Forward-facing sonar has completely changed how anglers approach open-water fishing. Instead of blindly casting and hoping for a reaction, anglers can now see fish, track their movement, and make precise presentations in real time. At the 2025 ICAST show, Epic Baits Fishing introduced two jig head designs built specifically for this modern style of fishing: the Matt Becker Scan Head and the Tungsten Shine Head. While both are rooted in innovation, what really sets them apart is how they solve common, on-the-water problems anglers face every day.
Fishing the Matt Becker Scan Head
The Matt Becker Scan Head was designed with forward-facing sonar in mind from the very beginning. Its concave head shape is not just a visual design choice — it plays a direct role in how the bait behaves in the water. As an angler retrieves the bait, the concave face pushes water forward, creating subtle pressure changes that help draw fish toward the presentation. This is especially effective when targeting suspended fish that may be following a bait but not fully committing.
One of the standout benefits for sonar-focused anglers is the Scan Head’s flake-coated finish. When fishing with forward-facing sonar, being able to clearly see your bait relative to the fish is critical. The added flake improves the sonar return, making it easier to track the jig head on the screen. This allows anglers to fine-tune their retrieve speed, depth, and cadence in real time — whether they are slow-rolling a minnow-style plastic through suspended fish or hovering a bait just above a school.
Another practical advantage is the braided hook keeper. Traditional wire keepers can slide, bend, or tear soft plastics after just a few casts. With the Scan Head, anglers can apply a small drop of super glue to the braided keeper, locking the bait in place. This not only keeps the plastic perfectly aligned but also saves time on the water by reducing the need to constantly re-rig.
With sizes ranging from 1/8 to 1/2 ounce and hook options from 2/0 to 5/0, the Scan Head adapts easily to different conditions. Lighter weights excel for shallow suspended fish or calm conditions, while heavier options allow anglers to reach deeper fish quickly and maintain control in wind or current. Pair it with your favorite minnow style bait, and it becomes a highly versatile tool for sonar-driven fishing.
Fishing the Tungsten Shine Head
The Tungsten Shine Head is built for anglers who value sensitivity, durability, and precision. Tungsten’s compact density allows the head to stay smaller than traditional lead while maintaining the same weight. This translates to a more natural profile and improved feel, especially when fishing deeper water or around subtle structure.
Like the Scan Head, the Shine Head uses Epic Baits’ braided keeper system. This design directly addresses one of the most common frustrations anglers have with jig heads: soft plastics slipping down the hook shank or tearing after repeated casts. By adding a small dab of super glue on each side of the braided keeper, anglers can confidently fish all day without constantly adjusting or replacing baits.
On the water, the Tungsten Shine Head shines in multiple applications, and is a staple for scoping with various minnows. Available in weights from 1/8 to 3/8 ounce and hook sizes from 2/0 to 5/0, it covers a wide range of finesse and power-finesse applications.
Choosing the Right Tool
While both jig heads are forward-facing sonar friendly, they serve slightly different roles. The Scan Head is ideal when anglers want maximum visibility on their sonar screen and added water displacement to trigger fish. The Tungsten Shine Head excels when sensitivity, durability, and a compact profile are the priority.
Together, these two designs highlight Epic Baits Fishing’s commitment to solving real-world angling challenges. By focusing on how anglers fish — from sonar visibility to bait retention — Epic Baits continues to deliver tools that help anglers fish more efficiently, confidently, and effectively in today’s high-tech fishing environment.