Chloe Zhang
Plastic worms are a popular choice for fishing, particularly bass fishing. There are several ways to hook a plastic worm, including the Texas rig and the wacky rig. The Texas rig is a popular choice for fishing in shallow weed flats in the spring. The wacky rig is considered the simplest form of worm fishing and can be used with a #1 or #1.0 wacky worm hook. When using a plastic worm, it is important to let it sink and then slowly reel it in, paying attention to the line for any bites. The NED rig is another option for worm fishing, and some people also have success using a jig head with soft plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rigging technique | Wacky worm, NED rig, Texas rig |
| Worm type | Curly tail worms, creature baits, Senko worms |
| Hook type | EKG/worm hook, Eagle auto 45 number 2 hook |
| Hook setup | Run the hook through the worm's head about 1/2 inch, bring it back up through the bottom |
| Retrieval technique | Slow and steady retrieval, let it sink and then slowly reel in |
| Water conditions | Shallow water with stumps and lily pads |
| Worm color | Red shad, firetail, pumpkin seed, black shad, green pumpkin |
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Wacky worm hooks
To set up a wacky worm hook, first, push the tip of the hook into the centre of the worm. You can also push the centre of the worm onto the tip of the hook. Either way, ensure that the hook's tip is embedded in the worm, without letting it poke out. The section of the hook just below the eye should pass through the head of the worm, with the shaft running alongside the worm, and the tip embedded in its middle.
You can use any type of hook wacky-style, but wide gap hooks may be easier for beginners. You can also use O-rings to increase the lifespan of your worm, as piercing the worm with a hook can make it more susceptible to tearing.
When fishing with a wacky worm hook, cast it into weed bed pockets and let it sink. Keep an eye on the line—it will jump slightly, or your line will start moving faster than it was sinking. If the worm is at the bottom, the line will just start moving. Typically, let it sit for five to ten seconds, then repeat. Once you start catching, make notes of each cast—where the bite happened, whether it was in the weeds, next to trees, or elsewhere. Once you know the pattern, you can start experimenting with other lures.
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Curly-tailed worms
There are several ways to rig a curly-tailed worm. One popular method is to use a lead head jig, which can be used in waters ranging from 2 to 40 feet deep. The weight of the head can be adjusted to suit the depth of the water. This classic presentation is versatile and can be used around shoreline timber or offshore rocky structures.
Another rigging option is the Texas rig, which is ideal for fishing in areas with more snags, such as grass and wood. This method requires a light sinker and a thin wire EWG hook. The sinker allows for longer casts and a faster sink rate when jigging. It is important to note that a slow retrieval is often preferred when using curly-tailed worms. When rigging Texas-style, the hook should be run through the head of the worm, about half an inch, with the curly side down. The hook is then brought back up through the bottom, ensuring the end of the hook stays inside the worm's body. This rigging method keeps the hook on the bottom side, preventing the worm from turning upside down in the water.
The NED rig is another presentation option for curly-tailed worms, although less common than the previously mentioned methods. When using a curly-tailed worm, it is recommended to pair it with a worm weight to keep the lure close to the bottom, where bass often feed. Additionally, using a wacky worm hook (#1 or #1.0) can enhance the action of the lure, making it more enticing to bass.
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Texas rig setup
The Texas rig is a versatile setup that can be used for fishing bass and other freshwater predatory game fish in heavy cover. It is weedless and allows your bait to fall nose first and sit tail-up, making it an attractive target for bass. The setup is simple and can be used with a variety of gear, including baitcasters and spinning tackle.
To set up a Texas rig, you will need a rod that has some backbone, as you will need to drive the hook through the plastic and into the fish. A longer rod will also help you take up slack quickly on the hook set. The best hooks for Texas rigging are offset worm hooks or EWG (Extra Wide Gap) hooks. If you are using a thin worm, like a ribbon tail or straight tail worm, an offset worm hook is a good choice. For larger soft plastic lures, such as creature bait or beaver-style flipping bait, an EWG hook is preferable.
The Texas rig setup does not require a weight, but most anglers will thread a bullet-shaped weight onto the main fishing line to increase casting distance and ensure the lure swims correctly. A lighter weight will also make the lure act more naturally. In addition to the weight, some fishermen add a bead to the line, as it creates a clicking noise similar to a crayfish moving along the bottom, which can attract fish.
When rigging the plastic worm, place it in the centre of the bait, leaving half the worm above the hook and minimal excess hanging off the end. This setup will ensure that when a bass bites, it sucks the whole worm into its mouth, rather than just grabbing the tail.
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Jig heads
When using a jig head with a plastic worm, it is important to consider the size and weight of the jig head in relation to the depth of water and the desired presentation. The jig head should be heavy enough to keep the worm upright and prevent it from flopping over, but not so heavy that it absorbs the shaking energy transmitted from the rod and line. For a natural appearance, smaller sizes ranging from 1/16 ounce to 1/4 ounce are recommended. The jig size used is generally determined by the depth of water being fished, with larger sizes like 1/4 to 1/2 ounce being preferred for deeper water.
The hook type and setup are also important considerations when using a jig head with a plastic worm. A thin or light-wire hook is recommended, as it will cause the fish to hook itself as you begin to reel up, and it can often be straightened out with constant pressure if it gets snagged. The "Texas rig" is a popular setup for jig heads, especially when fishing in weeds, as it allows the worm to penetrate the bass' mouth without a hard hook-set. Another option is the "wacky rig," where the worm dangles freely off both sides of the hook.
Additionally, the eye placement on the jig head can impact its effectiveness. A 60-degree eye placement, as seen on the Big Bite Wacky jig head, can provide a solid hookup and improve weedless performance compared to a 90-degree placement. The Fintwist Head, a ball head jig with a 60-degree eye, is another option that is effective when fishing in or around weeds due to its ability to glide through them.
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Retrieval techniques
For soft plastics, you can let them sink, then slowly lift your rod tip from 3 o'clock to 1 o'clock, then let it sink again and slowly reel. You can also try using a jig head with soft plastics, keeping a slow and steady retrieve while consistently lifting your tip up and down.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to hook a plastic worm, depending on the type of worm and the desired presentation. The two most popular setups are a Texas rig and a wacky rig. A wacky rig is the simplest form of worm fishing. You will need a #1 or #1.0 wacky worm hook. The NED rig is also a good option.
You can use a weedless wacky rigged worm and cast it into weed bed pockets, letting it sink and keeping an eye on the line. The line will move faster than it was sinking, or if the worm is at the bottom, the line will just start moving. You can also use a jig head with soft plastics, lifting your tip up and down slowly.
The Eagle auto 45 number 2 hook is recommended for a Texas rig. The auto 45 makes the worm swim in the proper direction. The hook should go through the head about half an inch, with the curly side down, and then back up through the bottom. This keeps the hook on the bottom side and makes it weedless.
