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Did the inventor of the original plastic worm have any idea how vast
his discovery would become? I have been thinking about how to start this
article, what worms to discuss, and how long it should be, and I'm lost.
LOL,... This subject could go on for a long time. The styles, and
methods for fishing worms, are endless, as well as the color choices. So
I will touch on the methods and types that I "usually" use.
First off I fish "most" of my worms the same way. I cast out,
let it hit bottom, and work it like a jig and pig. I'll hop it, pause
and hop it again, then wait for a few and repeat. Sometimes I will swim
a worm, or use one as a topwater over weeds, stich one, or wiggle one
, but most of my worm fishing is done as I said
My number one choice for a plastic worm is from the Berkley Powerbait
line. It is a seven inch black ribbontail, it not only has a good
profile, but the built in scent really gets fish to hold on longer. I
rig this worm on a 3/8 oz Florida rig worm weight (for mass) or a 3/8 oz
lake fork (for NH), with a 3/0 ewg hook. I will on occasion use the red
shad equivalent for sunny days, and the June bug for clear water. But the
black gets the top nod. I have also put this worm on standup jig heads
for special needs, like when bass are feeding off the bottom on a fairly
deep flat. Once its on bottom, I just shake the rod tip and the worm
sends out a wiggle that the fish can't ignore. But I digress
I also use several other types and colors on a regular basis. One for
instance, is a 4 inch black/chartreuse tail ringworm. I rig this on a
spinning rod, a 1/8 oz weight and a #1 offset hook. This is and incredibly
versatile bait. It "can" be effective at any time,
on any water. And I fall back on it very often. Another is a 4 inch
green weenie colored zipper worm. I rig it just like the other 4 inch
worm, and it's number one function for me is skipping. This thing will
skip a mile up under trees and docks. Just make sure that the hooks
point is buried in the worm and not exposed. Another is a six inch
purple straight tail worm, that I rig on a 1/4 oz weight and a #2/0
Gamakatsu
offset hook (or a 1/4 oz. jig head). I use this for inclement weather
conditions, or semi tough days. I especially like this one for weed
lines and sharp drop-offs. I used to have a good supply of 4 inch Manns
paddletail jelly worms that I used for suspended fish. I would rig it on
a small jighead, and vertically jig (slowly) it in the depth that the
fish were in. That was a good way to fish suspended fish. The bite was
light, but the fish were often quite big. Another is a alewives colored
six inch culprit which I rigged weightless on a 2/0 ewg hook, for thick
structure. I would rig it on a heavy spinning rod, and work it very
slowly.
These are just some of what I use. I could go on all day. But I think
that you will do just fine with what I have given you. Most of my worm
fishing is done with casting gear (except where noted) and I use mainly
Stren 12 pd. test green line.
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