Get That “Sinking Feeling” Using a Wacky Rig for Bass
“Wouldn’t it be nice if you caught a bass every time you went fishing?”
This question, asked by a bass fishing tournament buddy 17 years ago, set the stage for what would become one of my most successful bass fishing techniques. We were standing at the Lake Lonely Boat Livery when he handed me a spinning rod, with a hook embedded in a curious-looking plastic worm.
“Try it,” he urged. “Cast it over those weeds, let it sink, and just do nothing.”
To my surprise, as I let the worm sink, I felt a tug before it even reached the bottom. I reeled in a 15-inch largemouth bass. On my second cast, I hooked another one. I was hooked on the wacky rig technique that day, and since then, it’s become my go-to method for bass fishing—especially in the Adirondacks.
What Is the Wacky Rig?
The wacky rig is a simple yet incredibly effective method for catching bass. The rig consists of a plastic worm (often a soft, stickbait-style worm) that’s hooked through the middle, allowing the ends to dangle freely. This unique presentation creates a subtle, natural motion that bass can’t resist. The worm slowly sinks through the water, and the erratic action of the two dangling ends mimics the movement of prey, making it irresistible to bass, especially when fished in areas with vegetation, shallow structures, or drop-offs.
Unlike many other bass fishing techniques, the wacky rig is relatively simple to use. Its effectiveness, however, lies in the natural sinking action and subtle wiggle of the worm as it descends. It’s a technique that can be employed in almost any type of water—from calm, shallow ponds to deeper lakes with dense weed beds.
Bass Fishing in the Adirondacks: No Fish, No Fee
Since that fateful day, I’ve never had a “fishless day” while bass fishing in the Adirondacks. The wacky rig’s success rate is so high that I offer a “No Fish, No Fee” policy for my guiding service—and I’ve never had to issue a refund. Whether I’m guiding clients or fishing on my own, I use anywhere between 800 to 1,000 wacky worms annually. That speaks volumes about the reliability of this technique in both calm and tough fishing conditions.
The Adirondacks, with its vast network of lakes, ponds, and rivers, is the perfect place to deploy the wacky rig. The diverse environments—ranging from weedy shallows to deeper, cooler waters—make the wacky rig a versatile tool. Its effectiveness across a wide range of conditions is what keeps it in my tackle box year after year.
Why the Wacky Rig Works So Well
The true beauty of the wacky rig is in its simplicity. Many fishing techniques rely on constant action and movement, but with the wacky rig, it’s all about letting the worm sink slowly and naturally. The worm’s free ends create an enticing, erratic movement that attracts bass from a distance. And because the rig allows the worm to sink directly to where the fish are, it’s perfect for areas where bass are feeding near the bottom or in cover.
The slow, deliberate sinking action is ideal for bass that are holding in deeper, cooler waters, especially during hot summer months. By casting it into areas with submerged vegetation, submerged rocks, or along the edges of structures, the wacky rig is able to mimic the movements of prey, such as small fish or aquatic insects, that bass often target.
What makes the wacky rig even more effective is its ability to work in nearly any water condition. Whether the fish are feeding aggressively or playing it more cautious, the slow sink and subtle movement of the rig often get the bite when other techniques fail. Whether you’re fishing in early spring or deep into summer, the wacky rig remains one of the best ways to target bass consistently.
Equipment and Setup for the Wacky Rig
Using the right gear is key to maximizing the effectiveness of the wacky rig. While the technique is simple, having the proper equipment can make all the difference in terms of hook-setting power and sensitivity.
- Rod Selection: The best rod for a wacky rig is typically a medium to medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod in the range of 6.5 to 7.5 feet. The spinning rod is great for casting into shallow water and areas near shoreline structures, while the baitcasting rod excels in covering heavy cover, such as thick weeds or submerged rocks. For fishing in tight quarters or in areas where accuracy is key, a 7-foot spinning rod is ideal.
- Line Choice: A 10-15 lb fluorocarbon line is perfect for the wacky rig. Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible underwater and offers excellent sensitivity, allowing you to feel even the slightest nibble. The low visibility ensures the bass won’t be spooked by the line.
- Hooks: The hook you use is critical to successfully landing fish. Most anglers prefer a size 1 or 2 weedless hook for the wacky rig, with a light wire to ensure easy penetration. A wacky rig hook typically features a thin, long shank, which helps to keep the worm on the hook securely while allowing it to maintain the natural sink.
- The Worm: When selecting a worm, there are countless options. The most popular choice is a soft, stickbait-style worm, about 4 to 6 inches long. The colors of the worm should match the local forage—green pumpkin, watermelon, and black/blue are all great starting points. For clear water, use more natural colors, while brighter colors can work well in murkier waters.
- Weight: The beauty of the wacky rig is that it’s often fished weightless. This allows the worm to sink slowly and naturally through the water column. However, in deeper waters or if you’re fishing in windy conditions, you may want to add a small weight to the rig to help the worm sink more efficiently. A 1/32 oz to 1/16 oz weight placed just above the hook is typically enough to give the worm a slight sink rate without altering its natural movement.
Fishing Tips for the Wacky Rig
- Fishing Depth: Let the worm sink all the way to the bottom before starting to reel it back. You’ll often get bites as it sinks, but bass will also hit it as it’s being retrieved slowly along the bottom.
