Is shakey head go-to bait at Wateree?

Guide Chris Heinning said he’ll use a wide variety of lures this month, but one staple he relies on throughout April is the shakeyhead.

“I use Buckeye-brand shakey heads in various sizes,” he said. “I prefer the 1/8-ounce size around shallow cover like docks prior to the spawn. For post-spawn females, I use the 1/4-ounce around rocky areas and the newly designed 1/2- and 3/4-ounce sizes in late-April to probe slightly deeper targets such as humps and ledges.

“I use a Trick or straight-tail worm in watermelon or junebug colors,” Heinning said. “Once the bait hits bottom, I let it sit for a few seconds then pull about 6 inches while feeling cover, then pause. Most bites come on the pause. I use 15-pound fluorocarbon or a lighter braid with same strength to really feel the bait and bites.”