Effective Soft Plastic Rigging Techniques for Largemouth Bass

STRAIGHT SHANK ROUND BEND 2/0 to 4/0

BAITS: Large worms, craws, lizards, and creature baits.
RIGGING: Texas rig with bullet sinker; Carolina rig.
PROS: Unsurpassed hooking efficiency.
CONS: Plastic baits don't stay put as well as with offset hooks.

FINE WIRE OFFSET 1 to 2/0

BAITS: Finesse worms and craws.
RIGGING: Texas rig with bullet sinker; split-shot rig.
PROS: Fragile finesse baits last longer.
CONS: The hook may not hold if you must horse bass out of cover.

BAIT SAVER 2/0 to 5/0

BAITS: Craws, worms, lizards, creature baits, jerkbaits, sink baits, fat grubs.
RIGGING: Texas rig; Tex-posed.
PROS: Bait doesn't ball up in the bend.
CONS: More of the hook is exposed for a less natural appearance.

WEIGHTED 2/0 to 4/0

BAITS: Soft jerkbaits, worms, sink baits.
RIGGING: Tex-posed.
PROS: Gets baits deeper, allows faster retrieve speeds, and gives baits a natural, horizontal profile.
CONS: The weight is visible in clear water.

NOSE HOOK DROP SHOT 6 to 1

BAITS: Reapers, finesse worms, grubs, minnows.
RIGGING: Nose hook with exposed point.
PROS: Gives small baits lively action.
CONS: The hook can pull out during a fight with heavy pressure.

EXTRA WIDE GAP OFFSET 2/0 to 5/0

BAITS: Minnows, finesse worms, reapers, grubs.
RIGGING: Tex-posed; Carolina rig.
PROS: Good all-around design for many applications.
CONS: The hookset is not as good as on a straight shank.