Alexei Volkov
Plastic worms are a popular choice for anglers looking to catch bass. They are regarded by many as the most effective lure for big bass, given their long, thin profile and lifelike action, which mimics a wide range of prey. However, using plastic worms requires some technique and a good sense of touch and timing. Anglers need to be strategic about their casting, and the use of scents and colours can also improve their chances of success.
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What You'll Learn
Plastic worms are a great lure for bass fishing
When bass fishing with plastic worms, it is important to remember that bass are lazy. They will typically be hiding in some ambush point, facing into the current, waiting for prey. Therefore, it is crucial to always cast up-current or perpendicular to the current. If you cast down-current, you will likely spook the bass, causing it to become cautious. It is also important to note that bass will often be found in the shady water under docks, so you will need to get your worm into that shady water. A good technique is to flip the worm up and under the dock and slowly work it back out into the sunlight.
The key to plastic worm fishing is a slow retrieve. It is recommended to move the worm a few feet and then pause for 15-20 seconds. The strike often occurs right after a pause. Additionally, when approaching a pond or canal, it is advisable to cast from 20 feet or so away from the water. Bass have excellent vision, and if you cast too close to the water's edge, you may spook the fish.
When it comes to choosing the right plastic worm, there are various factors to consider, such as size, colour, and type of worm. While some anglers prefer larger worms to attract bigger bass, others believe that after 10 inches, the returns diminish. Colour choices are endless, and different colours may work better in different conditions and waters. For example, bright colours like chartreuse, pepper, and motor oil are recommended for attracting fish from a distance, while more natural colours like green and black can be effective in murky waters or when fishing around cover.
Plastic worms are indeed a great lure for bass fishing, and with the right techniques and understanding of bass behaviour, anglers can greatly improve their chances of success.
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The best colours and sizes for plastic worms
Plastic worms are a great lure for bass fishing, but choosing the right colours and sizes is essential for success. Here are some tips on selecting the best colours and sizes for your plastic worms when targeting bass:
Colours:
- Watermelon Seed: The Zoom Trickworm in watermelon seed colour is highly recommended, especially when fishing in clear lakes. Texas-rig this worm, and you'll catch plenty of keeper bass.
- Motor Oil: A plastic worm in motor oil colour is an excellent choice for clear water on a hot day. It can be very effective when other lures are failing.
- Chartreuse: During the summer, a U-tail worm in chartreuse is a great option. This bright colour can attract fish from 10-15 feet away.
- Purple and Pink: A large purple and pink worm with a beetle spin is a good combination. The bright colour and shiny spinner are a deadly combination for bass.
- Tequila: For summer fishing in 6-15 feet of water, a tequila-coloured 7-inch worm is a great choice.
- Green: When fishing in murky farm ponds, a green 2-inch worm is ideal. Reel it in quickly and then let it fall, repeating this technique to entice sunfish and smallmouth bass.
- Black: Black worms are another good option for murky farm ponds, especially in Ohio.
Sizes:
- 2-inch: For murky farm ponds, a 2-inch green worm is recommended.
- 6-inch: A 6-inch plastic worm can be placed inside the hollow part of a large tube. Matching the tube and worm colour can be very effective.
- 7-inch: A 7-inch tequila-coloured worm is perfect for summer fishing in 6-15 feet of water.
- 3-inch: When bass are pressured or cold, a 3-inch straight tail can be effective.
- 5-inch: A 5-inch finesse bait on a shakey head can be a good choice when bass are pressured or cold.
- 7/4-inch: From early May to September, an unusual size like a 7 1/4-inch blue flip-tail worm can be a good choice.
- 8-inch: An 8-inch blue Jelly Worm is another good option for the summer months.
- 10-inch: While some anglers use much larger worms, a 10-inch worm may be the upper limit for effectiveness.
Remember, the colour and size combinations are endless, and you can always adjust by biting or cutting off a bit of the worm's head. Experimentation is key, and with practice, you'll develop an excellent sense of touch and timing with your plastic worms.
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How to fish with plastic worms
Plastic worms are a great lure for bass fishing, but they require some technique. Here is a guide on how to fish with plastic worms:
Choosing the Right Worm
The size of the worm is important. While some anglers prefer larger worms to attract bigger fish, others believe that worms over 10 inches start to see diminishing returns. Worms that are 7-10 inches long are a good balance, as they are large enough to attract bigger fish without being so big that they become unwieldy or less effective.
The color of the worm is also a factor to consider. Bright colors like pink, purple, and chartreuse can attract fish from farther away, while more natural colors like motor oil green or tequila can be effective in clear water. The color of the worm can also be chosen to match the conditions, such as using a green worm in a murky pond.
Rigging the Worm
When rigging a plastic worm, it is important to use the right hook. Larger hooks, such as a 5/0 or 7/0, are often necessary to accommodate the larger size of the worm and ensure good penetration. The type of hook can vary, with options including an offset bend, an extra-wide gap (EWG), or a straight shank. The specific type of hook and weight setup may depend on the fishing conditions and the behavior of the fish.
