Freshwater Fishing Basics

Having problems using plastic worms? Do you get confused by all the different rigs out there.

Do you ever wonder if you can be successful with
plastic worms?

If so, this article is for you!

It’s How You Wiggle Your Worm

Basic Techniques for fishing the Plastic Worm

By Jeremiah T. Bagwell

Arguably, one of the most productive baits
on the planet is the plastic worm. Whether you fish it on a Texas Rig, Carolina Rig, Drop Shot, Florida Rig or on a Split Shot Rig, you can almost always catch bass on a plastic worm. The plastic worm is a very simple bait to learn to master and hopefully after reading this article you will feel more comfortable and confident in your ability to produce a limit while using it. Since this is designed to be a basic instructional guide for the plastic worm I am only going to get into basic rigs and techniques.

The most popular rig used when fishing the plastic worm is the Texas Rig. To use this rig you simply place a bullet weight on the line above 4/0 Daiichi worm hook. (Hook size will be dependant on the size of worm you are using) The weight will slide freely on the line. Cast the worm towards some sort of shoreline cover or structure and let it fall to the bottom. You will be able to tell when it has reached the bottom when the line goes slack. Pay close attention to the line as it falls because frequently the bass will hit the worm as it descends. Once your bait is resting on the bottom, reel up the slack line and give the tip a couple little twitches. If this does not produce a strike begin to slowly hop the worm along the bottom or over the structure you are fishing. It is not necessary to move the rod tip a great deal to produce an effective movement of the worm. Generally I do not move the rod more than 6 to 8 inches. Granted the amount of movement needed will be determined by the type of area you are fishing. During your retrieve it is very vital to pay attention to your line. Should the line go slack all of the sudden; chances are the worm is in the mouth of a bass. It is also very common for the line to begin to move sideways. This occurs when a bass picks up the bait and swims perpendicular to the direction of your cast. Should this occur reel up any slack line and set the hook. Almost anytime I fish a plastic worm it will be on a Texas Rig.

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