T-Rig worms / tips & tricks

[.ghoti.]

After reading Ratlinrouge's response to the least favorite technique question, I got to thinking. He said the t-rig worm was his least favorite.

I realized that I used a t-rigged worm very little this year. I had six baits tied on all the time. Senko, Ika, X-Rap, tube, finesse jig and spinnerbait. The tubes and spinnerbaits saw limited use. I fished almost exclusively with three, Senko, Ika and X-Rap. Hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. The finesse jig saw more use than the tubes, but less than the Big Three. I guess that would be a solid testimonial to the effectiveness of the Senko, Ika and X-Rap.

So, for next year, I'm going to bring back the worm.

During last winter I got my worm bag sorted, trimmed down and organized. I used it so little this year that it is still ready to go.

I use BPS double sided binders for all my plastics, and have one devoted to worms. In my quest to reduce the amount of stuff I haul around, I reduced my worms to just a few varieties. Here's what I use.

Ribbom tail 7" Power worms. These are either t-rigged or rigged on a jighead. The t-rig is a 1/0 or 2/0 offset worm hook, 1/16, 1/8 0r 1/4oz steel weight and a steel bead. I fish this is all the usual places. I use a jighead when I want to swim the worm. My favorite is a slider head, the one with the flattened leadhead. It has a larger hook than most ball head jigs and is sharp right out of the box. This is one of my go to rigs for the outside weedline. The flat head will not bury itself in the weeds when I manage to get too close. It will rest on the weeds and can be twitched in place. Sometimes this works very well. I use a larger mushroom head jig for deeper structure.

Ribbon tail 10" Power worms, t-rigged, 5/0 EWG hook, 1/4oz steel weight and steel bead. I'll fish this thing anywhere.

Straight tailed worms. Mostly Zoom trick worms and finesse worms. I'll use these on a jighead when I want to fish vertically, not for swimming. With an open hook, this is not for weeds and wood, but for open structure. I'll use a split shot rig with a #1 offset worm hook for cover. I also use a swivel rig, with the worm rigged crooked so it swims in a slow spiral, using split shot to get deeper. This is a good numbers bait sometimes, but not a big fish bait. At least it's not for me.

Paddle tail worms, mostly Gambler and Assalt worms. These are mostly t-rigged. I'll use a little heavier weight than what I use for the Power worms, because I want to use a faster retrieve but still keep it near the bottom. Sort of a cross between swimming and hopping. I'll crank it slow and pump the rod gently. I fish these anywhere also.

I stick to basic dark and natural colors.

That's my bag of tricks for worms.

What's yours?

I'm absolutely going to put the worm back in play next year. Be nice to hear a few new ideas for this classic bait.

Cheers,

GK

[roadwarrior]

The weighted worms I use include GYCB Kut-tail,  GYCB 6 & 8" worms and the Roboworm (6" Shakin' Zipper). It seems that I catch greater numbers, but smaller fish on worms than other soft plastics. I'll continue to carry them around and use a worm occasionally, but they are certainly not a focus item for me, there are usually better options.

[Catt]

I'm a huge fan of Gene Larew & Ring Rascal ring worms; the rings give the bait a fatter profile while the core gives you less plastic for the hook to penetrate. The rings also offer a softer feel when mouthed by the bass resulting in the bass holding on longer.

[rocknfish9001]

There are 3 worms i use. That would be mann's mannipulator in tequila sunrise, usually t-rigged 1/8 oz. weight. Mann's jellyworm on a 1/8th oz spider slider head. And the original culprit worms

[Bankbeater]

I like the original Creme worms. They are not salted so t-rigged and weightless they will sink very slowly. With a 1/8oz. weight, the front stays on the bottom and the back end usually floats higher.

[Munkin]

I rarely use regular worms anymore? A couple years ago I switched to lizards and now it is creature baits. During the summer a t-rigged creature bait is always one of this best producers and I keep one tied on all summer.

Allen

[bubbler]

Roboworm in 6-7inch

Also the luck e strike bass kit.

[=Matt 5.0=]

I think besides spinnerbaits, I exclusively fished some kind of plastic worm T-rigged last year. Had awesome results with Gulp 6" nightcrawler in Junebug. My fishing partner uses a T-rigged original 7" powerworm in Pumpinseed. Thanx to Brent at *** I have some new stuff to try for '07! ;D Have some of his 5" trick sticks and 4" creature tubes, they look awesome.

[manny]

7" powerworm in red shad texas rigged with small weight

6" berkley gulp! nightcrawler in pumpkinseed texas rigges with larger weight