Finesse Texas Rig?

[AManWearingAHat]

Just curious if any of you have had luck when downsizing, throwing a light Texas rig on a spinning set up.

I was digging through some of my soft plastics and found some 2.5 and 3" paddle tail grubs meant for walleye that look like they would do well paired with say a 1/0 hook and a 1/32nd or 1/16th bullet weight. Seems like this would make a another nice wedless combo for a M or ML spinning set up if you're trying for a lighter more finesse-y presentation with the option of a pinned or unpinned weight. Anyone try this?

Pic for reference 

[jbsoonerfan]

I think the word finesse is being used WAY too much.

[MN Fisher]

A T-Rig is a T-Rig - whether it's 3/4oz weight with a 5/0 hook and a 10" magnum worm or 1/32 weight with #1 hook and a 3" grub - even a weightless finesse worm on a 1/0 hook counts...it's the manner of rigging, not the weight that makes it so.

[OCdockskipper]

Once I learned the difference between what structure & cover feels like compared to a bite, I moved away from heavier weights with my Texas rig setups. 

 

Unless I need the power to pull a fish out of cover or am using a larger, heavy bait, typically I will use a 1/8th oz weight on a medium spinning outfit spooled with 10lb Nanofil & an 8lb fluorocarbon leader.  Works real well with 4" worms or thinner plastics like Roboworms.

[Biglittle8]

I use a 3000 series reel spooled with 8lb mono on a 6ft rod for 75%of my t-rig pond fishing. I use mostly 1/8 to 3/16 oz weights with a colored bead most times. I'll switch it up to an 6-9 rod on the boat with a baitcaster and 12lb hybrid. I'm sure there are better set-ups, but I've caught a lot of fish with this rig. I try not to overthink it. If I'm having problems, I'll change it up. Trial and error is how I learn most of my lessons.

[Catt]

[OkobojiEagle]

OP,  Pair that Charlie Brewer grub with a Brewer Spider jig head that it was designed to dress and you'll have what you're after.  Purchase and read Charlie Brewer's book "Slider Fishing" and you'll become infinitely more accomplished at the finesse tactics your seeking.

 

oe

[Jigfishn10]

Back in the day we just called it downsizing and basically used these little french fries:

But as @jbsoonerfan mentions, finesse is the neo downsizing.

[Captain Phil]

Zoom 4" Finesse worms.

[ATA]

being here in SoCal 3/8 is normal and I order them 100 tungstan of them so there is no choice for me there. , if it is heavy, Ill go weightless. Thats how I made it simple and it is working for me.

[Mobasser]

These days, I just call it light tackle fishing. I use several different 4" plastic worms, rigged standard t rig style, shakey head, or Brewer Slider head. These have all worked well in a clear water quarry lake I fish. I like using these smaller worms because of the consistent hits from bass of all sizes. Something is always taking a pop at them.

[InfantryMP]

My philosophy for whatever it is worth...

 

Less than 4in worm, like a dinger or a ned rig with a 3/16 or 1/4 or even weightless...I use a spinning rod. 

More than 5in, or a wider creature bait like a rage bug or something similar with a 1/4 or more I use a casting rod. 

 

I think for me it is just less hassle with the light weight stuff using the spinning setup, it limits adjusting so much tension and brake. 

[AManWearingAHat]

1 hour ago, InfantryMP said:

My philosophy for whatever it is worth...

 

Less than 4in worm, like a dinger or a ned rig with a 3/16 or 1/4 or even weightless...I use a spinning rod. 

More than 5in, or a wider creature bait like a rage bug or something similar with a 1/4 or more I use a casting rod. 

 

I think for me it is just less hassle with the light weight stuff using the spinning setup, it limits adjusting so much tension and brake. 

 

These are the sort of rules of thumb I'm still experimenting with and  figuring out for myself. I'm recently into bait casters and have similar experience. Saving them mostly for the heavier tackle with roughly the same cut off as you. Thank you!

[OCdockskipper]

Another side benefit of a medium duty spinning rod for those without much experience setting the hook with plastic worms is the hookset.  For me, there was a learning curve in being able to effectively set the hook with my off hand (left) when using casting gear, it took me a while to get proficient at it.  I used to get bruises in my stomach & rib cage area from jamming the rod butt into myself while trying to do a Chris Lane hookset.

 

Being able to reel down & pop the fish quickly with your dominant hand will increase the number of fish you stick, provided you are using the appropriate light wire hook. 

[TnRiver46]

12 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said:

I think the word finesse is being used WAY too much.

I’ll make ya a deal on some finesse rattle traps and Alabama rigs. They cost a little extra, but they are finesse so it’s cool 

[AManWearingAHat]

13 minutes ago, OCdockskipper said:

Another side benefit of a medium duty spinning rod for those without much experience setting the hook with plastic worms is the hookset.  For me, there was a learning curve in being able to effectively set the hook with my off hand (left) when using casting gear, it took me a while to get proficient at it.  I used to get bruises in my stomach & rib cage area from jamming the rod butt into myself while trying to do a Chris Lane hookset.

 

Being able to reel down & pop the fish quickly with your dominant hand will increase the number of fish you stick, provided you are using the appropriate light wire hook. 

I use a lefty bait caster. Same rod and reel hands as my spinning set up

[galyonj]

12 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

I’ll make ya a deal on some finesse rattle traps and Alabama rigs. They cost a little extra, but they are finesse so it’s cool 

 

It's funny you mention that, because I've been kicking around the idea of a finesse punch rig for a little bit, and I think I've finally come up with something. Probably gonna pair it with something small like a 5lb kettlebell.

 

 

[Skunkmaster-k]

3 hours ago, InfantryMP said:

My philosophy for whatever it is worth...

 

Less than 4in worm, like a dinger or a ned rig with a 3/16 or 1/4 or even weightless...I use a spinning rod. 

More than 5in, or a wider creature bait like a rage bug or something similar with a 1/4 or more I use a casting rod. 

 

I think for me it is just less hassle with the light weight stuff using the spinning setup, it limits adjusting so much tension and brake. 

Me too 

[@reelChris]

Downsizing tackle is only half of the game.  You're not really doing it right if you're not fishing out of a finesse bass boat.  

 

 

[MN Fisher]

3 minutes ago, @reelChris said:

Downsizing is only half of the game.  You're not really doing it right if you're not fishing out of a finesse bass boat.  

 

 

Or like this

 

[OkobojiEagle]

You don't have enough room in the canoe for that dog in the picture.

 

oe

[Bankbeater]

If the bait I have t-rigged up is too light for my baitcaster, then I use my spinning gear.  I've never thought about if it was considered finesse or not.

[MN Fisher]

31 minutes ago, Bankbeater said:

If the bait I have t-rigged up is too light for my baitcaster, then I use my spinning gear.  I've never thought about if it was considered finesse or not.

Same here - 1/4oz weight is the 'break point'. That and heavier on BC, that and lighter on spinning.

[OCdockskipper]

5 hours ago, AManWearingAHat said:

I use a lefty bait caster. Same rod and reel hands as my spinning set up

 

Well, then to quote Emily Litella, "Never mind" 

 

[AManWearingAHat]

5 hours ago, galyonj said:

 

It's funny you mention that, because I've been kicking around the idea of a finesse punch rig for a little bit, and I think I've finally come up with something. Probably gonna pair it with something small like a 5lb kettlebell.

 

 

What are you gonna throw that bad boy on? 5’6” Light Fast for that extra sensitivity??