The Zoom Weightless Texas-rigged Trick Worm (Candy Bug) incorporates a new technique for me this year and it’s been a game changer. 2017 marked the year where I dedicated myself to fishing soft plastics almost exclusively. (Notice I said almost- need my lipless crank, swim jig, or chatterbait fix ever so often)
Had no clue it was going to be responsible for my top night producer as well. Previously, had misconceptions that it wasn’t loud enough or distributive in the dark to get any love.
Positioning myself 10-15 yards from the target on foot, I like landing the worm on the bank’s edge first, then creep it quietly with the rod tip into the water at night. When you hear or see the water swelling, get ready to draw! Experimented with various hooks too and narrowed it down to a 3/0 Gamma G-Lock which is my new favorite hook. Wide enough gap, sharp sticky hook points, and the unique angle in the offset z-shaped position keeps the plastics flushed straight even when pulled thru weeds. And that’s typically when I also get the most aggressive strikes.
Judging by my last fishing experience experimenting with a Rage Tail Menance in Black with Blue Flake, this will be the Robin sidekick to the Batman duel. Just add a 1/4 oz tungsten weight and will use the same exact hook to swipe it out.
Since my headlamp is ALWAYS off when I’m casting at night, it’s impossible to line watch. But at night, the bite is usually more aggressive in the shallower waters because the bass are there for one of two things: pin the schools of Shad against the artificial metro pond walls or stalk the bluegillls near the weed’s edge. Jigs are next year’s endeavor.
