At a time when so many anglers was running a hook through one end of a worm (Texas rigs, Carolina rigs), the thought to run the hook through the middle just seemed... wacky.
Despite it's odd name, the wacky rig is something that is easy to rig and can be used by anyone from beginner to pro to catch bass.
Rigging A Wacky Rig
All you need is a hook and a soft plastic worm.
Some people will use other imitations but the beauty of a wacky rigged soft plastic worm is the fluttering action achieved as the bait sinks.
Picture your plastic worm being in three sections; one end, the middle, and the other end.
As long as you are running your hook through the middle section of the soft plastic you're doing it right.
Thanks to the popularity of the rig, the market is full of hooks dedicated to wacky rig fishing.
However, don't be fooled into thinking it has to say "wacky rig hook" on the package to be used for a wacky rig.
Anything similar to a dropshot or octopus style hook will work and if you're in a pinch you could even use a wide gap hook.
Common hook sizes range from a number 2 (#2) to a 1/0.
Popular soft plastic worms used for wacky rigs include stickworms, such as Senkos, or thin bodied worms like the Zoom Trick Worm.
Ways To Fish A Wacky Rig
There are two ways that most anglers will fish a wacky rig.
The first of the two is a method called dead sticking which involves doing a whole lot of nothing.
Dead sticking is accomplished by making a cast and letting the rig do the work for you.
This is one of those instances where "less is more".
Dead sticking really brings out the natural flutter that wacky rigs, especially those rigged with stickworms, are able to showcase.
The below picture is an exaggeration to help you form a visual of what a wacky rigged stick worm does as it falls through the water column.
What the fish see is a bait slowly sinking with an up-and-down, back-and-forth flutter like that of something that is dead.
Simply cast to your target and wait for your line to twitch or start swimming off in a direction it shouldn't.
If you see your line do either of those two things a fish has more than likely taken your lure.
The second way to fish a wacky rig involves imparting your own action through light flicks of the wrist.
This is a good way to target fish in the warmer months when they are a bit more active.
The small flicks of the wrist is oftentimes just enough action placed on the lure to get your worm to suddenly curl up - almost as if it tried to get away from something.
Be sure to include pauses when working your lure as this is when most strikes will occur.
TIP: Similar to dropshot fishing, try and keep just enough slack in your line to not move the overall position of your lure when imparting action. When done right, your lure should curl up in place. If done without slack you risk pulling your lure up and out of the strike zone.
Reasons To Love Wacky Rigs
1. Wacky rigs catch a lot of fish.
It's a simple, oftentimes subtle fishing presentation that gives the appearance of an easy meal to a bass.
2. Wacky rigs can cover any part of the water column.
From directly below the surface to right off of the bottom, a wacky rig can fish it all.
Most anglers prefer a wacky rig in shallow water (1-5 ft.) but it's not uncommon to fish them deep as well.
Yes, it might involve adding weight to your wacky rig and some patience waiting for it to sink, but this rig can be fished with confidence even in deeper water.
3. A wacky rig can produce a lot of different strikes.
Whether a bass is hungry, curious, or just flat out mad about your lure being there, there are multiple reasons for a fish to strike a wacky rig.
Time to go catch 'em!
If you ever have specific questions to topics covered in our articles feel free to reach out!
Connecting with us is easy!
Go to the Home Page
Subscribe so you never miss an article
Respond to the subscriber email with your question
or you can head over to our Contact Us page and send us your question from there.
Comments