How to Use Fake Worms in a Lake

Fake worms are among the best lures for catching bass.

Fake worms are one of the most versatile of all fishing lures. Fishermen can buy them in a nearly endless variety of sizes and colors, and the presentation options are nearly as numerous. Anglers retrieve them along the bottom, through the middle of the water column or close to the water's surface. While fake plastic worms are most closely associated with bass fishing, they can be used in natural lakes to catch many species.

Things You'll Need

• Weight
• Hook
• Jig

Instructions

1. Decide on a fish to target. The smallest worms--those between 1 and 3 inches--are best for fish like crappies and sunfish. Bass and walleye anglers generally use worms that are at least 4 inches long.

2. Pick a color. Use natural or translucent colors in clear water. Use dark, solid colors in stained or murky water. Black is one of the best all-around worm colors.

3. Rig the plastic worm on a lead-head jig so the hook is exposed. This rig will catch nearly any fish that swims. Thread 1- and 2-inch worms on jigs weighing between 1/16 ounce and 1/64 ounce. Worms 3 inches or longer should be threaded on jigs that weigh at least 1/8 ounce.

4. Rig the worm Texas-style if you are fishing for bass in cover. To tie this rig, slide a bullet sinker on the end of your line. The sinker should be heavy enough to keep the worm on the bottom of the lake. Use a Palomar knot (see Resources) to connect the line to a hook. To rig the worm, press the hook point into the head of the worm and slide it down about 1/4 inch. Push the hook out of the worm, and then thread the head of the worm up the shank of the hook. Turn the hook so the point faces the worm and press the hook point into the worm so the point is just below the surface.

5. Fish in likely places in lakes. Vegetation beds are good, as are weed edges and drop-offs. Worms are especially effective around shallow cover, including boat docks and trees or brush that hang over the shoreline.

6. Retrieve Texas-rigged plastic worms slowly along the bottom. If you are using a jig and worm, experiment with retrieve styles. One of the best retrieves in deep water is to reel the bait slowly and steadily just above the bottom. Hopping the bait along the bottom is another good technique.

References

• The Ultimate Bass Fishing Resource Guide: Plastic Worms

Resources

• Animated Knots: The Palomar Knot