Finesse Worm Tactics

[iceintheveins]

Since I am not talking about wacky or shaky rigging, or drop shotting, do many of you guys fish finesse style worms, such as zoom, robo worms, and reaction innovation flirts on plain texas rigs or split shot rigs? If so, how do you guys generally fish them to impart the best action? If using a texas rig do you just use a light free sliding sinker?

[ww2farmer]

In grass, instead of on a shaky head, I will use them with a light t-rig (1/8th oz.) pegged tungsten bullet sinker and light wire 2/0 EWG hook. They slip through much better and I don't get pieces of grass bunched up around the line tie like I do with a jig head. I actually catch more on finesse worms that way than on a shaky head.............at least in grass. I also use them on light c-rigs too.

[Will Wetline]

I used to fish a rig I called "Carolina Lite" which I put together with 6 lb. copolymer. The business end was a 3" Slug Go on a 2' leader. Then a size 10 swivel (I never bothered with a bead and had no problems.). Above that was an 1/8 oz. tungsten bullet. This rig was - and I'm sure still is - quite effective for smallmouth in the very clear water I fish.

 

I became enamored with drop shotting last year and rig the bait so it rides over the top of the algae covered/sandgrass/muck areas that I sometimes fish.

[OkobojiEagle]

Charlie Brewer's spider jig heads fished as Charlie has written...

 

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[Hogsticker]

A split shot rig can me extremely effective on smallies and trout. It's typically my last resort just after a wacky worm. I'll usually just drag a finesse worm, or stick an earplug in a small tube and let it sit. Just be careful, fish will often swallow the bait making a safe release near impossible at times.

[SissySticks]

I also use a t-rig in grass, and I'm not convinced that I catch more fish with the jighead or the t-rig. I really should do a side by side sometime to see. Anyway, I like to let the sinker slide free on my t-rig, though, because I think the worm has better action that way.

[smalljaw67]

a 3" stickworm such as a senko texas rigged on a 1/0 worm hook on 8# line with a BB split shot about a foot above the bait and it is deadly on river smallies. I use that during tough summer bites anyplace I find a riffle that runs into a small pool, it works almost everytime!!! The other rig is a 4.5" finesse worm rigged on a 2/0 hook with a BB split shot about 6" above the bait, I use that around boat docks and after the bait hits bottom I stich it along. Stiching, if you don't know is just a simple hand method of moving your bait along, it is a great way to fell light bites.

[BenB54]

I'll fish them pretty much like the way ww2farmer does. I'll either peg a light weight or do a light carolina rig know as a mojo rig. You peg a mojo slip shot weight at your desired length ahead of the bait. The slim slip shot weights come through the grass a little easier than bullet weights do. I learned this technique from one of Gene's videos and had a lot of success with it.

[Felix77]

I'm partial to the split shot method myself.  Small 2/0 hook, #2 or #3 split shot at least a foot up from the lure.  I cast it out let it sink and drag it through the grass or bottom.  Fun with a floating worm (Elaztech) too ... that worm floats away from the split shot.

 

Great finesse technique.

[Bankbeater]

T-rigged with a 1/16 ounce bullet weight.

[Hot n Tot]

I usually fish finesse worms on a split shot rig,  with the split shot 12" or so up from a 2/0 G-Lock Gammy hook. This is my favorite finesse tactic and I've caught some really nice fish on it.

[gallowaypt]

T-rigged with a 1/16 ounce bullet weight.

Same here or an 1/8 if it's above a 10 mph wind. I will also throw many of my finesse worms such as zoom trick or finesse worms, havoc bottom hoppers and senkos weightless in the dead heat of summer down here with good results.

[I.rar]

T-rigged with a 1/16 ounce bullet weight.

I replaced my finesse worms with roboworms and fish them that way. The fish love it.

[Silas]

I'll fish them pretty much like the way ww2farmer does. I'll either peg a light weight or do a light carolina rig know as a mojo rig. You peg a mojo slip shot weight at your desired length ahead of the bait. The slim slip shot weights come through the grass a little easier than bullet weights do. I learned this technique from one of Gene's videos and had a lot of success with it.

  I use this Mojo rig on finesse worms too.  But better, I've found, is the "FLOAT IT" beaver type bait.....it actually floats off the bottom with a 2/0 hook.  Been doing quite well with it.  Comes through grass and even lily pads. 

[Jrob78]

I fish finesse worms t-rigged, weightless more often than weighted.  I let the worm sink to the bottom and dead stick it or let sink down a foot or three and give it a few gentle twitches.  Finesse worms really come alive with a light wire hook, light line and soft twitches.  You have to be a vigilant line watcher for this technique but it's a great summertime option.

[Downeaster2010]

Over the years I have won a lot of money finesse fishing worms.  I fish gin clear water.

When fishing shallow, I will use a 1/16 oz worm weight, and a 1/32 if I can find them.  I

have even purchased the .177 pellets that are made for the pellet guns, and drilled a

small hole in the heads.  I spray painted them all black, and they catch a lot of fish on

my worms 4-6 inch.  Regardless of what you think a 6 inch worm will catch a finicky

bass of very respectable size, when it won't even look at a worm of 7-8 inches.  Its just

not that hungry for a big meal, but a small delicious looking 4-6 incher is just right.

The small worm weight is critical for very soft entry, less splash, and slow fall.  I have

fished many different baits over time, and have confident in 15 or so.  But my money

bait is the worm or jig.