When it came time to change strategies and techniques, Velvick pulled out his finesse tools and his box of Fin-tech jigheads. I shared with him our introduction to the Fin-tech product during ICAST and we shared mutual discoveries and observations of the jigheads. One thing I shared with Velvick was a concern I had over the baitkeeper’s length.

Velvick hooked up immediately as soon as I left his boat!

Because the keeper extends so close to the point of the hook, I was wary of the jighead’s hook up ratio. I asked Velvick if he had encountered any problems and he shared that he had not, but he was still relatively new to the Fin-tech product. We decided to put my concerns to the test and rigged up some Berkeley Chigger craws to hopefully find out. Unfortunately, we didn’t have long as shortly after our re-rigging, it was time to rendezvous at the marina and switch partners, but as luck would have it, as I as motoring out of the Marina with my new partner for the day, event manager Kent Brown, Velvick hooked up! After a little play for the camera, Velvick held up his catch and shouted over the water he had no problem hooking that fish.

Velvick with a Pardee winter bass courtesy of the Berkley Chigger Craw and Fin-tech's Title SHot Jighead!

Next stop for the Fin-tech heads was El Novillo Lake in Mexico where I fished the Reaction Innovations Skinny Dipper aboard the Fin-tech TS Skip Head not because I needed the features of a skipping head, but because I liked the upright configuration of this head. Here I was able to verify the hook keeper’s configuration is definitely not an issue with hookups and actually works quite well helping to hold onto the bait even while I was doing battle with my catch.

The skipping head rigged with a Reaction Innovations Skinny Dipper ready at El Novillo Lake, Mexico.

Since those two trips, I’ve fished the Fin-tech product on and off over the course of 2009 and have found durability of the product to be very good. The finish of the Fin-tech head is nothing extraordinary save for the epoxy finish coat, but it is surprisingly durable. The Mustad Ultra Point Hooks are proven, and the patented hook keeper has held up very well.

And a willing El Novillo bass volunteers for a photo op.

Availability: Despite being around since 1993, the Fin-tech product is still rather difficult to find. Fortunately, product is available direct from the company via their online store.

If it weren't for big baits, jigheads like the Fin-tech product shown in this article would likely dominate our coverage!

Ratings: (We've re-calibrated our ratings standard for 2008 and have included a key at the bottom of the following matrix as a guide):

Pluses and Minuses:

Conclusion: For those anglers needing consistency in their tackle, Fin-tech provides a method for achieving this consistency in their vast array of jighead products. Need a jighead to fish the weeds? Their original Title SHot can do the job. Need one for rocky areas? Try the Title SHot football head. Need one for monster sized baits? Try the Fin-tech Title SHot Magnum jighead. How about a head for skipping docks? Try the Title SHot Skip Jig. Last but not least, don’t forget about the Title SHot Shakey Head.

A nice California Delta Smallmouth courtesy of a Roboworm Zipper Worm fished on the Fin-tech Title SHot shakey head!

Hopefully, with notable pros such as Byron Velvick behind their brand, distribution of the Fin-tech product will grow making it easier to source their jigheads from known vendors. That aside, the Fin-tech line of Title SHot jigheads are more than a worthwhile product, so if you fish this technique, you owe it to yourself to check out these heads. Speaking of which, it’s time to reload on my supply!