How Do You Fish A Wacky Rig?

[michang5]

Setup 1: Shimano Stradic spinning reel (size 10/1000) > St. Croix Premier 6'6" MF rod > PowerPro Super 8 Slick 10# high-vis yellow braid > Invizx 6# fluoro leader (7-10') > Gamakatsu size 1 drop shot hook > Zoom Finesse Worm hooked just below the "egg sack".

 

*I've occasionally used a 1/4" piece of heat shrink to extend the life of the worm.

 

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Setup 2: Okuma Stratus spinning reel (size 25) > Okuma Reflexions 6'6" M rod > backing > PowerPro Super 8 Slick #20 high-vis yellow braid > Seaguar Red Label #10 leader (7-10') > Gamakatsu size 1 weedless finesse EWG hook > o-ring > 4" or 5" GYCB Senko.

 

*I've experimented with larger weedless hooks sizes, open hooks, heat shrink instead of o-rings, and my daughter's hair ties instead of o-rings (which allow for hook to be perpendicular to senko). I have the most confidence in the final setup above.

 

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I throw the more finesse Setup 1 into lighter cover with no wind. I reach for Setup 2 when the situation is the opposite, or when there is rip-rap or if I need to skip under branches.

 

Both have been very effective.

[jiggz125]

Thanks for the help. I will be using braid for the first time this spring and I am getting hung up on the fluoro leader/no leader and visibility debate. But it looks like most people fish wacky with straight fluoro anyway. I might try to wacky rig and texas rig fish on 30lb PowerPro Moss Green, if I dont have luck I guess I will have to tie on a leader.

[The Fisher]

I fish wacky rigged a lot. I use an o ring in the middle of a 5" GY Senko, rigged on a 1/0 Owner wacky hook (not weedless) on 12# seagur invizix, 7' medium baitcaster. If it's windy I'll switch to a spinning set up same length rod. I prefer St. Croix Premier. I cast, let them sink (as with most plastics, frequently get the tap on the sink). If I get no bite I reel a little with a little shake and wait. Watch the line because a lot of times you won't feel a tap but the line will start moving. Give it a little side sweep to set the hook but nothing violent.

[geo g]

Everyone is giving great advice.  One common denominator is fish it slow.  A gentle shake on or near the bottom is where I start.  I have also done quite well with a sharp snap off the bottom and let it settle again.  They often hit it on the settle.  You have to be a line watcher, and keep slack line on the fall.  The fish will tell you how they want it that day.  My favorite plastic is a zoom trick worm, black or watermelon red.  When things get tough I go to wacky rig.  Good luck, you will catch fish.