Fishing with plastic worms has proven to be one of the most successful and easiest ways fish for freshwater game fish, such as large mouth bass. Worms come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes to suit specific needs of any fishing situation. They can be fished in the shallow and deep waters, whether clear or murky. Several different techniques for fishing with plastic worms have proven successful and are relatively easy to use.
The Texas Rig
One of the oldest techniques for fishing with plastic worms is the Texas rig. Still used today, this rig remains popular because it is easy to assemble. The Texas rig consists of a bullet weight, usually between 1/16 and 1/4 oz., placed on the line with an offset hook tied on the end. The hook is then inserted into the tip of the worm head, then out the side about 1/2 inch below the entry point. The head of the worm is then pushed up onto the offset in the hook, and the point of the hook is embedded into the body of the worm. This makes the rig relatively weed proof and can easily be worked around logs, grass and other obstructions.
The Carolina Rig
Originally popular in tournament fishing circles, Carolina rig keeps the the worm and the weight at a distance from each other, using a leader. This allows the main fishing line to be heavier, and the leader to be lighter and less likely to cause the fish to drop the bait. The main line is tied to a swivel to which a small weight is attached. The leader is usually about 1/2 to 2 feet long and tied to the swivel, then to a hook that is inserted into a worm in much the same fashion as the Texas rig. This rig can be worked over grass flats, through holes and drop offs and over rises in both deep and shallow water.
The Floating Rig
Rigged similar to the Carolina rig, The floating rig instead uses no weight and a worm that is buoyant. This requires a worm that is also relatively visible, as this rigging is worked primarily on the surface of the water, so select bright colors for your worm. Cast the rig under overhanging trees, under docks and in shallows with a twitching action.
The Wacky Rig
If fish are not hitting other rigs, or are picking the worm up but not getting hooked, they may be grabbing the worm in the middle. Try using the Wacky rig style by hooking a rubber worm in the middle instead of the head. This will significantly increase the likelihood of a strike, particularly when fish are being influenced by a coming cold front or other conditions. A slow twitch and stop or sweeping motion works with this rigging style.
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