THE TOKYO RIG

The Tokyo Rig is a finesse rig originating from Japan. As you can see, the Tokyo Rig closely resembles a Jika Rig, with a few minor differences. The Tokyo Rig utilizes a swivel to tie the line instead of directly to the split ring. By not tying your line directly to the split ring, you achieve a more natural and realistic movement of your bait.

The main difference between the Tokyo Rig and the Jika Rig, however, is that the Tokyo Rig uses a steel wire under the hook to secure the weight instead of attaching it directly to the split ring. This innovation acts as an anchor for your softbait and ensures that the lure always remains above the weight.

WHAT IS A TOKYO RIG?

The Tokyo Rig is a hook with a titanium wire underneath. This ensures that the weight is positioned further below the hook. It is similar to a dropshot rig, but the weight is connected to the hook via the steel wire, not a fluorocarbon line. The Tokyo Rig allows a weight to drag along the bottom, while the softbait is free to float a few centimeters off the bottom. This makes it easier for the fish to inhale the bait, which in turn leads to better hook sets.

HOW DO YOU RIG A TOKYO RIG?

You can buy the Tokyo Rig ready-made from VMC. Therefore, assembling the rig is quite straightforward. Choose your favorite softbait and rig it on the weedless EWG hook. Then, slide a bullet weight over the steel wire under the hook and fold the end of the steel wire into an L-shape, this way the entire assembly stays neatly in place. The weight can be varied according to your personal preference.

why fishing with the tokyo rig?

So, why fish with a Tokyo Rig? Why not just use a jighead or a dropshot rig? The Tokyo Rig addresses a few shortcomings that other techniques do not, making this technique a good alternative if you're not getting bites with your standard fishing method.

Here are some reasons why you should consider trying out the Tokyo Rig:

Unique, yet epic action on the bottom: As soon as your Tokyo Rig hits the bottom, it creates a small cloud of silt/sand. The epic part is that your bait is still visible because this cloud is created by the bottom weight. This entire presentation often sparks serious curiosity in perch.

The bait has more freedom of movement: As mentioned earlier, the hook with the bait moves independently from the weight of this rig. The hook is connected to the main line via a swivel, giving the hook with the bait little resistance to move freely and elicit a strike.

Very effective for fishing through vegetation: Like the Texas and Carolina rigs, the Tokyo Rig also has a weedless design, making it very easy to fish through all kinds of vegetation.

Versatile in use: The Tokyo Rig is versatile in the sense that it can reach any depth in the water column, and the weight can be easily replaced.

PRACTICE TEST

HOW DO YOU FISH WITH THE TOKYO RIG?

There are several methods for fishing with the Tokyo Rig. The way you fish with it ultimately depends on the type of water you are fishing. Let's look at different ways to successfully fish with the Tokyo Rig.

1) TOKYO SWIM

The Tokyo swim method is primarily used when fishing over a hard bottom and when a lot of water needs to be covered. This is a great way to quickly locate predatory fish. For the Tokyo swim method, use a softbait or creature bait that generates a lot of action, think of a softbait with a paddle tail or twister tail. This method is relatively easy to fish because you cast it with a swimbait attached and slowly reel it in over the hard bottom. The weight of the Tokyo Rig will bounce over the bottom structure and generate the necessary noise to attract predatory fish to your bait.

2) Tokyo punch

The Tokyo punch technique is applied in areas with a lot of aquatic plants, such as lily pads or weeds. With this technique, you fish a bit slower to thoroughly comb the area. This technique is also easy to apply. Cast your Tokyo Rig into the area with aquatic plants and gently tap it along the bottom. Pause regularly and give small taps during the pauses. The Tokyo punch is a great way to fish for perch in the fall.

3) Tokyo rock

Another great way to fish with the Tokyo Rig is with the Tokyo rock technique. You might be wondering what the Tokyo rock is; it's the best method for fishing with the Tokyo Rig in an area with lots of stones and rocks. Fish your favorite Tokyo rigged softbait around the rocks in shallow water. Slowly reel it in and let it bump against the stones and other structures. Pause regularly, as bites often occur during the stationary phase! By fishing the Tokyo Rig slowly along the bottom, you create a natural bait presentation of a crayfish or foraging prey fish. Few predators can resist that!

WHAT LURE TO USE ON THE TOKYO RIG?

The type of softbait you use on the Tokyo Rig largely depends on how you plan to fish the Tokyo Rig. If you're fishing in deeper water and want to quickly search for fish (Tokyo swim), then a softbait with some action is recommended, such as a softbait with a paddle or twister tail.

If you're planning to thoroughly comb a smaller area, then you need to fish slower, and a low-action softbait is recommended. A worm or creature bait will do just fine in this scenario.

Discover here our recommended softbaits for the Tokyo Rig.