Chloe Zhang
Soft plastic lures are a popular choice for anglers of all levels. When it comes to rigging soft plastics, there are several techniques to consider, including the Texas Rig, Carolina Rig, Ned Rig, and Wacky Rig. The Wacky Rig is a simple and effective method where the hook is placed in the middle of the plastic bait, creating an irresistible action. The Texas Rig is another popular option, especially when fishing with worms, as it provides a secure hold. Anglers also need to consider the size of the hook, with a general rule of thumb being to use the largest hook possible without sacrificing functionality. The weight of the jig head and the speed of retrieval are also important factors to consider when fishing with soft plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hook size | Use the biggest hook possible. A 5" soft plastic worm should be rigged on a 3/0 extra wide gapped hook. |
| Hook point | The hook point should emerge from the bait roughly halfway down the body of the lure. |
| Rigging technique | Wacky rigging, Texas rigging, nose hooking, and drop shotting are all popular techniques. |
| Lure size | Smaller lures typically catch more fish, while larger lures result in better quality catches. |
| Weight | Use the lightest weight possible. For depths under 6 feet, weightless to 1/8 oz is recommended. |
| Retrieval speed | Use a very slow and steady retrieve. |
| Bait type | Senko worms, curly-tailed worms, and finesse swimbaits are commonly used with soft plastics. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right hook size
However, there are exceptions to this rule. When using very small baits, such as a 2-inch bait, a slightly smaller hook, like a 1/0, may be preferable. Additionally, if your bait size is not a whole number, it is generally recommended to round down. For instance, a 3.5-inch lure would be paired with a 3/0 hook.
The hook size also depends on the type of bait and your fishing technique. For instance, when using thinner-bodied baits, a round bend hook is suitable, while bulkier creature baits may require an extra-wide gap style hook to provide more room for the bait to collapse during a hookset. Texas-rigged plastics, a popular choice for bass fishing, often use specialty oversized hooks for larger worms, ensuring the hook is not too short, which can result in missed catches.
It's worth noting that different brands may have slight variations in their hook sizing, so it's important to consider the specific bait and hook combination you intend to use. Additionally, the wire thickness, style of the hook, and your personal preferences will also influence the final hook size you choose.
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Wacky worm rigging
Take a small, sharp hook, such as a TK137 Pro-V Finesse Hook, and pierce the soft plastic bait in the middle. This can be done with various soft plastics, including stick baits, worms, and jerkbaits. The hook should be exposed, and the bait should be able to move freely.
Position yourself away from the structure or cover, and cast your wacky rig towards it. Keep your line semi-slack to allow the bait to fall naturally. This will create a shimmying action that attracts bass and other fish species.
Work the wacky rig around the edges of structures such as cattails, weed edges, and docks. These areas are known to be high-percentage spots for bass and other fish. The wacky rig's exposed hook point and free-moving bait make it ideal for these locations.
When using a wacky rig, consider using an O-ring and O-ring tool. This will help preserve your plastic bait after multiple bites, although some anglers prefer to use the bait without the O-ring. Additionally, weedless wacky hooks or Finesse wide gap hooks can be used to provide more fishing opportunities in cover.
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Nose hooking
To nose hook a soft plastic, start by taking a small, sharp hook and tying it perpendicular to your line above a sinker on a drop shot rig. Then, simply hook the plastic lure through its nose. This will expose the hook, which is characteristic of a Ned rig.
For added security, particularly when fishing in areas with weeds or snags, you can use an offset shank hook. Insert the hook into the head of the bait, then back out about a 1/4 inch below the head. Next, slide the hook through the bait and rotate it so that the head sits in the offset shank. Finally, push the hookpoint back into the body of the bait to make it weedless.
When nose hooking soft plastics, it is important to consider the type of water and environment you will be fishing in. While nose hooking is ideal for open water and hard bottoms, it may not be the best choice for weedy areas. In such cases, a Texas rig or straight shank hook might be more suitable.
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Using a Texas rig
The Texas Rig is a versatile fishing technique used for soft plastic lures. It is one of the first rigs a bass angler should master. It can be used for both saltwater and freshwater and can be cast, pitched, flipped, punched, and put in every hiding place a bass might use. It fishes through wood, docks, grass, rock, and more.
