Shaky heads and Texas rigs catch a lot of bass off ledges in the summer and even though they have some of the same components, they provide two totally different looks when they get in the water.

To me, a Texas-rigged worm is a good choice for when bass aren’t actively feeding and might even be suspended a bit. You just drag it or swim it along slowly and give the bass plenty of time to make up their mind.

A shaky head is better when bass are actively hunting for something to eat at the bottom. With the head on the bottom and the tail sticking up at an angle, it imitates a minnow that’s feeding on the bottom. I’ll give it some short hops and shake it once in a while before moving it again.

Shaky head rigs started out as fairly light jigheads with small worms, but now you’ll see guys using heavy heads and 10-inch ribbontail worms on the ledges. I like the screw-in type of jigheads rather than the kind where you just Texas-rig the hook. I’ve found that the screw-in type will result in better hookups, especially for bigger fish.

Shaky heads and Texas-rigged worms are two great baits for summer fishing. Bass will usually take one or the other better, depending on the mood they’re in that day. The important thing is to try both and see which one is the favorite.

—- Chevy pro Dion Hibdon, Sunrise Beach, Mo.