WATCH: Bass Crash Course video series, hosted by Shane Beilue.The weight can be as small as 1/32 or 1/64 of an ounce however, weights of 1/8 to 3/16 ounce can be utilized effectively in 30 feet of water or more. The Neko rig is an adaptation of the wacky rig that allows the worm to nose downward on the fall thanks to a small nail weight or screw-lock weight inserted into the head of the worm. On the memorable outing with my daughter, she caught multiple spotted bass by allowing the bait to settle along steep, rocky bluffs, as the post-spawn bass were hanging over shallow rocky outcroppings along the bluff walls. Late spawners and post-spawn bass will hold next to shallow cover. Simply cast the wacky rig across shallow spawning flats and allow it to fall next to shallow dock pilings, small stickups or near patches of shallow vegetation. With the bass spawn kicking off progressively later in the Northeastern states, June and early July are well within the window of time when a wacky-rigged soft stick bait will dominate. Smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass are all susceptible to the tantalizing fall of a wacky-rigged stick bait, particularly during the spawn or the days immediately thereafter, when bass refuse to chase fast-moving lures. Bites are typically very subtle, as bass simply inhale the falling worm, noted by either a slight "tick" as the worm settles or a spongy heaviness as you lift the rod tip. Because the lure settles slowly, depths of 10 feet or less are optimal, though it is possible to fish the bait deeper in calm conditions. The success of the wacky rig is likely derived from its inconspicuous appearance and minimal action, making it ideal in ultra-clear water, on days with heavy fishing pressure or on days when bass are just uncooperative. In truth, the wacky-rigged stick worm resembles nothing in nature, yet the odd-looking little rig is absolutely deadly for catching bass when other lures fail. Rod choices vary by angler, though 7-foot medium-action rods are well suited for casting the weightless worm and battling bass with lighter lines. ![]() Braided line doesn't twist, and fluorocarbon is virtually invisible underwater, making it a better leader material than monofilament. A main line of 10- to 15-pound braid tied to a 6- to 10-pound-test fluorocarbon leader, has become standard for most spinning techniques. Though the wacky rig can be fished effectively with baitcasting gear, spinning tackle is ideal for handling the light line necessary in clear water. As the rig falls slowly through the water column, the ends of the Senko will give a slight quiver as the midsection is pulled down by the weight of the hook, causing the worm to fall in a "U" shape. Rigging a Senko "wacky" style is simply a matter of sticking the point of a #2 finesse hook into the mid-section of the soft plastic, allowing the midpoint of the worm to rest perpendicularly within the bend of the hook. ![]() The wacky rig may be the most unorthodox means of rigging a plastic worm, yet it is amazingly effective and very simple to use. The method that produced multiple spotted bass for my daughter and me that day was the weightless wacky rig, one of three highly effective techniques with a soft stick worm. The simplicity of its design (based on a ballpoint pen of all things) lends itself to multiple rigging methods that can produce bites when bass simply won't eat other lures. When Gary Yamamoto introduced the Senko more than two decades ago, he initiated a genre of soft plastics that has likely become the most effective bass-catching worm of all time. The clear choice was the curiously versatile 5-inch soft stick bait. Therefore, I needed a lure that would give her (and me) the best chance of catching bass with the simplest means possible. Now understand, she might fish one time per year. Learn how to subscribeĪ resounding "Yes!" was my answer when my college-aged daughter asked if I'd take her fishing during the first week of summer break. This article on bass fishing is featured in the East edition of the June-July issue of Game & Fish Magazine, now on sale at newsstands across the country.
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