An offset hook, which has an L-shaped bend just below the hook eye, works well here because it allows the worm to dangle freely beside the hook’s shaft and tip.
If the hook is embedded less than 0. 25 in (6. 4 mm) into the plastic worm’s body, it may tear free too easily. It’s not necessary to embed it more than 0. 25–0. 5 in (6. 4–12. 7 mm), however.
So, at this point, the section of the hook just below the hook eye should pass through the head of the worm, the hook shaft should run alongside the worm, and the hook tip should be embedded in the middle of the worm.
Keeping the hook tip embedded in the worm makes it less likely that you’ll snag the hook on weeds or other debris. At the same time, bringing the tip very close to the surface of the worm will make it easier to actually hook a fish. Embedding the hook within the worm makes this a “weedless” rig setup.
The Carolina rig, on the other hand, separates the sinker and the hook. Slide your bullet sinker and a spacer bead onto the main line, then tie a barrel swivel onto the end of the line. Tie a 10–30 in (25–76 cm) leader line onto the other side of the barrel swivel, then tie your hooked worm to the end of the leader line.
You can set practically any type of hook wacky-style, but wide gap hooks (which have a wider diameter within the curve of the hook) may be a bit easier to set for a beginner.
To put an O-ring on, buy an O-ring applicator—a device that looks a bit like a pen cut in half—from the same retailer. Feed half of the worm into the device, then slide a pre-loaded O-ring off the end of the device and onto the center of the worm. After that, slide the hook tip under the O-ring to set up your wacky rig. You can buy O-rings and the matching applicator at fishing supply retailers. Not all anglers think using O-rings is worth the trouble, especially if you’re using fairly inexpensive plastic worms anyway. [11] X Research source
You can buy hooks that are pre-loaded with weed guards, buy pre-made weed guards, or make your own weed guards from wire or fishing line. If you buy weed guards, attach them according to the product instructions. Some fishing enthusiasts think weed guards make it harder to actually hook a fish. It’s really a matter of personal preference.
The classic wacky rig setup is a good choice during or after spawning season when fish tend to hang out in shallower water and move more slowly.
This setup suspends your bait and hook above the bottom of the body of water. Because you can adjust the height at which the bait is suspended, you can use the drop shot setup in a wide range of fishing scenarios, based on the depth at which your target fish are congregating. [14] X Research source
Originally, plastic worms were fairly standardized at 6 in (15 cm) in length. Today, plastic worms range in length from about 4. 5 in (11 cm) to 10 in (25 cm). They come in many colors, and some have appendages so they look more like salamanders or other forms of bait. Plastic worms are also weighted differently so that they’ll sink more or less readily on their own.
As with choosing the best plastic worm for your needs, your hook and sinker choices should depend largely on your own fishing preferences and experiences.
Always keep in mind that plastic worms are very adaptable for use with many types of tackle and for many types of fishing. Use what works best for you!