- Fishing Structure: The wacky rig works great around structures such as submerged rocks, weeds, or fallen trees. Cast past the structure and allow the worm to sink right in front of it, making it irresistible to bass hiding below.
- Slow and Steady: Unlike other techniques that require constant motion, the wacky rig is most effective when you let the worm sink naturally, giving it a slow, subtle movement. When retrieving, use a slow, steady pace, allowing the worm to settle before each pull.
- Watch for Subtle Bites: One of the biggest challenges with the wacky rig is detecting bites, which can be very subtle. Watch the line closely, and when you feel the slightest twitch or resistance, set the hook with a firm, quick motion. Often, you won’t feel the bass bite directly, but you’ll notice the line moving or twitching in a different direction.
Line Selection for Wacky Rig Bass Fishing
Choosing the right line is a crucial part of successful bass fishing. I use a 30-pound test braided line, which has the same diameter as 12-pound test monofilament. This line provides a perfect balance of strength, sensitivity, and low memory, making it ideal for detecting even the lightest bites. The braid’s sensitivity allows you to feel subtle tugs that might go unnoticed with a more traditional line, while its lack of stretch gives you greater control over hooksets.
Wacky Rig for Bass: The Worm Technique
Wacky worms are designed to sink slowly, which makes them heavier than standard plastic worms. The wacky rig presentation involves hooking the worm through the middle, leaving both ends to dangle freely. This simple technique, especially when fished weightless, creates a natural, erratic fall that is incredibly effective for bass, enticing even the most cautious fish.
Recommended Worm and Hook Sizes
For wacky rigging, I highly recommend the 6-inch Bass Pro Shops STIK-O-WORM, which comes in 40 colors to match local baitfish or water conditions. My top color choices are green pumpkin, black-blue flake, and cinnamon purple flake, as these offer excellent contrast and visibility in various water conditions. Pair the worm with a 3/0 Eagle Claw Laser Sharp Circle Hook—a hook designed to securely catch fish with minimal effort. Always ensure the hook point is exposed, allowing for optimal performance and a greater hook-up ratio.
The Challenge of “Doing Nothing”
One of the most difficult aspects of the wacky worm technique is resisting the urge to move the worm. It can be tempting to jig or twitch the worm to attract attention, but often the most effective approach is to simply let it sink. Even with years of experience, I occasionally find myself forgetting and making unnecessary movements.
When casting, keep your rod at a 45-degree angle and leave some slack in the line. The majority of bites occur while the worm is descending. These bites are often subtle, with only a slight twitch or change in the line’s direction. If you don’t feel anything, allow the worm to sit motionless for a few seconds before reeling it in slowly. The “do nothing” approach is key to this technique’s success.
Wacky Weed Fishing: Tips for Fishing in Cover
Fishing in weedy areas can seem intimidating, especially for newcomers who worry about getting hung up. Yes, the wacky rig can occasionally get caught in dense vegetation, but a gentle jiggle can often dislodge it. Once it comes free, pause and let the worm fall again—many strikes happen right after the bait is freed from cover.
When introducing clients to the wacky rig, I encourage them to cast into sunken bushes, submerged trees, and rock piles—prime bass habitats. These areas are ideal for the wacky rig since bass often hide in cover, waiting to ambush prey. This is one reason I go through more than 100 hooks a year—the wacky rig’s ability to work in heavy cover makes it a staple in my arsenal.
Drop Shot Technique for Heavy Cover
In areas with thick cover, like Lake Champlain and Cossayuna Lake, I switch to a drop shot rig. For this, I use a quarter-ounce bell sinker positioned 8-10 inches below the worm. In stronger currents or thicker cover, I increase the sinker weight for better control.
With this setup, I pair a 7.5-foot heavy-action flipping rod with a 7.0:1 baitcasting reel. I cast into openings in vegetation, typically no more than 10-20 feet away, and let the worm sink. After the worm reaches the bottom, I take up the slack and give the bait a gentle jiggle before reeling it in. The drop shot technique is especially effective in clear water, where it works wonders for targeting smallmouth bass in lakes like Great Sacandaga Lake and Lake George.
Take a Kid Fishing: The Wacky Worm for Beginners
One of my favorite ways to introduce kids to fishing is through the wacky worm technique. I often guide parents bringing their children for their first fishing experience. I always recommend starting with the wacky rig and only switching to live bait if no fish are caught. So far, I haven’t had to make that switch.
For kids, I use a 4-inch Stik-O-Worm paired with a small clip bobber positioned about 18 inches above the worm. This setup allows them to cast the worm to weed edges, docks, or submerged structures. The bobber helps keep the worm off the bottom while still allowing bass to strike. We’ve found that dragging the bobbers and worms along while drifting is one of the most effective ways to catch more fish, making the wacky worm a perfect technique for young anglers.
Conclusion: Embrace the Wacky Worm
For successful bass fishing in the Adirondacks, purchase a bag of Stik-O-Worms and rig them wacky style. Head to your favorite lake or river with a friend using a different lure. After a few hours, I bet you’ll find the wacky worm becoming an essential part of your bass-fishing toolkit.
Original Article By Ed Noonan
About The Author
Ed Noonan was a full time NYS licensed guide and full time outdoor writer with twice weekly columns in the Schenectady Gazette as well as writing freelance for a variety of outdoor magazines. He was a member of NYS Outdoor Writers’ Association and the NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame and recipient of the NYSOWA and Bass Pro Shops’ Pass It On Award. Ed passed away in 2023.
