In todays freshwater impondments the tournament trail is a tough act to follow. Bass have seen it all by now and many times over. To be a successful bass angler whether you are a serious tournament fisherman or a week- end bass lover it takes some cunning presentations to the bass for a good sack of fish these days.
Rig #1.
The wacky rig consist of two different approaches. The spinning rig wacky which consist of a good 6'3" to 6' 6" spinning rod in a medium or medium light spooled with Flourocarbon line in 6-8 lb. test. Using a 1/0-2/0 wacky style hook and a 4-6 inch worm, the hook is placed through the center of the worm and allowed to slowly sink and cause a reaction strike to the bait.
This rig works well among rip rap, rock and also along points in clear water where bass are pressured and wary.
Rig #2
Is a weighted hook or a nail inserted in the end of the worm, usually a 2/0 is good enough for the Biggest Bass you will face. This rig consist of a 7' to 7'6" Medium Heavy rod with a fast tip spooled with 15-17 lb. flouracarbon line. Nichols makes a salty mother sinker and Phantom makes a stinko which is like a senko or wave worm that really works well. Insert the hook likewise as the finesse rig, dead center of the worm leaving the hook exposed. This rig works well around grasses and hydrilla also boat docks and around heavy cover.
I have made a paycheck often in my tournaments by using these rigs and after the bass have seen the texas rigged worms for so long something a little bit difference can make all the difference.
Easy on the hook sets and great fishing. Don Mattern Sr.