Making Worms Even Deadlier
I have to admit to liking soft plastics for bass. Yes, I know there are times when cranks or other hard baits are the key to success, but I still like that moment you get between bite and hookset when fishing worms, soft stick baits and other lures fished on slack line.
While a standard worm has been proven effective for bass in a wide range of conditions, making worms even deadlier isn’t that difficult to pull off. Since the launch of the Senko and other lures like the Sinking Minnow and Heavyweight Worm, I have been fascinated with a lure’s rate of fall. Clearly, fish react positively to baits that fall slowly with some type of action on the drop. Baits like the Heavyweight Worm are designed to fall with a slight quiver or wobble. I’ve learned that the more you do to enhance that action, the more fish you usually catch. Additionally, it makes these baits practical for fishing even deep water as in 30 feet plus.
How do you do that? First, look at the hooks you use. If you are using lightwire models with these baits, experiment with heavier options to increase rate of fall. Small leadheads are another option, especially when rigging wacky style. Other weighted hooks or hook weights like the Sebile Soft Weight System. The latter uses small Tungsten gum rubber weights from 1/64 ounce to 1/32 ounce that can be positioned anywhere you’d like along the hook shank. Where you place the weight(s) affects how the bait falls. With the weight near the hookeye, the bait falls head-first. Positions them near the middle of the hook and the bait falls horizontally. Move then to the back of the hook and the bait does some weird, wonderful things.
Your line choice is another important consideration. Use a floating line like braid can slow a lure’s rate of fall and decrease it’s action, while sinking lines like fluoro can actually enhance it. Does it make a difference? Yes! In fact, in a little experiment conducted with Maddie after school this afternoon, we slid out for a little bass fishing with one rod loaded with braid and the other fluoro. The lures (stick baits) and hooks used were identical, yet the two best fish of the afternoon both came on the rod with fluoro. And this isn’t the first time I’ve seen this.
Want to make your worms and soft stick baits deadlier? Start playing with fluoro!
–Steve
