So last year, I had a lot of success with the Ned Rig.

I exclusively used Z-Man baits and the finesse Shroomz jig head - 90% of the time the 1/15th weight.

 

I did occasionally have some issues with bending/breaking hooks and with the keepers coming off, but overall found that my hookups and getting fish into my kayak were good.

 

Seeing as it is stupid cold out and I don't ice fish, I was doing some research for the upcoming season and came across Berkley Half Head Jigs - which come in a variety of colors and the 1/16th have a size 1 hook.

 

Anyone have any experience with these vs. the Z-man jig heads?  One of the main reasons I am considering these are that a pack of 8 are generally a lower price than a pack of 5 of the finesse Shroomz...

Obviously I'd love to buy some and take them out for a test run, but it doesn't seem like that's going to happen for 3 months or so!

 

Last thing - I am located near Toronto, Ontario so ordering something specific online generally becomes too costly once factoring in shipping and I do not have any experience in making my own jig heads, nor am I looking to get into that at this time...

Like you I only use Z-Man and while water has been is 30's to 40's, the ned rig and jigging blade bait is only thing working. I haven't tried Berkeley but started superglueing worms to jig and they last way way longer than not superglued.

These are pretty new. I have not seen them yet at my local DSG.

 

I have however used the Berkley Fusion line of hooks and they are a great value option for hooks IMO. Hopefully these halfhead jigs will be of the same quality.

My favorite cheaper alternative for ned jigs are the arkie gopher head. They are half the price and the 1/8 ounce version is great.

Fellow Ontarian here. Seems like most sails outdoor stores and bps stores are getting ready for their spring sale in early March. Might want to wait a month and check them out. 

2 hours ago, lbriggs said:

My favorite cheaper alternative for ned jigs are the arkie gopher head. They are half the price and the 1/8 ounce version is great.

I also use these for the Ned Rig, but I use 1/16 oz.

I like the bait keeper on these jigs.

they have a slightly larger hook than the shroomz head and nearly all Walmarts around here carry them. 

I do sharpen these hooks before using them. sometimes they are not very sharp out of the package.

Nearly any gopher/mushroom head will work for the ned rig. all you need is a good hook and a way to keep the z man bait on the hook.

I prefer smaller hooks with the rig as the length of larger hook sizes detracts from the action of the lure - this seems a small thing but I have found it to be critical at times.

I just started using the Berkley heads in late fall.  Great hooks, perfect hook to head size ratio for MWF technique.  Jury still out on the keeper.  Some elaztech baits held OK.  Soft used ones wanted to walk off of it.  I liked the wire keeper on the Shrooms but the hooks were very brittle.

I bought a few packs of the Berkley heads for friends/family with a higher than usual snag risk to use when I take them out, and if you put a little superglue on it they work great. Excellent low price option IMO. 

Look up winkiedoodles on youtube.  He shows some ways to modify the TRD worms by cutting the tail end in half lengthwise.  Gives more action and he catches lots of fish on them.  I ordered a bunch of z-man jig heads before I realized I was ordering the power head version.  It has a much stouter hook.  If I use them, I will try his mods to see if I like them better.

34 minutes ago, Obi_Wan said:

Look up winkiedoodles on youtube.  He shows some ways to modify the TRD worms by cutting the tail end in half lengthwise.  Gives more action and he catches lots of fish on them.  I ordered a bunch of z-man jig heads before I realized I was ordering the power head version.  It has a much stouter hook.  If I use them, I will try his mods to see if I like them better.

I cut the ends of senkos into 4's. Gives the lure a bit more action. 

On ‎2‎/‎3‎/‎2018 at 11:35 PM, Obi_Wan said:

Look up winkiedoodles on youtube.  He shows some ways to modify the TRD worms by cutting the tail end in half lengthwise.  Gives more action and he catches lots of fish on them.  I ordered a bunch of z-man jig heads before I realized I was ordering the power head version.  It has a much stouter hook.  If I use them, I will try his mods to see if I like them better.

Then you might want to try TRD Tubes ...