Texas Rig Tips for Bass
It is a fairly well known fact that if you are an angler after large bass then a synthetic worm is the lure of choice. Bass invariably find it difficult not to react to the life-like motion and profile of a plastic worm when used correctly. This type of fishing does take a fair amount of skill and is more art than science. The only way to become a consistent bass angler with this technique is practice. This is a method that takes time to master. Hopefully some of the tips below will help get you on your way, but as with anything in fishing there are no substitutes for practice and time on the water. If you have any tips or tricks to add, feel free to leave a comment so other readers can see what you have to say.
One of the most important things to know about fishing for bass with a plastic worm is that the method requires the fish to actually see your rig, inducing a strike. Therefore, this method is most effective used in either clear or slightly stained water. In addition, worms are definitely more effective in warmer water (60 degrees and up) although I have had some success in early spring where water temps are a bit lower.
There are numerous methods to fish for bass with a plastic worm, but over the years many anglers have made a few stand out more than any of the others: The Texas Rig, Floating Rig, Carolina Rig and the Swimming Rig.
For this post, I am going to discuss the Texas Rig in detail as it has proven the most effective for me in catching bass over the years.
In a Texas Rig, the hook is pulled through the leading tip of the worm, then turned back toward the worm and re-inserted along the body, to make it weedless. This method also utilizes a sinker, which coupled with the semi-buoyant worm, makes for a very lifelike presentation that a lot of bass cannot resist. A couple of things to note when setting up your Texas Rig are that you need to make sure that the worm maintains a natural feel in the water. If you re-insert the hook too high, or too low, bass will notice this and let your rig pass right on by. Another thing to consider is to purchase worms that are ‘impregnated’ with scent, salt, etc. These types of worms are much more effective than those that are just covered in salt. The second you throw one in the water, any attractive property it may have had for bass is washed away.
Utilize the smallest slip sinker that you can find (weight wise). The lighter your sinker is, the more life-like the worms motion in the water will be. Based on water depth, you can use the guide below to select the proper weight:
- In less than six feet of water – 1/16 to 1/8 oz.
- In six to twelve feet of water – 1/8 to 1/4 oz.
- In 13 to 18 feet of water – 1/8 to 3/8 oz.
- Deeper than 18 feet of water – 3/8 to 1/2 oz.
If you are fishing a Texas Rig in heavy vegetation or submerged timber, try inserting a split matchstick or toothpick into the sinker, which will peg it in place and lower your chances of getting hung up. This is also a good method for bettering the feel of the rig.
Size and Color selection are also very important as there are almost too many variations to choose from. As a general rule though, you can expect lure action and effectiveness bases on some of the following criteria below:
- In vegetation, it is better to use a thinner worm with a
straight tail. - Larger worms with a twistie or multiple tails are typically
best in lower visibility water due to the additional action. Being able
to churn the water up a bit is a great way to get the attention of a
bass in muddier waters. - If the bass do not seem to be very active, try using a
smaller worm. Many times, this can spur on a strike. - When fishing in clear water, try to utilize lighter colors
like pearl, light green, blue, etc. - Utilizing two-toned colored worms are generally a better
way to get a bass on the line. - When confronted with darker water, utilize darker colors
like black, purple, brown, etc.
General Technique
- Cast your rig past a drop-off or ground clutter.
- Do not egage the reel after the lure hits the water. Wait
ample time for your lure to sink to the bottom where the unsuspecting
bass are more than likely hanging out. When your slack line is gone,
you can then engage the reel. - Once on the bottom, raise up your rod tip slightly and then
let the worm settle back down while retrieving in a slow, methodical
manner. - Always be watching your line and be in-tune with your rig.
Since you obviously won’t be able to see what is going on in the water,
you need to rely on your sense of touch and eyesight to let you know
when a bass is ready for the taking. - You will feel a tapping or even tug on the end of your line
when a bass has struck. One of the most difficult things with this type
of fishing is being able to differentiate between an actual strike or
the worm bouncing off of ground cover, rocks, etc. This is why fishing
with a Texas Rig is more of an art than a science. The more time you
take to learn the little nuances, the more successful you will be. Do
not be shy in setting the hook. At first, you will most likely be
setting on every little bump. You won’t be getting charged by the hook
set so don’t be embarassed to set the hook, even if it is just a rock. - After a failed hook set, let the worm drop right back down
to the bottom. If there was a bass on the other end, chances are he /
she may take a second swipe at your rig.