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Old 09-29-11, 06:19 PM   #1
IowaBasser
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Default Wacky rigging - simple or knot?

OK - there was really no point to the 'knot' pun, but I am curious about fishing wacky worms. I've fished wacky worms before. I didn't use special hooks or rings... just hooked a plastic worm in the center and threw it out weightless (I've also done this with sluggos.) I had moderate success.

I'm thinking of fishing wacky worms in heavy cover (from a boat) - is that contrary to the common thought process? I'm not talking about submerged timber, rather boat lifts and large docks. My plan is to pitch a wacky worm way back in the hardest to reach spots. This probably means that at times I will be fishing OVER docks, in the middle of U shapped docks, around dock posts, and the small gaps behind docks and shore. I plan on using a heavy braid (probably 30#) to horse fish out once caught.

I like the idea of weightless wack rigging because most of the time the water will be around 4 to 5 feet or less, and I want something that falls slower than a jig. I also want something that I can suspend on a semi-slack line and dead-pan (fish motionless) for short periods. My hope is that wacky rigged worms will remain horizontal, or at least have the classic upside down curve associated with weacky worms.

If you are fishing like I've described, here are some of my questions:
1. What are the pros and cons of fishing creature baits or large (8" to 10" ) worms rigged wacky style.
2. Are the "cirlce hooks" or "octopuss hooks" critical for wacky fishing. (I realize the hookset is different, more of a sweeping pull rather than a traditional hook-set.)
3. What size circle hook do you use for a finesse wacky worm, like a 5" senko. Would you up-size your hooks if you were fishing a bigger creature bait or a 8" worm.

I'm thinking of using the these Finesse Wide Gap Hooks ...probably a size 1/0 or 2/0 for finesse baits and maybe a 3/0 for creature baits and larger worms. (I'd probably have to see one in the store and not just on-line to pick out the exact size I'd be comfortable with.)

I'm also wondering if I could use the "Split Shot / Drop Shot" hooks (on the same link above) for wacky rigging... that way I could get double-duty and eliminate one type of hook from my terminal tackle.
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Old 09-29-11, 06:47 PM   #2
Bender
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In general I go to a Texas rig when fishing around docks, especially when skipping. Wacky works well, but gets hung up on everything and around here dock owners get pretty ticked off if break off or touch their docks. Last month a local man shot bass fisherman with a paintball gun for fishing around his dock! (He did get in a lot of trouble)

Personally I like the green Owner Wacky hooks, size 2/0 for 5" worms. I tried the Finesse Wide Gap Weedless Hooks and lost three hits in 10 minutes during a tournament so I'll never use them again. I'm not sure how big the SS/DS hooks get. I do know several guys that wacky rig with a standard EWG or round bend 4/0 hook.

I've never tried any bigger baits. I generally skip my wacky rig right up next to cover though for best results. Along side of a pontoon, edges of pads, etc. Just be careful if you get hung up on docks a lot.
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Old 09-29-11, 07:21 PM   #3
IowaBasser
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Thanks Bender... it's a small private lake and every one is pretty friendly. I don't know if it's the Iowa disposition or what, but it's a great little lake.

I've also generally fished t-rigged around docks, but think wacky rigging might be a litle better presentation. At least it's something I want to give a try.
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Old 09-29-11, 07:48 PM   #4
kennethdaysale
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Hey IB You can buy weedless wacky hooks but no one I've ever talked to liked them. Wacky worms by nature beg to get hung on limbs, lifts, dock posts and LIPS. I don't know if this will work in your BOW but what I do is fish a 4-5" finesse worm on 4 or 6 lb mono and a small bream hook (cricket size..I don't know the #..just know them when I see them) anyway if you do get hung just put steady pressure on it and the hook will straighten out. You bend it back with your pliars and cast again...no break offs no disturbing your spot no climbing on someones dock! Also Z-man makes a 4" finesse worm that will float a hook..you can play around with different jika type weights( or finishing nails) until you find a setup that will slowly sink or suspend...very productive....the fish (around here at least) have never seen anything like that and they just kill it. And yes you can wacky rig anything you want. One of the guys I fish with put a screw eye in the middle of a #13 Floating Rapala!! It's got the craziest cadence...kinda like a drunk confused Spook but he catches fish that way.(sometimes)
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Old 10-03-11, 07:55 PM   #5
SaminVa
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I use the 1ought hook...I use heat shrink tubing cut up into 1/4" pieces.. slip it over the worm.. then put the hook thru the tubing & worm.. worms last alot longer... I use split shots up about 1 foot from the line or I also cut a nail with side cutters & put it into the head of the worm whem I want it to sink... If I were using larger worm(I currently use lots of 4 & 5" ones) I would use a larger hook.. I've used 2 oughts. We've caught lots of bass on them.. YOu can also rig them weedless..
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Old 10-03-11, 07:56 PM   #6
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Here is a cool link for weedless wacky riggin that works.

http://www.fishingva.com/tactics/bass/weedwacky.html
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