Texas Rig

This is the most common and popular way to fish this bait. It takes time to learn the technique and develop the 'feel', but it can put some big fish in your livewell when you have it.

You will need to select a hook size to suit you. I generally use a 5/0 Gamakatsu off set shank hook. I use to use the 3/0 but found I caught smaller fish with this hook. A bullet sinker is a must for this type of fishing. Weight will depend on the depth of water you are fishing. Since I fish a lot of shallow water I use a 5/16^th to a 1/8^th ounce sinker. If you are into heavy cover use a heavy sinker. I fished a tournament in Long Point and used a 5/8^th ounce sinker to get the bait down through heavy grass. So as you can see, it depends on the conditions when rigging up.

Just a note: Remember to put your sinker on the line first THEN tie on the hook. You may think this sounds a little funny but I have fished with many a fisherman that has tied on their hook then realized they forgot their sinker and have to start over.

Line is another choice that is yours. General rule of thumb is heavier line than what you use for spinnerbaits. My choice is 17 pound test for pitchin' and 30 pound test for flippin'. Of course you match this up with a stout rod and good reel. The rod should be medium heavy to extra heavy with an extra fast tip for hook sets.

When rigging this lure, thread the hook through the tip of the worm and turn the point back through the worm. Let the worm hang straight down. Lifting the worm slightly, insert the hook into the body. Make sure the hook does not poke through, but stays inside the body near the surface. By doing this, it makes the bait weedless. Now you're ready to fish Texas style.

Later I will give you some tips on pitchin' and flippin' this lure but for now you have an idea how to rig it. Don't be shy, try it. I'm sure you will like it once you have caught your first fish using this method!

Gary


Top of Page