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The Trick Worm is no newcomer to the game of bass fishing. For decades, it has been the go-to for anglers seeking a bass fishing bait that is both easy to use and effective in a wide variety of conditions. Its effectiveness and versatility make it essential to know how to fish a trick worm for bass.
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How to Fish a Trick Worm for Bass
Over four decades ago, when the Trick Worm was launched by the Zoom Bait Company, it was genuinely groundbreaking. Today, it looks to be one of the simplest and most imitated baits of all time. There was clearly a lot of effort put into the design of this 6–7-inch long, straight, soft-plastic worm lure.
Over the years, this simple soft-plastic worm has inspired a lot of different techniques. This lure’s action and presentation can be drastically altered by repositioning the hook and removing or adding sinkers or weight, thanks to its sleek original design. It is available in both natural colors and other very bright ones like:
- Chartreuse
- White
- Pink
- Yellow
The tail of the worm is not curved, so it does not provide any swimming action. These worms are very effective in catching bass in lakes and ponds, most especially after the spawn.
How to Choose the Right Gear for Trick Worms
More often than not, you can choose to fish a trick worm without using a weight. This experience will be almost similar to any other floating topwater lure. For fishing bass, you want to stay away from large hooks. So stick to 2/0 or 3/0 worm hooks and you can tie them directly to your line.
If your line keeps getting tangled, you may need to get a barrel swivel and place it about 6 inches above the hook. If you are not using an onset hook, you should consider inserting a toothpick or something similar through the hook eye. This will keep it from falling down.
When it comes to the choice of line for fishing these worms for bass, it is grossly a matter of personal preference. Heavier lines can increase your chances of a solid hookup. However, ensure you use what works best for you. You can combine this with a baitcasting tackle or spinning tackle for maximum results.
How to Rig Trick Worm for Bass
Trick worms can be very versatile. This means that they can be used to catch big bass in several scenarios with various techniques. Keep in mind that some of these techniques have yielded consistent results in different applications. Here are some of the best ways to rig your worm for bass:
The Texas Rig
The texas rig is one of the most popular ways to rig this worm for bass. This is particularly true because you can use it without having to use any weights. The Texas rig is a great option for fishing bass in shallow waters:
- Simply hook the worm through the head
- Then, just like you would with a soft plastic jerk bait, twitch it along slowly
- If the bite is really tough, let it settle every once in a while
To get the maximum action possible, consider using a 6 1/2-inch worm.
The Carolina Rig
Similar to the Texas rig, the Carolina rig is another popular and effective way to rig a trick worm for bass. Rig your worm through the head the same way as the Texas rig. If you need more action, you can use a longer leader, while if you need a subtle presentation, a short leader is your go-to.
The Carolina rig can be very effective in deep waters and after a front has passed and the sky is clear and high. When fishing in deep waters, you need more weight, while in shallow waters, you need a lighter presentation.
The Shaky Head
A shaky head jig can be an effective choice when the other techniques seem to be failing. To rig the shaky head:
- Thread your worm onto it by approximately half an inch
- Bring the head up flush
- Locate the point’s intended path through the worm’s body
This bait simulates a baitfish searching for food on the bottom. Typically, baitfish will eat in the mud with their tails up and their heads down. This bait is best used on the bottom, where a gentle tug will cause the tail to rise and fall. Bass finds it very difficult to resist this presentation.
This rig is excellent both in deep and shallow water. However, you might lose a few worms if the bottom is rough. This bait is particularly effective on the flats of lakes with plenty of covers, which are positioned above the soft silty bottoms.
The Drop Shot Rig
When it comes to functionality, the drop shot rig is very similar to the Carolina rig. There is a distinction, however, and that is the worm’s distance from the bottom of the sinker. The drop shot rig allows the angler to position the worm above the sinker at any depth.
This can be a game changer, especially for vertical fishing. It is a great choice for fishing deep water with smaller targets or for fishing bass that are floating above the water rather than near the bottom of the pond.
Bass are easily attracted to the drop shot rig because of its natural and adaptable presentation. This is because the worm is higher up on the line than the weight, which causes the weight to sink to the bottom. To rig your worm, just attach the weight to the end of the line and tie a Palomar knot at the hook.
The Wacky Rig
Probably one of the oldest tricks in the book, the wacky rig is still as effective as it was in the past. You can easily rig a plastic worm for this technique by hooking it through its thickest section. When retrieved, it will hang naturally and twitch convincingly.
If you want your worm to plunge deeper and quicker into the water, you can consider attaching a Wacky Rig Weight to the hook.
A target setup like this can be quite effective during or just after the spawn when the water is clear and the bass is focused on specific patches of cover or structure. Place it as near to a group of plants or grass as you can and twitch it for a while before leaving it to die.
How to Retrieve a Trick Worm When Fishing for Bass
The best way to retrieve a trick worm is to twitch it right when it falls right below the surface of the water, wait for a bit, and then allow the worm to sink a bit.
Doing this slowly while keeping the worm close to the surface will help you keep it to a natural look. This will help you draw in bass wanting to take a bite. The Zoom Trick Worm is so adaptable because the salt in the bait makes it appear to float on the surface of the water.
You can tell that the worm has been swallowed when you notice a jump on your line. Do not react to quickly because you might not be able to set the hook before they flee.
Conclusion
Trick worms are still a great choice for fishing bass. Despite being around for decades, it has remained as versatile and effective as it has always been. It has even gained multiple applications over the years, making it a valuable asset to any angler looking to catch big bass.