How to Size Fishing Hooks to Plastic Worms

Bass anglers love fishing with plastic worms.

Trophy bass are often caught with plastic worms, and many bass anglers consider the plastic worm their most effective lure. But it takes a lot of practice to master the art of fishing with plastic worms. With this type of bait, the fish must see it in order to hit it. Therefore, plastic worms often get better results in clear water.



Fishing with plastic worms requires that the fisherman be especially sensitive to every tug and pull on the line. This technique develops over time with practice . The bass angler must learn to "feel" the movements of the worm and sense when a bass might be toying with the bait.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic worms
• Fishing hooks
• Swivels
• Sinkers
• Beads
• Fishing line

Instructions

1. 

   Fishing can be a relaxing way to spend a summer day.

   The best method of sizing fishing hooks to plastic worms is by laying your collection of both out on a table side-by-side. Begin by deciding the type of rig that will work best for the lake, time of year and type of fish you wish to catch.

   There are specific types of plastic worm rigs used for heavily-weeded areas. This type of rig resists catching on underwater twigs and weeds. Some rigs work better in colder climates than others. Take into account these factors when deciding which type of rigs to make with your hooks and worms.

2. 

   Catch the big ones with the Texas rigged worm.

   Thread the tip of a 3/0 Gamakatsu Skip Gap Hook through the end of a six-inch Stinger plastic worm. This is called a Texas Rigged worm and it is very popular for fishing in weeded areas with underwater brush. Any variety of soft, thick plastic worm will work great with the 3/0 Gamakatsu Skip Gap Hook.

   This rig is praised for its ability to catch the larger bass. Many anglers believe that using a darker color plastic worm works better.

3. 

   Fishing is often best in shallows or areas with brush.

   Use a six-inch Berkley Nightcrawler with a 3/0 EWG (Extra Wide Gap) to create a floating worm rig. Attach a swivel about eight inches ahead of the lure with heavier test line. The offset shank hooks works great in this rig for catching those large bass in clear water. This rig can also work in areas with lots of overhanging trees.

   Hooks offering the extra wide gap work better with all types of floating worms.

4. 

   Bass love to lurk in weeds.

   Use a 7-1/2 inch Stik-O or Shakey Worm with a 3/0 Gamakatsu Slip Gap Hook. Insert the hook an inch up from the end, as with the Texas Rig, then use about 18 inches of 10-pound test line on the leader. Connect a barrel swivel, bead and bass casting sinker, each about one inch apart. This rig works best on schooling small mouth bass. If fishing in heavy weeds, use a weed guard.

   The 3/0 Gamakatsu hook also works great with all types of power worms, especially those with flat tails.

5. 

   Fish usually bite better in the early morning hours.

   Attach a six-inch swimming worm to a Gamakatsu Straight Eye Shiner Hook using a swivel and leader line. Any size hook will work depending upon the size fish sighted in the area. Use this rig around grassy shorelines and boat docks.

   A Straight Eye Shiner Hook complements the 10-inch Rage Tail Thumper worm. Use the darker colored Rage Tail Thumper in murky waters.

Tips & Warnings

• Make several of each type of rig to take along and try each one to see what works best in the area you're fishing. Many factors can influence your success, such as the time of day, temperature and type of rig. Take along some extra hooks and worms in several sizes for those times when the fish aren't biting, so that you can make up some extra rigs while waiting on a strike.

• Use caution with fishing hooks. The tips are razor sharp.

References

• Bassresource.com: Bass Fishing: Plastic Worms
• Combat-Fishing.com: Useful Fishing Rigs

Resources

• Takemefishing.org