Question About Weights

[crazyjoeclemens]

So, after having a little luck with wacky rigging the other day, I was trying to do some research and figure out what I need to add to my tackle box to be more effective with soft plastics.

 

First question I have is specifically about wacky rigging.  I used a powerbait shaky worm on a finesse wide gap hook, with no additional weight.  It worked well, but I had to fish it super slow to give the worm time to sink.  What kind of weights and where would you put them on this kind of setup, if you wanted to fish it a little faster?

 

Second question:  I was also looking at some shad-shaped swim baits and EWG hooks and I was wondering if the hooks with weight already molded on them are best or if the clip-on weights are better?

 

Any suggestions would be appreciated!  Thanks

[travis23]

I use the Gamakatsu G finesse series wacky jighead. They are great and most of the time fishing shallow I use a 1/16oz weight. The Zappu Inchi wacky hooks are good too!

[Fish Murderer 71]

WOW! Those are EXPENSIVE!!!!  If you have an Academy Sports n Outdoors close by- they have the VMC Wacky Jig.  Works wonders for Senkos, haven't tried with any other worm yet.

[PersicoTrotaVA]

Owner wacky jigheads or the VMC wacky jigheads.  I use 1/16 and 1/8 oz.  The Gamas are way too expensive!

 

I use owner swimbait hooks both weighted and non weighted.  They give the bait a great wobble!

[WIGuide]

When I started wacky rig fishing I found myself in the same boat as you. I tried the jigheads and didn't like them all that much. What I did end up finding though was the Eco Pro Tungsten  Pro Wacky Weight. Those little suckers are awesome! They're easy to use, they'e compact, and they actually help your worms last longer. Another benefit is if you are using them around grass, it makes a more compact package so there is less to get caught up in the grass. They may look a little pricey, but they are about the same as the wacky jigs and you don't go through as many. I usually use 1/32 oz for the 4' Yum Dingers, and 1/16 oz for the 5". I might move up to the 1/8 oz if i was trying to fish them deeper. 

[Christian M]

Trokar has superb wacky hooks, the Gamas are my second favorite. If you wanna add weight you can do several things, the easiest being a split shot. You can also use a drop shot weight, or peg a bullet weight to your line. I think its Owner that makes weighted wacky hooks. Good luck.

[Raul]

You can use wacky rig jigheads, you can also use a split shot, the wonderful thing about split shots is that they are available in numerous weights and you can use one or several to achieve the rate of fall you want.

[crazyjoeclemens]

Thanks for the input, fellas!  I might have to put in an order somewhere - We have a Dick's and a small Gander Mountain store just opened.  Both have a decent selection, but they're a bit lacking, when it comes to specialty stuff.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The plastic you're rigging really light too. Just going to a heavier salted bait (Senko, Dinger etc) will make a difference and any of the weighting techniques mentioned already will get an even faster fall. Nail weights will work too, look up "Neko rig"

[michang5]

Until last week, I've been a die-hard WEIGHTLESS wacky guy. I've refused to put a weight of any kind with a senko. And if I need extra weight on my finesse or trick worms, I've always switched to a drop shot.

 

But a friend of mine started using these Cabelas wacky jigs. He needed a few more, I was going to Cabelas and I thought why not buy a pack (1/16oz) for myself.

 

I caught a half dozen dinks my first time using them — with trick and finesse worms. Definitely made those two soft plastics easier to cast and fish, especially in a light wind.

 

I didn't have any bites putting an o-ringed 5" senko on it, though. I still think adding weight isn't helping the senko, but maybe I'll change my mind if I catch something.

[crazyjoeclemens]

Thanks again for the suggestions. I really do like the looks of the Neko rig.  That should definitely catch some fish.  I think I'll pick up some Senkos and see if I still need a little weight, after switching to a heavier worm.