To set up a Texas Rig, you will need a hook, a weight, a peg if necessary, and a soft plastic bait. The hook selection will vary based on the soft plastic trailer you intend to use. An Offset Round Bend Hook is best paired with finesse worms and other slim-profiled baits, while an EWG-style hook should be used with magnum worms, creature baits, and other thick-bodied lures. If faced with heavy cover or thick matted vegetation, a Heavy Wire Straight Shank Hook is better suited.
The setup for a Texas Rig is simple. First, thread a bullet weight onto the line, followed by an optional glass or plastic bead. Then, secure the line to a hook. The hook is then inserted into the nose or head region of the worm and exits about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch down the worm. The worm is then moved up the hook towards the shank and rotated so that it is 'locked' on the shank. Finally, the point of the hook is threaded back into the body of the worm to make the rig weedless.
When rigging a Texas Rig, it is important to consider the fishing conditions you will be faced with. If targeting fish concealed in heavy cover, adding a peg or bobber stop can help pull your bait through dense vegetation more efficiently. Additionally, the weight of the bullet sinker should be matched to what you are fishing and the mood of the fish. If it is too heavy, you may stay pinned in the cover, and if it is too light, you may penetrate through without catching anything.
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Choosing the right weight
Weighted Hooks
When selecting a weighted hook, it is essential to consider the size of your bait. A simple rule of thumb is to match the hook size to the length of your bait in inches. For example, a 3" lure typically pairs well with a 3/0 hook, a 4" lure with a 4/0 hook, and so on. If you're using smaller baits, like a 2" bait, a 1/0 hook is often a better choice. In cases where the bait size is not a whole number, rounding down is recommended. For instance, a 3.5" lure would work well with a 3/0 hook. This ensures that the hook point emerges from the bait roughly halfway down its body, increasing the chances of hooking the fish.
Adding Weight to Soft Plastics
If you prefer to use unweighted hooks or want to adjust the weight of your soft plastics, there are a few methods you can try. One approach is to use nail weights, which can be placed inside the lure to add weight without affecting its action significantly. Fly tiers often use soft lead wire, wound around the shank of the hook, to achieve a similar effect. Additionally, placing the weight towards the front of the lure helps maintain its balance and prevents it from riding at an angle. It is worth noting that adding weight to your soft plastics requires careful insertion, as improper placement can ruin the lure.
Rigging Considerations
The type of rigging you use can also influence your choice of weight. For example, when using a Texas rig, you can experiment with both weighted and weightless hooks. On the other hand, a shakey head rig is commonly used with heavier weights, ranging from 3/16th to 1/4oz, to increase sensitivity to the composition of the bottom. Additionally, when fishing with soft plastics, some anglers recommend starting with a confidence rig, which can be effective even in spots where fish are less likely to bite.
Hook Size and Species
It's important to remember that the ideal hook size and weight can vary depending on the species of fish you're targeting. Smaller hooks and baits tend to increase catch numbers, while larger hooks and baits may result in fewer but larger catches. However, there are exceptions, as some species will also eat tiny baits. Ultimately, the best advice is to use the largest hook you can reasonably get away with, as this increases your chances of hooking the fish without compromising your bait's shape and profile.
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Frequently asked questions
The best hook to use will depend on the type of soft plastic lure you are using. For example, an EKG hook is recommended for Senko worms, curly-tailed worms, and finesse swimbaits. A wacky worm hook is also a good option for worm fishing. For a Texas Rig, use an Eagle auto 45 number 2 hook. A general rule of thumb is to use the biggest hook you can get away with.
There are several ways to rig soft plastics, including the Texas Rig, Carolina Rig, Ned Rig, Shakey Head Rig, and Wacky Rig. The Wacky Rig is considered the simplest form of worm fishing. To do this, take a small, sharp hook and hook it through the middle of your plastic bait.
The basic technique is a very slow and steady retrieve. Drag your bait slowly across the bottom so that you can feel for brush, rocks, etc. When worm fishing, be gentle and slow unless the fish are biting aggressively.
