So I've been out on the lakes just graphing looking for structure and have found some very promising spots.  Mostly in 20-30 feet of water.

 

I've picked up some big worms (Power team ribbon hinge and xcite maximus).  I want to give deep shakey head a shot.

 

I'm curious what kind of gear you use to throw this?  Spinning with bigger (1/2oz+) shakey heads?

Thanks!

10 lb braid or 10-12 lb fc. I caught my lunker Smallie (5.89lb) on a 1/2oz Sharkey head in 33 feet last Oct. I love Sharkey head fishing.

My set-up includes baitcasting gear, but a spinning rod with a M/H power and fast tip could suit you.  I like braid with a leader of 18in. or so. Don't overlook Manns Jelly Worm in the bigger size.  They have a small diameter that not only makes for better hook-ups, but their action is better than some of the fatter, big worms.

Excellent advice thanks guys!  I'm in the market for a couple new rods and one will definitely be a spinning for this.

 

Does the mans jellly worm float?

I use a Cumara (for the high sensitivity) MedHvy 7'2 worm/jig w/ Xfast taper. 15-17 fluro w/ 1/2oz shakyhead. As far as a reel is concerned, gear ratio doesn't really matter for me. Right now I'm using a 7:1. When fishing a SH I only use the reel to pick up bits of slack line... no real "retrieve." Try a picasso shake-e-football. As far as big worms, I don't use anything bigger than a 7in on shaky heads. Found roboworm floating worms work frigging flawless for me.

 

If I'm pulling big worms, I run a c-rig... and if they want a bottom bait, I'll shorten the leader and put on something like a 10in power worm.

 

Might look into a jika rig too. 

 

Curious - what has you dead set on using a shakyhead in these situations? Is it deep cover? Slopes? Rocks? What's it looking like down there?

A JellyWorm has no salt, so it doesn't sink. On the other hand it isn't exactly a floating worm either, but it will stand up on the jig head fairly well  and more so than some.

I use a m/f 7' rod and a 2500 spinning reel with 10# power pro with a 8# fluoro leader. Zoom original trickworms work well on shakey heads as well as big bite squirrel tail. Be sure to get the original trickworm as they make a super salty also which will sink.