Anglers have used plastic worms since the little ersatz wigglers first arrived on the fishing scene in the early 1950s. Plastic worms are tried-and-true yet inexpensive lures designed to entice bass, crappies and many other unsuspecting fish. If all plastic worms look alike to you, you may want to consider taking a closer look at the full spectrum of multihued, tantalizingly shaped plastic worms available to anglers.
Conventional Straight Worms
The plastic worm most people are familiar with is a straight, no-nonsense worm designed to "do nothing," as described by ESPN's Jay Angel. Straight worms come in handy for fishing in weedy areas or when an angler wants a weightless plastic worm to float near the surface of the water. Simple, straight worms are often lifted in a gentle, up-and-down manner to attract the attention of a browsing fish. Canny anglers who use plastic worms depend on good timing and their fishing instincts.
Jig Worms
Some anglers prefer to rig their own worms with a hook and a weight, but jig worms are available that come ready-made with a small weighted head and hook. The small jig heads on these worms won't catch on weeds as will some do-it-yourself rigging with larger, bullet-shaped weights. Jig worms are popular with anglers on the hunt for largemouth or smallmouth bass in deep, weedy areas.
Worms with Action Tails
The closest thing to an underwater neon sign inviting bass and other fish to take the hook is a curly or ribbon-tailed plastic worm. Plastic worms with whirling, churning tails that are crescent-shaped, ribbon-like or shaped like a paddle whip already aggressive fish into a frenzy. These worms are best used in clear, open waters where the flashy tail won't curl around lily pad stems or thick, weedy vegetation. Many of these types of worms have ridges of varying depths along their plastic bodies to increase their wobbly, wacky action.
Worms of Many Colors
Choosing the right colored worm for the right conditions requires careful consideration. As you stand in front of a display of plastic worms in any sporting goods section, you may feel yourself begin to fatigue--the artist's palette of colors available to you can be intimidating. Choose any color you like, but remember that murky, dirty water requires brighter, flashier colors. Anglers generally like to use clear, neutral or natural colored worms in clear, unstained water. Blue, black, brown, purple and other dark colors seem to be the colors of choice for deeper, darker water. The good news is that worms are relatively inexpensive and are available by the bagful. Keep an assortment of colors handy and feel free to experiment.
French Fry Worms
Funny-looking French fry worms are stubbier than many worms and often have wide, screw-type ridges along their plastic bodies. The Bass Fishing and Catching website recommends setting up this type of worm with a Carolina rig--which includes a casting sinker, a bead, a barrel swivel, a length of leader, plus a hook threaded onto the worm--to ensure fish-eye-catching, erratic movement through the water.
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