how to put plastic worm on hook and use it

Question
I have a huge selection of lures and baits from my grand father who was an avid fisherman. One thing he never taught me was how to use the plastic worm, regular or scented. I would like to know what kind of hook to use and the proper way to set the worm on that hook. Also i would like to know the proper way to use them. I have a 3 acre pond/lake and although at deepest part by damn is about 11 ft. there are monsters you can see from shore so any advice and knowledge you can share with me i would greatly appreciate it. As would my Grand father since we never got the chance to use that particular type of bait. Also the crawfish anything about what hook and how to rig it up would be a great help. Thank You very much Jeremy Hite

Answer
Hi Jeremy,

The "Texas-rigged" plastic worm and the Senko type worm "Wacky Rigged" are probably you best two options for Bass no matter where you fish.  The Texas rig can be fished almost anywhere in any weeds, pads, stumps, etc.  The wacky rig has an incredible attraction to bass no matter what mood they are in.  For me to try to describe this in words wouldn't do it justice so take a look at these videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NpndQeBhnU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9EtpCsG72g&feature=related

For either rigging, a 3/0 offset worm hook is perfect.  It's very simple fishing.  Cast it out and work it slowly along the bottom or through cover.  The strike will feel like a thump.  Reel up the slack and set the hook quick and sharply.

It sounds like the water is very clear so plan your fishing early and late in the day.  Keep your line on the lighter side.  Clear 8 pound test.  Stay low and slow to the shore like you are hunting.  

As for fishing live crawfish, a simple split shot rig has always worked well.  A #4 to #1 hook placed in the last section of tale and a small split shot placed about 8 inches up the line is all that is needed.  Let the crawfish do the work, but make sure he isn't hiding under something.  Tug him out of cover now and then and keep him working.  It's like taking a dog (a very slow dog) for a walk on a leash.  

Good fishing!

Marc