Sanity Check Soft Plastics Usage

[Bass&PanMan]

Hi all,

 

Being 3 weeks into fishing, I thought it a good idea to sanity check my soft plastics usage so here goes;

* Drop Shot, size 1/0 drop shot hook with a strike king 3x elaztech finesse worm size is 4” or KVD Drop Shot Shad 4"

Reason: I think the size goes well with a 1/0 hook and these are the most floaty bait

* Shaky Head, shop bough jig with size 2/0 hook and Roboworm straight tail 4.5”

Reason: This bait is slimmer than others so when skin hooking, I find it is easier to set the hook plus the Roboworm’s tail floats nicely

* Wacky, size 2/0 Finesse Wide Gap and Senko 5' Worm Weightless

Reason: is there anything else for this style ?

* Texas, size 2/0 EWG Worm hook and Zoom Finesse Worm 4.5”

Reason: Like Goldilock’s quest for the perfect porridge, I find these just right; Senko too thick while Roboworm too slim.

 

Being a newbie, please do not hesitate to let me know if something in my approach is quite right or there are better options out there.

 

Best wishes

 

Matthew

[HoosierHawgs]

I might honestly implement some of these into my approach. Never thought of using a RoboWorm for shakey head fishing.

[Catt]

Please list why you like little lures?

[EvanT123]

You could spend your life looking for "better options" or you could use what you have and catch fish. I think your list is on point.

[PitchinJigz]

I might honestly implement some of these into my approach. Never thought of using a RoboWorm for shakey head fishing.

You haven't? Their 6" and 7" sizes are very common for it.

[Bass&PanMan]

I use smaller lures as my lake isn't known for big bass plus being new to fishing, it is fun to catch a few rather than wait for the elusive big one.

[chelboed]

Well...I think "sanity" is a bit overkill for the topic, hehehe.

This:

* Texas, size 2/0 EWG Worm hook and Zoom Finesse Worm 4.5”

Reason: Like Goldilock’s quest for the perfect porridge, I find these just right; Senko too thick while Roboworm too slim.

You mention a Senko is too thick and Roboworm too slim...a Senko is not a finesse worm. It's apples and oranges. I don't disagree with your Zoom choice though I've never used them, but a Zoom finesse worm & Roboworm aren't really used the same way as a Senko.

[Bass&PanMan]

I find a Senko too thick for Texas, my bite ratio dropped but a Standard Roboworm too slim that's why I opted for the Zoom Finese worm, it is a little thicker and 0.5" longer to try and tempt the bigger fish

[kikstand454]

Your hookup ratio dropped because a 2/0 hook t-rigged into a senko is borderline too small. Move up to a 3/0 hook and watch that t-rigged senko shine.

And for the record, the zoom trick worm will do all those things and catch numbers AND size.

*shrug*

( I am not suggesting that the trick worm can replace a wackyrigged senko- but a weightless trickworm t-rigged does the job in the same setting many times. )

[Bass&PanMan]

Thanks kikstand. My thinking was to use a smaller hook and slightly smaller bait as a way to catch more fish.

Thanks for the lesson.

[kikstand454]

^^^^ that is generally good thinking.

But largemouth especially will take on much larger prey than you would expect for their size. I catch a TON of 1lb bass on a shakey head trick worm. That's a 7" bait.

[chelboed]

Your hookup ratio dropped because a 2/0 hook t-rigged into a senko is borderline too small. Move up to a 3/0 hook and watch that t-rigged senko shine.

And for the record, the zoom trick worm will do all those things and catch numbers AND size.

*shrug*

( I am not suggesting that the trick worm can replace a wackyrigged senko- but a weightless trickworm t-rigged does the job in the same setting many times. )

I believe the bag of Yum Dingers even recommends 4/0

[FrankW]

Hi Bass&PanMan,

OK, so you want to use small hooks and baits. That is OK but not for every setup. I suggest you change your Texas rig to a 3/0 worm hook with a 6 1/2" Zoom Trick worm in Black or June Bug. I personally like June Bug Red. This is not a big sized bait that you can skin hook or not. I like a 1/16oz Tungsten weight. You can cast this a good distance and it will catch all sizes of Bass.

Even if you don't try this suggested combo you should have at least one setup that isn't Finesse. Maybe even a 1/4oz jig. You need to broaden your horizons if you want to be a successful bass fisher.

Frank

[Bass&PanMan]

Thanks Frank, I am going to give the seemingly huge (6 & 1/2') Zoom Trick worm a go today.

 

One last question, is there any other purpose to the bullet weight when Texas rigging other than to help with casting distance ?

[The Fisher]

You might try a Baby Brush Hog TX rigged as a change from a worm.

On the shaky head you might try a Hag's Tornado. When rigged on a Texas rig or a Shaky Head the worm will stand completely vertical.

[Joe H.]

I find a Senko too thick for Texas, my bite ratio dropped but a Standard Roboworm too slim that's why I opted for the Zoom Finese worm, it is a little thicker and 0.5" longer to try and tempt the bigger fish

Thats why I use the 6" fat roboworms. Perfect diameter for shakeyheads IMO.

[Bass&PanMan]

I've just got some so will give it a go today