Bass Fishing with Plastic Worms

They are a "feel" bait that requires some technique on your part. It takes some trial and error to master the art of fishing with plastic worms. Those who are good at it develop an uncanny sense of touch and timing and will frequently pull in the biggest bass. As with most styles of fishing, practice is the key. The more familiar you become with the worm, the more fish you will catch.

Cast the worm past cover or a drop-off and always let the worm fall to the bottom on a slack line, then engage the reel. Watch the line for any movement that may indicate a strike. It is very common for the line to begin to move sideways. This occurs when a bass picks up the bait and swims perpendicular to the direction of your cast. Don't twitch and shake it as it falls, it gives the bass too much time to analyze the worm. Just let it fall on his face and you'll often get a reaction strike.

When the worm hits the bottom, raise the rod tip slightly and then let it fall (and repeat). Remember to keep the rod high (at about the 10 o'clock position) and face the worm during the retrieve. Be a line watcher. Stay alert for any twitch or side movement of the line. Check for a bass at the end of your line before moving the worm by pulling lightly. If he's tapping it, jiggle it a little, let it rest and check again. Try different techniques to get him to pick it up.

When a strike occurs (you'll feel a tap on your line or detect movement in the line), immediately lower the rod tip and bring the rod back overhead sharply. This slack-line hook-set will drive the hook point into the bass' tough jaw. Never allow a bass to swim with the worm. On the strike, set the hook as quickly as possible. Always set the hook with a strong upward jerk.

If you miss, drop the lure back down to the bottom immediately (don't reel up and re-cast). Many times the bass will come back and hit it again.

When you get the bass hooked, reel in quickly and move the bass away from heavy cover. Once he is on, slow down and play the fish.

Plastic Worm Styles

1. There are a several styles of plastic worms and most have a specific purpose based on their type of tail. There are flat tails, curly tails and many other styles. Here are some places to use these plastic worms and what they can do for you.
2. Floating Worm - Uuse this worm in shallow water and mainly in the spring. I use no weight whatsoever and like to use it when the fish just start thinking about spawning.
3. Stick Worm - Use this worm in 60-70 degree water. If you use it wacky style it will vibrate on both ends.
4. Paddle Tail - This is favorite shallow water bass fishing lures. When fishing vegetation, use long casts and just reel it back in slowly.
5. Gator Tail - This is also a shallow water worm that is used in the summer.
6. Curly Tail - Use this worm in the summer around stumps, docks, timber, lily pads and it’s a favorite when fising deep water to 20 feet.
7. Straight Tail - This is a dandy for docks, timber and brush. It doesn’t wrap around brush like most worms do.
8. French Fry - Carolina rig a French fry and use it in clearer water. The action of this is amazing when you move your line and the weight comes up the line.
9. Ribbon Tail - Fish this at night and use a regular ribbon tail when fishing 10-15 feet of water.

1. Bulkier worms with twist tails, multiple tails, appendages or similar attention-getting devices usually are best in water of low visibility and thick cover, but can also work in clear water.
2. Use thin worms with straight tails in vegetation.
3. When fish are inactive, try using a smaller worm.
4. In clear water, lighter, more translucent colors tend to work best: blue, green, pearl, smoke, etc.
5. In dark water, dark worms often produce the best: purple, black, brown, etc.
6. Two-toned worms are better when the less dominant color is a highly attracting one, such as bright yellow or red, and the dominant color is a more conservative one, such as black or blue. Metalflake colors are often the key to fishing success.
7. Usually stick to a color that seems to work in your area, but don't be afraid to experiment. Worms are among the least expensive bass lures you'll buy.

Thanks for reading.

Good fishing.

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