WACKY WORMING
By: Capt. Dan Schneider

To be an effective and productive fishing guide for my clients I have to always be aware of the weather and water conditions, fish patterns and know when and how to apply one of my many different fishing techniques. If I don’t have a fishing party you’ll still find me on the water keeping up with the location of the Bass; what technique is working best for the time of year and area of lake and how to get them to hit the artificial lures or Golden Wild Shiner. I find my own fish and fish the fish I find! I have to pay attention to the simple patterns that can turn a tough guide trip into a Bass catching thrill for my clients.

Like most anglers, I have my favorite spots that I check out regularly, but always have an open mind and eye as to other areas where I can get a bit. There is so much water and terrain to be explored. Once I reach my spot I have rods set up with just the right line strength. I cast many different combinations of lures with varying colors, sizes, trailers and rigs. Depending on the conditions I use different casting methods, selecting from overhand, flippin and pitchin casts.

There are some days that are just plain tough and it seems I’ve thrown everything I have in my arsenal of tackle. What do I try next? WACKY WORMING!

It’s a method of fishing that’s sometimes overlooked, but is becoming more and more popular and one of the best producing methods of catching quality fish. If my memory serves me well, it reminds me of the original plastic worms back in the early 1950’s. Back then as a teenager I used the real worm and it was a special treat to get my hands on a plastic worm.

Trick worms &/or Wacky Worming---It’s nothing more than a straight worm, light, flexible, very supple and comes in an array of colors: chartreuse, black, bubble gum, white, yellow, watermelon, etc. Sounds like those gummy candies my girls used to eat. Watermelon & bubble gum colors seem to be good year around colors here on Lake Okeechobee.

Rig………. I use bait casting or spinning gear, finding the spinning rod easier for my clients with less experience to throw. I fish this with 10 – 12 pound clear line which is abrasion resistance because I’m usually casting right on the edge of all forms of troublesome cover and it gives me good castability.

The hook type should be a straight shank type worm hook. I prefer the Mustad Fin-a’cky 2/0 hook with the weight on the hook, 1/16-1/18oz. A swivel isn’t necessary. Mustad also makes this hook with a weed guard that I use when fishing scattered weeds, therefore having less hang-ups. A wacky worm is hooked in the middle, through the smooth egg sack in the center of this bait with the point protruding through the middle.

I throw the bait out along scattered weed lines, holes in weed beds, ledges or dropoff’s, letting it sink, give a few twitches and let it sink again. I constantly check my patience knowing I need to allow it to reach bottom before I start my retrieve. At times I fish the Caroline style where it will float just off the bottom. Most hits are on the initial fall. If you do not get a bit on the fall, hop or twitch the worm once or twice, retrieve and start over. Once you feel your Largemouth Bass on the other end of your pole, set the hook with a quick, smooth and easy snap of the wrist.

Overcast cloudy days the Bass will be roaming around looking for an easy meal but on a calm, bright sunny day, after a front has passed through or there has been a lot of pressure on the water they will hold tight to cover. Then I rely on WACKY WORMING at it’s best. I also fish it for pre- spawn and spawning largemouth. Being a lifetime plastic worm fisherman I constantly have to remind myself to fish SLOW and then SLOW down some more. You must be patient and the results will come.

When I artificial fish I always have a trick worm rigged and ready to throw. Why not make “WACKY WORMING” a part of your fishing arsenal against those Largemouth Bass? The results have made a tough fishing trip turn into a productive one for my clients and myself.

Try it – I promise you’ll be glad you did!

Capt. Dan has helped make fishing dreams come true year round for the fishermen the world over.
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