Soft-plastic baits consistently catch bass in all water types and conditions. Whether the goal is to catch a bunch of bass, or the bass of a lifetime, the Texas-rigged soft-plastic bait is a great choice. However, the soft-plastic bait is probably the most difficult bass lure to understand. The variety of baits available, the numerous ways to rig them, and the fact they will catch bass in all water types and depths can leave an angler puzzled about exactly which choice to use. Some rigging methods being discussed in fishing circles include drop shotting, split shotting, darter heads, jig heads, the Carolina rig, and dozens more. Thankfully, the Texas rig will support all water types and cover situations. All plastic baits, worms, lizards, and creature baits can be rigged Texas style and be just as effective at catching bass as any other rigging style. The Texas-rigged soft plastic is the most weedless or snag-proof of all rigging methods, and can save anglers from the frustration of losing lures.
Step-by-Step
The Texas-rig assembly starts with putting a slip sinker on the line. To improve the weedless capability of the presentation a bullet-shaped weight is commonly selected. The line is inserted through the pointed end; this allows the pointed shape of the bullet weight to guide the bait through cover. Bullet weights are available in a variety of materials; lead and tungsten being the most common. I personally like tungsten weights for a smaller profile in the same weight class.
Next, tie a hook to the line. Hooks come in a great variety of shapes and sizes. I recommend an offset version around a 3/0 size. This size and shape will handle all soft-plastic baits and provide the hooking power necessary to catch any species of bass. The offset style is recommended for its bait-holding abilities; the hook shaft on an offset hook has a 90-degree angle that holds the soft-plastic offering in place, preventing smaller fish and weeds from diminishing its weedless characteristics.
With a weight and hook attached to the line it’s time to rig a soft-plastic offering. First step is to select a soft-plastic bait; this could be a worm, lizard, or creature bait. The bait style does not matter since the rigging process is the same. Some soft-plastic baits have a top and bottom; determine if yours does by looking for a flat side – the flat side is the bottom. To Texas rig a soft-plastic bait, insert the point of the hook into the center of the tip of the bait and bring the point out the bottom of the bait about one quarter of an inch from the tip of the bait. (Note: some baits are completely round and won’t have a top or bottom side, with these baits the exit point does not matter.) Continue pushing the hook through this section of the bait far enough to safely grab the hook shank. Holding the hook’s shank, pull the hook through the tip of the bait until the eye of the hook rests just inside the tip of the bait. Holding the section of the bait that the hook passed through, twist the hook so that the hook’s point is facing back towards the plastic.
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