR-LEVEL PRO in the world who takes terminal tackle or jigs for granted , and neither should you . These are two of the smallest , most basic components of our gear list , but the following collection of jigs and terminal gear can be H-U-G-E players in your success in 2022 .
Strike King Weedless Squadron Head
The original Squadron Head by Strike King became an instant must-have for swimbait anglers around the country when it came out in 2012 , but the new Weedless Squadron Head expands this jighead ’ s versatility even more . A heavy-duty fiber brush guard allows you to fish swimbaits and various other plastics through heavy cover more effectively , all while maintaining the best qualities of the original design ( 60-degree line tie , wide-gap black nickel hook , etc .) $ 5.49 at TW / strikeking . com — The Editors
Gamakatsu G-Finesse Cover Neko Hook
Designed by MLF pro Shin Fukae , the Cover Neko Hook offers a line-twist-free ( and more weedless ) solution for the Neko rig . The notwist function is provided by a premium swivel attached to the hook eye . This also allows you to Texas-rig a worm but still fish it like a Neko , so you ’ re able to work through brush , laydowns , timber , grass , etc ., more efficiently . The hook is a shiner-style , straight-eye hook in sizes 1 to 2 / 0 ( perfect for Neko-size baits ). The hook includes a 90-degree wire keeper to lock plastics into place . $ 7.99 at TW / gamakatsuusa . com — The Editors
Berkley Jigs
Many anglers ( ourselves included ) wondered when Berkley would answer the bell with a lineup of jigs , and late 2021 saw the delivery of a whole squad of PowerBait-infused jigs to tackle store pegs . Berkley ’ s Finesse , Swim , Flipping , Heavy Cover , Skippin ’ and Football jigs are all constructed on Fusion19 jig hooks and highlighted by a punch of PowerBait in the silicone skirts . The jighead designs are the product of exhaustive testing and tweaking by MLF pros Gary Klein and Bobby Lane , two of the best jig fishermen in the world . Each jig style comes in a unique palette of colors to match the application . $ 4.99 at TW / berkley-fishing . com — The Editors
Epic Baits Jigs
It ’ s a unique style , almost a little rounder than a normal football jig . It has a strong hook , a good bait keeper and just the right amount of flex in the weed guard . I ’ ve had good luck keeping fish pegged . It ’ s an all-around great-quality jig . That ’ s Epic Baits ’ thing . They don ’ t cut corners . $ 4.99 at TW / epicbaitsfishing . com — Matt Becker , MLF pro
VMC Crossover Rings
This is the next level up from using O-rings to get more out of your soft plastic worms . The Crossover Ring has revolutionized the way that I wacky- or Neko-rig my baits . This ring allows you to rig your bait perpendicular or parallel to the hook , which is a game changer . $ 4.49 at TW / tacklewarehouse . com / VMC / catpage-VMC — Jacob Wheeler , MLF pro
Bruiser Baits Tungsten Ned Head
Step up your Ned rig game in 2022 with some tungsten Ned heads , like the newest offering from Bruiser Baits that comes standard with a flat-black finish that ’ s guaranteed to never chip or crack . Bruiser Baits ’ tungsten Ned heads are molded to a Mustad Ultra Point hook and utilize a solid wire bait keeper . Available in sizes from 1 / 10 to 1 / 6 ounce with options for 1 / 0 and 2 / 0 hooks . $ 5.59- $ 6.19 at TW / bruiserbaits . com — The Editors
6th Sense Carolina Pre-Rig
Save the time and hassle of rigging up Carolina rigs with the new Carolina Pre-Rig from 6th Sense . Everything you need in one quick-toconnect setup , the Carolina Pre-Rig is built with durable , flexible wire and comes available in 1 / 2 , 3 / 4 and 1 ounces in both lead and tungsten . $ 3.99 ( lead ); $ 6.99 ( tungsten ) at TW / 6thsensefishing . com — The Editors
64 MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM | DECEMBER-JANUARY 2022