Fishing Technique
Plastic worms are a "feel" bait, meaning that the angler needs to develop a sense of touch and timing to be effective. This can take many hours of practice and trial and error. One technique is to slowly lift and jiggle the worm across the bottom, or cast it under high docks to target shade-seeking bass. Another technique is to "count rocks" by pulling the worm along the bottom inch by inch, which can be very effective on pressured deep bass. Varying the speed of retrieval can also be effective, as can allowing the worm to sink and then dragging it along the bottom.
Additional Tips
- Use scents and salt-impregnated plastics to enhance the attraction of the worm.
- When casting near floating logs or bass hideouts, professional anglers often cast a foot or so away from the target rather than directly at it.
- When fishing in deep water or heavy current, a heavier weight, such as a 3/8-ounce tungsten bullet sinker, may be necessary.
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The best rods and reels for plastic worm fishing
Plastic worms are regarded as one of the most effective lures for bass fishing. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of techniques, such as wacky rigging, Texas rigging, and swimming. The best setup for rod and reel for plastic worm fishing is a medium, fast-action rod with a spinning reel. This setup is easy to use for beginners and can handle a variety of techniques. The fast-action rod allows for a hard hook set without excessive bending and is ideal for quickly lifting and setting the hook into the fish's mouth.
For those on a budget, a medium, fast-action rod with 8 to 12-pound test fluorocarbon and a spinning reel is a great starting point. This setup is versatile and can be used with lighter weights, which are commonly used with plastic worms. A spinning reel is preferable to a baitcasting reel when using lighter weights, as it performs better in low-weight conditions.
If you're an experienced angler looking for more specific recommendations, FLW Tour pro Terry Bolton is known for his expertise in worm fishing. For baitcasting gear, he recommends a 7-foot medium-heavy Custom Speed Stick from Lew's, paired with a high-speed 7.5:1 Lew's Custom Pro Speed Spool baitcaster reel. This setup allows for quick retrieval of slack and excellent control when working the worm with the rod.
For spinning applications, Bolton opts for a 7-foot Team Lew's Medium power rod, matched with a Lew's Custom Pro Speed Spin reel in the 3000 size. The larger spool on the spinning reel makes the line more manageable, which is advantageous when fishing with plastic worms.
Additionally, consider using bright or natural colours for your plastic worms, such as chartreuse, pepper, motor oil, purple, pink, or watermelon seed. These colours can attract bass from a distance and improve your chances of landing a trophy catch.
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How to use plastic worms in different seasons
Plastic worms are a great lure when fishing for bass, especially big bass. They are a "feel" bait that requires some technique and a good sense of touch and timing. They are most effective in warm water, preferably above 55 degrees, and are ideal for summer fishing. Here is a guide on how to use plastic worms in different seasons:
Spring
When approaching a pond or canal in the spring, make sure your first cast is from a distance of about 20 feet from the water. This will help prevent spooking the bass hiding near the water's edge. Bass have excellent vision, so it is important to cast a few times to the spot where you plan to stand and begin fishing. Polarized sunglasses can help eliminate glare on the water's surface, making it easier to see the fish. When fishing in a pond, look for structures such as culvert pipes, clumps of vegetation, or anything that a bass can use as an ambush point. Bass are lazy and won't chase their food too far, so you need to get your bait close to them to誘e a strike.
Summer
During the summer, plastic worms are an efficient way to fish for bass, especially in areas with submerged grass, brush piles, or rock piles. It is recommended to use a light rig and stay back from your target, making long casts with your worm. You can also try flipping and pitching grass lines, using a Texas-rigged bait with action on the tail to aggressively fish around cover. For open water, a Carolina rig is a good choice, especially when paired with a power shot, as it stays in the strike zone longer. When rigging your worm, position the tail up and the hook down for a more natural presentation.
Fall
In the fall, when the water temperature starts to drop, bass will begin to feed more aggressively in preparation for winter. This is a great time to use plastic worms, especially in lakes or ponds with clear to stained water. Slowly lift and jiggle the worm across the bottom, casting it under high docks to target shade-seeking bass. Vary the speed of your retrieve to entice strikes.
Winter
During winter, bass tend to slow down their activity and may seek deeper waters. Plastic worms can still be effective, especially in clearer waters where bass can easily spot the lure. Try using a slower retrieve, pausing for 15-20 seconds after moving the worm a few feet. This technique can be effective for enticing bass to strike.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic worms are considered one of the best lures for bass fishing. Their long, thin profile and lifelike action suggest a wide range of prey. They are especially effective in warm water (above 55 degrees) during the summer when bass are hungrier and looking for bigger meals.
Here are some tips for using plastic worms to catch bass:
- Use scents and salt-impregnated plastics.
- Vary the speed at which you reel in the worm.
- Cast the worm under docks and slowly lift and jiggle it across the bottom to attract shade-seeking bass.
- Use a slow retrieve—move the worm a few feet and pause for 15-20 seconds.
- When approaching a pond or canal, make your first cast from 20 feet or so from the water to avoid spooking the bass.
- Use a hidden weight hook when casting near floating logs or bass hideouts.
Some recommended plastic worms for bass fishing include:
- Zoom U-tail worm in chartreuse, pepper, or motor oil with a chartreuse tail
- Zoom Trickworm in tequila colour or watermelon seed colour
- Zoom Mag II worm
- Zoom Magnum Trick Worm
- Zoom Swamp Crawler or Magnum Swamp Crawler.
