The Tokyo rig hangs the weight on a short 2–3 inch stiff wire below the hook, connected by a welded ring and swivel. The weight punches through cover and hits bottom first, while the plastic hovers just above, free to move. It fishes like a Texas rig but shows the bait to fish that are used to seeing a bullet weight drag a worm along the bottom.
What you need
- Tokyo rig hook assemblyPre-made: 3/0–5/0 hook + ring + swivel + 2–3" wire dropper
- WeightsOne or two 1/4–3/4 oz bullet or cylinder weights slid onto the wire, end bent to hold them
- Soft plasticCreature bait, craw or beaver-style bait
- Line20 lb fluorocarbon, or 50–65 lb braid for punching
How to tie the tokyo rig
- Tie your line to the swivel on the Tokyo rig assembly with a Palomar knot.
- Slide one or two weights onto the wire dropper and bend the last 1/4 inch of wire 90 degrees to hold them.
- Texas-rig the plastic on the hook with the point skin-hooked.
How to fish it
Pitch or flip into cover and let the weight take the bait to bottom. Shake it in place — the plastic will hover and wiggle above the weight — then hop it out. In open water, drag it like a Carolina rig.
Tips
- Stack two weights to punch heavy mats without a peg.
- Bend the wire slightly so it doesn't slide out of the plastic's way.
Common mistakes
- Using a light rod. This is a heavy-line, heavy-rod rig in cover.