Hook a 5-inch stick worm through its middle and let it fall on a slack line. That is the whole rig. Both ends of the worm quiver as it sinks, which triggers bass that have seen every crankbait on the lake. It shines around docks, bedding fish, weed edges and any shallow cover from May through July.
What you need
- Wacky hook#1–1/0 wide-gap wacky or octopus hook (weedless with a wire guard for cover)
- O-ring and tool (optional)Rubber O-ring around the worm saves plastics
- Stick bait5" Senko-style worm
- Nail weight (optional)1/16–1/8 oz for a faster fall (a "Neko rig" if inserted in one end)
- Line8–12 lb fluorocarbon, or 15 lb braid to a fluoro leader
How to tie the wacky rig
- Tie the hook directly to the line with a Palomar knot.
- Slide an O-ring to the centre of the worm with the tool (or skip it and hook straight through the plastic).
- Run the hook point under the O-ring, or through the worm at its egg sack, leaving the point fully exposed.
- Optional: push a nail weight into one end for a Neko rig that falls head-first and stands up on bottom.
How to fish it
Cast to the target, let the worm sink on a slack line to bottom, count to five, then lift the rod a foot and let it fall again. Watch the line where it enters the water — it will jump, tighten or swim sideways on a bite. Reel until tight and sweep.
Tips
- Skip it under docks with a sidearm cast — the flat worm skips beautifully.
- Weedless wacky hooks with a wire guard let you fish it in pads and grass.
- Hook a 4" worm on a #2 hook for smallmouth and river fish.
Common mistakes
- Fishing it on a tight line, which kills the flutter.
- Hooking off-centre — the worm spins and twists your line.
FAQ
Wacky rig vs Neko rig?
Same worm and hook. A Neko rig adds a nail weight in one end so the worm falls faster and stands upright on bottom, which is better for deeper water and current.