I have been reading up on finesse fishing lately and decided to pick up 3/8 ounce jigheads and a pack of gander mountain finesse worms. My question is how should they be fished?

3/8 is pretty heavy for a shakey head where I'm from. I'm usually fishing no heavier than 3/32. Pitch to cover let sink on semi-taught line to keep it from drawing back to you, wiggle jiggle, rinse repeat. Shaking on more of a slack line will keep it in place for a longer period.

Like Hooligan said, that is way too heavy to be considered finesse fishing. The rule of thumb is to go as light as you can, weather permitting.

X3... 1/8, 3/16 and 1/4 are finesse weights where I'm fishing.

What everyone is telling you is true...lighter=better for most situations so I would go out and buy me a pack of 1/8 oz Gambler shaky heads and rig your finesse worm on that. The key is to use as light as line as possible (6lb), a light weight (1/8oz), and fish it slowly. BUT, there are times that the fish will like the 3/8 oz better because it may trigger a reaction bite on a fast fall. Also, 3/8 oz will be easier to fish in high winds and very deep water. So what you bought isnt useless, it just isnt the norm.

Like Hooligan said, that is way too heavy to be considered finesse fishing. The rule of thumb is to go as light as you can, weather permitting.

How so? You can finesse fish a one ounce jig. Conversely you can power fish that 3/32nd ounce shaky head.

Finesse fishing is nothing more than an style of fishing and a mindset. There are no rules as to how light or how heavy your lure has to be.

I fish a 3/8oz shakeyhead fairly often. I'd rather fish an 1/8oz or 3/16 but because of the wind we're usually dealing with around here it's impossible to feel anything that light. I usually drag them a little way and then shake them in place for a few seconds, let them sit still for a few second then repeat. Sometimes more of a hopping retrieve will be better though.

If want to get technical then yes you can finesse fish anything, but I was directing my answer to the question about shaky head weight. IMO, when shaky head fishing the lightest weight you can use at that particular time has been the most productive in most cases.

If want to get technical then yes you can finesse fish anything, but I was directing my answer to the question about shaky head weight. IMO, when shaky head fishing the lightest weight you can use at that particular time has been the most productive in most cases.

So when you draw the line about the lightest weight and which is the lightest weight you can use at a particular time to call it "finesse" ?

1/32 = finesse ?

1/16 = finnese ?

1/8 = finesse ?

1/4 = finesse ?

3/8 = finesse ?

So when light is light or when heavy is heavy ? when finesse ( weight wise ) is no longer finesse ?

I´m more into what SoFla is saying, finesse is more about how you present your bait than the weight or size of it.

You guys are over analyzing what I was saying. Again, I was answering the question in regards to shaky head fishing...let's get the thread back in track

finesse: skillful handling of a situation; adroit maneuvering

Guess you guys never fished in real wind.....3/8 oz. is sometimes what takes just to get the bait down. That's really the key to shaky head fishing, pick the weight gives you the greatest control over the bait - you are the one adding the finesse to catch the fish.

I think Eric summed it up best. That said, you'll want some lighter jigs for calmer days

finesse: skillful handling of a situation; adroit maneuvering

Guess you guys never fished in real wind.....3/8 oz. is sometimes what takes just to get the bait down. That's really the key to shaky head fishing, pick the weight gives you the greatest control over the bait - you are the one adding the finesse to catch the fish.

I think Eric summed it up best. That said, you'll want some lighter jigs for calmer days

No, I've fished in real wind, it's just that usually in those situations I say the heck with it and I'm pitching 3/4-1ounce jigs.

In all actuality, you're right though. Finesse is more a frame of mind and handling situations as opposed to being specific of a jig or technique. I should have worded my previous response more appropriately.

I think the common assumption, and I make it too, is that finesse involves light baits, spinning tackle, clear, pressured water....

Sometimes it's more than that.

How so? You can finesse fish a one ounce jig. Conversely you can power fish that 3/32nd ounce shaky head.

Finesse fishing is nothing more than an style of fishing and a mindset. There are no rules as to how light or how heavy your lure has to be.

My finesse is much different than Florida finesse or California finesse. I agree that it just depends on the conditions.

Wind is usually the deciding factor. A spinning reel and a casting reel have no impact on whether it's "finesse" or not.

Too many labels...your 3/8 oz setup is just fine. Minimal movement, few twitches, watch your line.

With the winds we have been having here, i believe it would be an alright idea for me to use the 3/8 oz