Mojo Rig for Tough Conditions

[Weekend Woodsmen]

With a cold front that came through we thought it would be a good time to review one of our go to fishing techniques in tough conditions.  The mojo rig can be used as a variation to the weightless Senko to add some extra life to your lure and get the most stubborn fish to bite!  There is some debate as to the length to peg the weight to the line.  For those of you who use the Mojo rig, what are the factors that influence how far up to peg the weight?  For those of you who haven't used the mojo rig before and want to try it, check this video out! 

[Smallie_Stalker]

Many things in fishing are debated but Nothing in fishing is set in stone. Let the fish tell you what is best.

Now, having said that, just like on a C-rig I personally will rarely go over 18" from the weight to the hook on a mojo. Since the mojo is mostly a finesse technique for me I am using it with light line and a light wire hook the majority of the time.

There are a few companies out there that make plastics that actually will float a light wire hook. If I run into a situation where I want to keep the bait up off bottom say over grass that is 2 feet tall then I will adjust the "leader" on a mojo so the bait floats at the point where it will just disturb the top of the green stuff as I move it along, giving the impression of a baitfish feeding off the small micro-organisms that grow on the grass.

If that doesn't get me bites, then I'll keep experimenting until the fish tell me when I've got it right. 

[zippyduck]

Dead on Smallie.

[Weekend Woodsmen]

Many things in fishing are debated but Nothing in fishing is set in stone. Let the fish tell you what is best.

Now, having said that, just like on a C-rig I personally will rarely go over 18" from the weight to the hook on a mojo. Since the mojo is mostly a finesse technique for me I am using it with light line and a light wire hook the majority of the time.

There are a few companies out there that make plastics that actually will float a light wire hook. If I run into a situation where I want to keep the bait up off bottom say over grass that is 2 feet tall then I will adjust the "leader" on a mojo so the bait floats at the point where it will just disturb the top of the green stuff as I move it along, giving the impression of a baitfish feeding off the small micro-organisms that grow on the grass.

If that doesn't get me bites, then I'll keep experimenting until the fish tell me when I've got it right. 

Thank you Smallie!  I appreciate your insight!

[Deadeye]

So they call that a MoJo Rig now huh?

Back in the 1980's and 1990's we came up with that same thing for fishing Farm Ponds in Pennsylvania. We used the Original Creme Purple Worm and like you said put a Split Shot about 18" above it. We fished it on Medium 6' or 6'6" Spinning Rods spooled with 8 lb test. Toss it out and let it lay with a Loop in the line. Let it set for a few then turn the reel about 1-2 turns and repeat. You watch the line for a "jump" or simply moving off and set the hook. Caught a ton of Bass that way.

We called it the Pa Rig back then. I've heard it called the Split Shot Rig and now the MoJo Rig.

Funny how what was "old" is becoming "new" again, just using a different name.

[Oldfart9999]

The mojo rig has been around almost as long as the split shot rig, it's a variation of it. It can be done with mojo weights, mojo brass weights, a small worm weight pegged up the line. It basically is a baby carolina rig. It's effective at times and should be in the arsenal. Someday I'll put it in mine.
Rodney

[Smallie_Stalker]

The mojo rig has been around almost as long as the split shot rig, it's a variation of it. It can be done with mojo weights, mojo brass weights, a small worm weight pegged up the line. It basically is a baby carolina rig. It's effective at times and should be in the arsenal. Someday I'll put it in mine.
Rodney

That's the way I view it too Rodney. I prefer a mojo to a split-shot rig though for two reasons:

1) The ability to adjust the length of line between the weight and hook without having to cut line, add a new weight then re-tie the hook.

2) The mojo being longer keeps more of the weight in contact with the bottom, so I believe I can feel more of what's going on down there better.

[zippyduck]

It was a staple in PIB for years in the late 70's and 80's we drifted just holding the rod as it swam over the weeds.
We called it the Erie drift.

[Oldfart9999]

I just watched the video, that's a bubba split shot rig!!
Rodney