Wacky Rig

[Catt]

1 minute ago, 5/0 said:

Catt,

Why the swivel? Purpose?

Can’t really tell from the pic. Is the hook through the worm perpendicular or is it through the worm and buried back in?

 

Swivel is simply added weight, it changes how the worm falls in comparison to any other added weights. I'm sure stop coiling.

 

The hook is buried length ways 

[NittyGrittyBoy]

Actually missed alot of fish trying the just pick up rod and reel method. Once I got my drag comfortablely dialed in, a swift upward hookset (kinda popping rod up) holding pressure worked better.

 

Hookset just rigged straight through the worm (perpendicular) was ridiculously better than with zip tie and hook parallel. But zip tie method saved alot of worms.

 

Reflecting on the day, yes it was a MLF dinkfest but fun, I will definitely buy shrink wrap and use the hook (perpendicular) method. I can see that method being the best. 

I did get my line snapped once, I will bump up to at least 10lb flouro for a leader instead of 8. Solid method to catch lots of bass, shame I haven't tried it sooner. 

[Choporoz]

bites came on fall?  drag? hop? twitch?   deadstick?

[NittyGrittyBoy]

I would say 85% on the fall. 

 

If they didn't hit it on fall, I'd pick rod tip straight up slowly, let it fall again(on slack line). I'd do that 2 or 3 times and recast. 

 

Water temp was 62° ish~ they were shallow first thing, then slowly pushed out to deeper ledge. 4ft water to 10ft dropoff on shallow side of pond. 

[WRB]

5", 6", 7" Senkos all take different size wacky hooks, bigger fatter worm vs smaller skinner worms. ML Spinning tackle with the drag set at 2 1/2- 3 lbs you shouldn't be breaking off on the hook set with 8lb FC unless the knot isn't tied correctly, but FC is always unpredictable line, mono is a better choice IMO. The 2/0 hook and wire size is too big IMO for the ML rod. Suggest using Owner 5172 size 1 for 5", size 1/0 for 6" and size 2/0* for 7"* Senko's. 

O-rings etc save on Senkos they don't improve hook set success IMO.

Tom

* 10 lb line with MH spinning rod.

[NittyGrittyBoy]

Rod is a MH/F, so your 10lb Flouro recommendation is spot on ?

 

And the 2/0 wacky hooks is all my local sporting good store had. An upcoming Tackle Warehouse order will help with the right supplies. 

 

The pond I went to had insane visibility for what I'm use too, 15ft down and you can see bottom, that's unheard of for my parts. So I knew I was out of my element and needed some clear water gear. So I borrowed about 30yds of 8lb Pline Tactical from buddy at work to use. We did try a variety of lures, actually catching some on buzzbaits, but swimming lures in front of visible bass they showed no interest, but drop that senko and they fired up. I really learned alot today being able to simply watch the bass react. 

 

Not sure if I'm envious or not of you clear water guys ?

[BoatSquirrel]

1 hour ago, NittyGrittyBoy said:

I really learned alot today being able to simply watch the bass react. 

There's are a lot to love about our sport and the learning just might be my favorite part.  Toasting a beer to you NGB.  You are a better fisherman today than yesterday and isnt it awesome!?!

[NittyGrittyBoy]

It really is, a man can truly learn something new all the time. ??

[Bluebasser86]

4 hours ago, NittyGrittyBoy said:

Actually missed alot of fish trying the just pick up rod and reel method. Once I got my drag comfortablely dialed in, a swift upward hookset (kinda popping rod up) holding pressure worked better.

Was that with a hook that had a weedguard?

 

There still is some force, like you a said a little "pop", required, just not the massive worm hookset I've seen too many times on a wacky rig that often results in the line parting on the hookset. The "lift", I'm referring to, is a bit of a snap/pop of the wrist to drive the hook in and then just keep the line tight.

[NittyGrittyBoy]

It's not much of a weed guard, but yes it had one. That little "pop" made the difference, I'm use to the "hunter shyrock" style hookset (google it lol). I watched videos of hooksets of pros using finesse style baits, and I knew I needed to tone it down a bit. 

 

I actually paid attention to my hooksets and really focused on technique. I know for some that's lame, but completely different style of fishing for me so I'm proud. Thanks for all the help everyone. Love this site. #bassresource

[mcipinkie]

There is tube made by G7 that is the cat's meow for rigging wacky rigs.  TW has them.

 

Even better is some silicon tube the right size.  Jeff Bezos has some.

 

Works better than O-rings or rubber bands. 

[Finessegenics]

I know your question was about the rigging and technique more than the actual worm being used. I came across this the other the day and found it super interesting, so I just wanted to share! Some baits really look great here compared to others 

[WRB]

23 hours ago, Catt said:

 

Swivel is simply added weight, it changes how the worm falls in comparison to any other added weights. I'm sure stop coiling.

 

The hook is buried length ways 

This is how we rigged wacky worms back in the 70's -80's using standard straight tail worms or trick worms as they are now called. The swivel is a weight but it also prevented line twist as the worm spins using this rig.

Tom