The Pakula Shackle Rig

1: Hooks

Hooks are turned in rather than straight point and sharpened to penetrate tough jaw bone.

2: Hook Heat Shrink

The heat shrink on the hook shank keeps the piece of heat shrink on the eye of the hook securely in position. Apart from adding a flash of colour the abrasions from a missed strike can often reveal the species, i.e. bill scratches or cuts from large or small teeth.

3: Hook Eye and Swage Heat Shrink

The Heat Shrink is positioned halfway up the hook eye and halfway down the wire loop to allow the hook freedom to swing but reducing its ability to get hung up or tangle.

4: Wire Cable

The wire cable is 7x7 multi-strand semi-flexible wire. The wire is slightly thicker than necessary to help act as a keel for the hooks. The wire should have freedom of movement at both ends to reduce the effects of fatigue due to lure vibration and action. It is also a safeguard against fish with sharp teeth.

5: Loose Collar

The small piece of loose tubing keeps the hooks aligned but allows the hooks to balance themselves naturally without restriction.

6: The Wire Swage

The wire swage should be strong as well as being a slim profile with no areas obstructing the free movement of the hook that is also connected to the shackle. The correct sized figure 8 swages are ideal.

7: Shackle

The Shackle is a very strong connector that allows the leader and hooks total freedom of movement. Note that the rig wire and hook should be able to move freely on the shackle pin. The shackle also allows rigs to be changed quickly.

8: Thimble

The smooth stainless steel thimble allows full freedom of movement to the shackle while protecting the leader from damage.

9: The Nylon Crimp

As with all crimps, they should be the correct size. Note that when crimping on nylon the ends are left flared so that the ends do not cut into the nylon

10: Rubber Washer

The rubber washer protects the leader from being damaged against the back of the lure head. The rubber washer isn't required on Pakula Lures made after 2006

11: The Leader

The leader is usually heavy nylon. As with all other fishing the thicker the leader the less natural the presentation.

12: Rigged Lure

The hook points should be set at each side of the back of the lure i.e. the dark side so that it will run in that position as the hooks act as a keel.