Story by Hunter Sales
As someone who grew up fishing the deep, clear lakes of Tennessee, I’ve always been drawn to techniques that combine precision with simplicity. One of those techniques is Damiki fishing—a method that’s as old-school as it gets but has evolved to be more effective than ever. While fishing the Damiki rig using forward-facing sonar has taken over the spotlight, I’ve been spending a little bit of time catching fish the way I’ve done it for years: using a jighead minnow with only the help of 2D sonar.
I cut my teeth on Tennessee waters like Douglas and Cherokee lakes where suspended fish and deep-water structure are the name of the game. Over time, I’ve developed a great respect for the Damiki rig and its effectiveness when the fish are being stubborn. Next season, I’m interested to learn how this technique can still apply without the sonar technology we have access to currently.
Traditionally, the Damiki rig was all about vertical presentation. You would mimic a dying baitfish, holding your lure still just above the fish. It’s a patient, deliberate style of fishing that’s as much about understanding fish behavior as it is about fancy equipment.
The traditional approach was as follows:
1. Area
Using 2D sonar, I searched for bait balls or fish holding around key structure—ledges, humps, and sharp drops in 20-40 feet of water. Back home in Tennessee, these spots are where bass love to hang out when the water gets cold.
2. Boat Positioning
Precision is key. I have always relied on my trolling motor to hold the boat steady right over the fish in order to drop the bait directly into the strike zone.
3. Action
My go-to setup is a light jighead (1/4- to 3/8-ounce) paired with a realistic minnow soft plastic. I drop it down slowly and hold it completely still. The natural look of the bait, combined with its subtle quiver, often sealed the deal.
4. How FFS Changed the Game
Utilizing the Damiki rig with FFS is more about covering water and throwing the bait to active fish rather than presenting it vertically. This has been the biggest adaptation and helps to get fish to commit more times than before as they don’t feel the pressure from the boat as much.
Looking Ahead
As we head into 2025, I’m excited to continue refining this approach. I will be spending a lot of time learning to hybridize these techniques. I believe it will be possible, although difficult to locate the bait and bass using traditional sonar technology and present the Damiki rig in a casting manner. Sure, you may have to key in more on structure than is currently required, but what we have learned through FFS is invaluable and shouldn’t be ignored. It’s about finding balance, staying connected to the basics, and letting the fish tell you what they want.
We’ll see how it plays out!
Hunter Sales – Angler Profile
