How to Fish Plastic Worms for Bass

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Bass are visual predators, so using live worms can be very effective as bait for them. Using plastic worms instead of live worms is a great alternative because it is more readily available in various shapes, sizes, and colors and they are easy to buy. This is why you should know how to fish plastic worms for bass.

How to Fish Plastic Worms for Bass

The best way to fish plastic worms for bass is by using the Texas rig. This is a simple, yet effective way to fish bass using these worms, even without using any weights. The Texas rig is quite versatile when fishing for bass as it can be used with any size and type of plastic worm.

A man wearing a blue shirt and blue cap is fishing using a brown fishing rod in the lake

The Texas rig is typically composed of an offset hook and a bullet weight that helps the plastic worm stay at the bottom and efficiently move through weeds. You can also use a wide range of hooks with these worms when fishing for bass. However, the best hook you can use for fishing bass is the 3/0 EWG worm hook.

Other Ways to Rig Plastic Worms for Bass

Plastic worms are very versatile. This means that apart from the Texas rig, there are several other ways they can be rigged to catch big bass. However, there are specific ways that have consistently produced great results. Here are some of the other ways to rig these worms:

The Carolina Rig

Somewhat similar to the Texas rig, the Carolina rig is a technique for catching bass with worms made out of plastic. The Carolina rig helps to separate the plastic worm from the weight so that it can stay off the bottom of the pond. It also helps to give the plastic worm a realistic horizontal motion that bass cannot resist.

It is typically combined with a leader that is about 2 to 3 feet long and attached to the weight. This provides you with some more space from the weight allowing you to fish for bass without spooking them. It also makes the plastic worm fall slowly and catch the attention of hungry bass.

This rigging style can be very effective for fishing bass hiding in deep waters. This is because it makes it easier to move your worms faster at the bottom of the water. As a result, it is a better alternative to the Texas rig when fishing for bass in waters that have little or no cover.

Three pieces of red plastic bait with a silver hook were placed on a white surface

The Wacky Rig

Despite its name, there is almost nothing that is wacky about the wacky rig. In fact, it might be the most realistic-looking rig on this list. To rig your plastic worm this way, just hook the plastic worm through the middle where it is thickest. This will allow it to dangle properly and twitch realistically when it is being retrieved.

You can choose to add a Wacky Rig weight to the hook. This will help the plastic worm drop faster and deeper into the water. In spring, bass are spawning and hungry and are more likely to notice a bait in their strike zone so this technique can yield great results.

These techniques are pretty effective in areas close to a dock or around overhanging trees and other covers. Be sure to twitch your rod at regular intervals. This allows the worm to present a realistic motion similar to that of a wriggling worm.

The Drop Shot Rig

The drop shot rig is quite similar to the Carolina rig in terms of how it works. However, the height of the worm from the sinker is what makes it different. With the drop shot rig, you can set the worm high up on the line at any depth you choose, away from where the sinker is.

This will make it easier to fish bass vertically. It is an ideal option if you are looking to fish bass that is suspended and not close to the bottom of the pond or in deep water with smaller targets.

The drop shot rig features a natural and versatile presentation that draws in bass at the slightest movement of your rod. This is thanks to the worm being up the line and the weight at the bottom. You can rig your worm by tying a Palomar knot to the hook and attaching the weight to the end of the line.

Tips to Follow When Fishing Plastic Worms for Bass

Plastic worms are some of the best baits you can use when fishing for bass. Asides from knowing how to rig them, you should also know how to choose them and use them effectively. Here are some tips to try out the next time you go out to fish for bass with these worms:

A fresh big silver fish caught by a person using bait in the lake
  • As much as possible, keep your gear light. However, the choice of gear to use is still up to you. Use the gear that works best for you.
  • Stick to using medium-sized hooks, as you will get fewer bites with big hooks. For worms made out of plastic within the range of 5 and 8 inches, you should preferably use a 2/0 hook and a 3/0 hook for worms within the range of 9 and 12 inches.
  • Use lines that are less visible like fluorocarbon.
  • Avoid moving the worms in perfect motion. You want it to appear natural to bass. So, make the movement look very natural. Let the worm sink naturally and twitch it slightly at intervals.
  • Use light-colored worms in clear water because they will be more visible.
  • Use dark-colored worms in murky or cloudy waters where visibility is reduced. You can also use dark-colored worms at night.
  • Use worms that have metal flakes when fishing for bass on sunny days. This will help to pique the attention of bass and draw them in as the metal flakes will reflect the sunlight.
  • You can choose to work your plastic worm fast or slow. However, it is best to let the bass dictate.
  • Use structural features to your advantage. These include saddles, offshore humps, and points. You can cast and retrieve your bait in these areas.
  • Also, leverage the presence of cover to increase your chances of a big catch. Try pitching and flipping your plastic worm around the edges of the cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Plastic Worms Effective for Bass Fishing?

Yes, plastic worms are effective and can sometimes be more effective when compared to live worms. They can simulate a similar movement to live worms if you handle them well. They are also less stressful to use as they come in different sizes and colors. This eliminates the need to cut them and you can pick colors that are most visible where you are fishing.

What Color of Plastic Worm Is Best for Fishing Bass?

The best colors of worms made out of plastic to fish bass are natural colors. These include green pumpkin, black, white, blue, watermelon, and junebug. While these colors have been shown to produce excellent results in varying instances, you can still do some testing to determine what works best for you in a given water.

Conclusion

The strength of the plastic worm is in its versatility. This is why it has proven to yield great results when fishing for bass with plastic worms can be productive. Be sure to try the different techniques where you find them to be most effective. Do not forget to apply the tips to have a fun experience using worms to fish bass.