Hello fellow anglers,

Some of you may have heard about a new rig that you can purchase called the "Tokyo Rig". This is another interesting way to present baits closer to the bottom. It is like a modified drop shot with how the weighted wire keeps the bait up off the bottom a few inches to keep it out of the mud or other debris.

With this new rig, I thought I would share how you can make your own. You probably already have the necessary terminal tackle to make one. A EWG 3/0 or 4/0 hook, a split ring, a barrel swivel and some wire. In the example below I mention Looped Spinner Shaft. Here is the link where you can purchase 25, 6" pieces. LOOPED SPINNER WIRE NOTE:(I have also thought about making a finesse toyko rig with a 1/0 wacky hook)

I didn't have the wire mentioned above, but I did have an old Alabama rig that was busted. So I cut off one of the wires from that (which is pretty much the same as spinner wire) and used that to make my weight wire.

As for the weight on the bottom of the wire, that can be easily changed out based on your preference. You can also add beads, jig rattles, or brass "clankers" to the wire. You will see a lot of guys take two bullet weights and face them opposite so that it is less likely to get hung up. To be honest, I think the bend on the end of the wire that keeps the weight on is more likely to get caught on something.

I have thrown this around with a nice creature bait like a craw or lizard and have had success with it. Please let me know if you have any questions or share your own experience/tips with the Tokyo rig.

so what keeps it from falling over and defeating the whole purpose?

wait i got it put a slip cork on the wire above the weight that has just enough buoyancy to keep bait suspended

Haha, that would definitely be an interesting idea Fishinchristian.

When you look at some footage of the bait under water, you can see how when tension is put on the line, the bait will come up or will remain above the bottom. Also, if there is debris/mud on the bottom, the weight will sink into that vs your bait sinking into it. I will admit that this is not a 100% full proof that your bait will always be 2'"-3" off the bottom.

I have made several Tokyo rigs. Cheaper than buying them.

How do you keep a dropshot from doing the same thing?
Same principle.

Very True, Have you experimented with different kinds of hooks or just kept to an EWG?

Drop shot does not do same thing if tied correctly.

Been making them the same way since they came out. Good use of old spinnerbaits.

Very true!

A drop shot doesn�t roll to the side, nor does it fall if you rig it correctly. A Palomar knot with a long tag end, pulled back through the hook eye and then nose hook the plastic. It will stand out like a flag in a 50mph wind.

The Tokyo rig works to keep bait out of a silted in bottom. It is horrible in anything else. But, it does have its moments.

That's the one thing I like about the Tokyo rig, a lot of the ponds I fish are muddy/silty bottoms.

I must be missing something because I just don't see a need for the Tokyo rig.

Have you fished one yet?

You have to keep tension on the line or the wire will fall over-in that respect I don't see how its really any different than a drop shot.
There are so many presentation/techniques out there its getting hard to keep up.

But to be honest I've never fished one.