The wacky rig is a fantastic way to catch bass that works miracles when you follow the guide for the wacky rig setup for bass fishing. Learn the setup, how to rig it, and my favorite baits to get the best results with this rig.
I realize that the wacky rig isn’t anything new, but it is a consistent producer for me and many other anglers.
First I’ll cover my favorite baits for the wacky rig. Then I’ll show my favorite terminal tackle. Finally, we’ll see my favorite wacky rig setup for bass and how to fish it.
Best Baits for the Wacky Rig Setup
My number one favorite bait for the wacky rig setup is the stick worm. From the Senko to the Yum Dinger, there are a ton of good options on the market. There is something magical about the quiver and wobble on the fall of these baits. We’ll look at how I rig it for the best results later in this article.
My next favorite is the straight-tailed worm. There are a ton of brands, but my favorites are the Zoom Trick Worm and the Strike King Baby Fat Finesse worm. These don’t sink or act the same as the stick worm, but sometimes this profile and fall will outproduce when the bass are in a funky mood or are looking for something a little different.
Terminal Tackle for the Wacky Rig Setup
If I am going weightless then I am going to go with the VMC Neko hook. Something about the longer shank and the point of the hook that gets a better hookup ratio and keeps them pinned.
When I have to add weight in deeper water, or when the bass are reacting to a little faster fall, then I go to the Big Bite Baits wacky hook. At first, I didn’t like the big hook and longer shank, but it hooks them so good and deep. I also haven’t noticed any negative effects on my bites.
The last tip is that sometimes I will actually pinch a split shot weight about an inch above the hook and it gives a little different action than the weighted wacky hook. This can also break your heart if the sinker damages the line. In a pinch, it does produce though.
How to Fish the Wacky Rig Setup for Bass
As was mentioned above, my wacky rig setup will depend on water depth and the mood of the bass. If it’s super shallow or they are feeding high in the water column then I will go weightless. If they are deeper or reacting on a faster fall I will throw the weighted wacky rig.
The cool thing about this rig is that it is so easy to fish. I will typically cast it out, let it hit bottom, give it a couple hops or pops and let it sink again. If I’m fishing from a boat at specific targets or structure I will work it a few times and reel in. If I am fishing from the shore, where my options for covering water are more limited, I will fish it all the way back to the bank.
Wacky Rig Tips
One of my biggest tips for working the wacky rig is to be a line watcher. Because this rig is worked with some slack in the line, it is easy to lose contact with the bait.
A lot of the time you can still feel the tic of the bite, but many times you will just see your line do something funny like jump, stop, or start moving sideways. Pay attention to these line movements and when something different happens reel down and lean into them.
Another quick tip is that if you are in too thick of cover, or are getting too much grass on your hook, then you can switch to a Texas-rigged worm and fish it the same way. If they are keying in on the stick bait, or the straight-tailed worm, fishing it weightless on a Texas rig can kill it.
The best way to get good and build confidence in the wacky rig setup for bass is to get out and use it.
Go grab a couple of packs of hooks and worms and get out and give it a go. Green pumpkin and watermelon are my go-to color bases to start with. You can see what they like in your body of water. If they are keying in a baitfish a white or grey can work well. If the water is murky then darker colors can be better.
To your wacky rig success,
Jonathan Burke