How to Fish With Plastic Worms
Plastic worms are among the most versatile fishing lures available. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors. They can be dragged or hopped along the bottom, reeled quickly through the water column, or fished on or near the surface of the water. Given their various sizes, plastic worms can be used to target the smallest game fish to the largest, at any time of year.
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Instructions
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1
Decide which species of fish you'll target. Although small plastic worms in the 1- to 3-inch range work well for species such as crappies and sunfish, worms that are 4 inches or longer are more conducive to fishing for species such as bass and walleyes.
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2
Decide on a color. The general rule is to use clear or natural colors in clear water, and move toward darker colors of plastic worms in dirtier or muddy water.
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3
Rig your plastic worm. Two of the most popular and effective rigs are a plastic worm fished on a jig head, or a plastic worm that's rigged Texas-style. For most situations and most species of fish, a jig head and worm is a good bet. One- or 2-inch worms work well with jigs that range from 1/64 oz. to 1/16 oz.; 1/8-oz. and heavier jig heads can be paired with worms that are longer than 3 inches.
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4
Rig a Texas-rigged plastic worm if you're fishing in heavy cover, especially for bass. To create this rig, slide a cone-shaped sinker on your line, then tie on a long-shanked hook. Place the hook tip through the top of the worm and slide it down about 1/8 inch. Push the hook back through so it's exposed, and thread the worm up the hook shank. Turn the hook 180 degrees and pierce the skin of the plastic worm, but don't allow the hook point to come out the other side of the worm.
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5
Cast your plastic worm into likely places--such as along weed lines, drop-offs and other bottom structure. The shade underneath boat docks also attracts fish and is a good place to cast.
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Retrieve the plastic worm by hopping it along the bottom or retrieving it through the water column. Don't be afraid to alter the speed of your retrieve. When you begin to catch fish, replicate that retrieve until they quit biting.
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Tips & Warnings
Experiment with different styles of plastic worms. They come in a variety of shapes. Experiment with color. Fish often prefer one color over another--and that can shift from day to day, hour to hour, or even minute to minute.
Make sure you have the proper fishing license.
