What size weights for Texas rigging

[NHBull]

I too am in the camp of lightest weight possible, but have also boubled up lighter weight for the few times, I wanted more.  I actually  thinks the sound of them hitting together helped.

[Steve S]

On 12/25/2018 at 1:28 AM, WRB said:

I use 3/16 to 1/4 oz brass n glass 80% of the time with 6" to 9" worms. 1/4 and 3/8 oz with 8" to 10" worms and 1/4 to 1/2 oz with 9" to 13" worms, occasionally 1/8 oz with 5" to 6" worms.

Lighter weights for shallower water increasing weight for deeper water to keep in contact with the weight depending on wind and water temps. 

Tom

Hi Tom, was curious on your opinion for Florida ponds <10ft deep what bullet weight (or range of weight) would you use (mainly worms and creature baits 7in or less)? Also was curious what the glass bead does to the presentation and why you use it? Thanks for the info you are the best!

[WRB]

During day light where I fish it's difficult to get bass to strike line over .012 dia or 12 lb test mono or FC. The water is fairly clear ove 10' depth of light and highly pressured deep structured lakes. I like enough weight to keep in contact with the worm and 3/16 is enough using lighter line unless it's windy.If using .015 dia line the 1/4 oz weight is used. The tempered glass faceted beads are 8 mm holographic colors* to reflect light but most important is the clicks between the painted brass s.iding bullet weight. Tungsten bullet weights also make a click but lead weights very little sound. The bead is adding a little flash and sound to get the bass attention and works good day or night. 

My typical retreive is watch the rig sink closely for any falling movements or line stopping before it hits bottom. After the weight hits bottom or stops I lightly shake the weight if I don't feel resistance like a bass. Hooks sets are free so when in dought do it.

Worm fishing to me is a slow retreive shaking, stopping , hopping varing the pace I until something works.

Inprefer straight shank Owner 5103 Or Gamakatsu 484 round bend sizes 3/0 to 5/0 depending on the worm diameter and always weedless skin hook.

Tom

* Don Iovino Brass n Glass 

[dodgeguy]

On 12/23/2018 at 9:38 AM, Joshua van Wyk said:

3/16 and 3/8

Same here.

[Steve S]

3 hours ago, WRB said:

During day light where I fish it's difficult to get bass to strike line over .012 dia or 12 lb test mono or FC. The water is fairly clear ove 10' depth of light and highly pressured deep structured lakes. I like enough weight to keep in contact with the worm and 3/16 is enough using lighter line unless it's windy.If using .015 dia line the 1/4 oz weight is used. The tempered glass faceted beads are 8 mm holographic colors* to reflect light but most important is the clicks between the painted brass s.iding bullet weight. Tungsten bullet weights also make a click but lead weights very little sound. The bead is adding a little flash and sound to get the bass attention and works good day or night. 

My typical retreive is watch the rig sink closely for any falling movements or line stopping before it hits bottom. After the weight hits bottom or stops I lightly shake the weight if I don't feel resistance like a bass. Hooks sets are free so when in dought do it.

Worm fishing to me is a slow retreive shaking, stopping , hopping varing the pace I until something works.

Inprefer straight shank Owner 5103 Or Gamakatsu 484 round bend sizes 3/0 to 5/0 depending on the worm diameter and always weedless skin hook.

Tom

* Don Iovino Brass n Glass 

Thanks Tom I really appreciate the advice  At what length or size worm/bait would you move from a 3/0 to a 4/0 hook?

[WRB]

It's more diameter then length, I like the hook gap to be at least 2X the worm diameter.

Rhe reason is the worm can slide down into the gap filling it with plastic. I like to use a piece of Peg-It through the hook eye to hole the worm head onto the eye. Tie on the hook and put the Peg-It through the hook eye and cut off the ends so about 1/8" sticks out both side. Rig the worm by pulling the eye after rotating the hook 90 degrees and Peg-It about 1/8" beyond the nose end and it will stay there.

[waymont]

I mostly fish with 1/4-3/8oz bullet weights, mostly pegged, with lizards, worms, and craws. 12-15lb mono or fluoro leaders on 30lb braid. This is my hook of choice with worms and lizards. Mustad grip pin big bite hooks. I like to use 8" Mann's Jelly worms, and this has a bigger bite than some off set hooks. Great hook up ratio with these hooks. Craws, I use  an EWG hook.