Finesse Worm Techniques You Need to Know

Obee's Top 6 Finesse Worm Techniques

When the bite gets tough anglers can't go wrong with a 6-inch finesse worm.  With multiple ways to rig them, you can catch bass in nearly every situation you come across.  That is the reason many pro bass anglers use the Finesse Worm as there go-to soft plastic when the bite gets tough. 

Obee Fishing Co. hand injects the highest quality 6-inch Finesse Worm with unmatched color, durability, and action.  View them here!

1. Shaky Head

The most popular bait in the USA is a straight-tail finesse worm tied on a shaky head jig. When you're in the rear of the boat, and frequently when you're in the front, there is nothing better you can throw.  Even fishing from shore this is a great technique to use.  If nothing else, this set-up will catch bass.

Straighten the rig so that your worm will naturally drift upward and away from the shaky head weight. It should be moved around a bit, occasionally being lifted off the ground. This set-up works well in shallow or deep water, clear or murky water, anyplace there is a reasonably clean, hard bottom. Keep it away from thick grass and brush since it will get hung up.

2. Drop Shot

When fishing near docks or dense bush, this setup works really well. My typical presentation involves rigging a 6-inch worm and a No. 2 Mustad Drop Shot Light Wire Hook Texas-style. That strikes a decent balance between creating a weedless bait and attaining the desired results.

I modify my tackle and weight according on the environment. If you need to, size your baits down when conditions are super touch. I scale up my tackle more when the bite gets hotter or the fish get bigger. You'll need to decide based on your prior experience and the fishing environment.

3. Carolina Rig

Use a Mustad Ultra Lock Offset Wire Worm Hook to rig it Texas-style through the worm's head. If you wish to present in a quiet and understated manner, use a small leader. Expand your leader's reach for more impact.

This rig is especially helpful when there is a high, clear sky after a front. When I'm hunting for scattered bass that aren't biting, I often fish this rig over flats.

Adjust your weight depending on where you are fishing and how the conditions are.  Deep water and wind you will need a heavier weight, while shallow water on a calm day you can use a lighter weight.  It all depends on the conditions that day.

4. Texas Rig - Unweighted

I frequently throw a Texas-rigged Obee Finesse Worm up in the shallows in the spring. Hook the head with it. It should be twitched like a soft plastic jerkbait. Occasionally let it sink if the biting is particularly difficult.

Once upon a time, yellow, white, or bubblegum were some of my favorite colors. Recently, though, I've had more success using organic hues like green pumpkin and watermelon.  Go with a 6-inch or larger finesse worm, you want all the action you can get. 

5. Pitching and Flipping

I Texas rig my worms with modest weights for the spring and fall approach. Most frequently, this entails using a 1/8-ounce sinker. However, I have gone as light as 1/32 ounce and as hefty as 3/16 ounce. (This type of fishing is finesse. You're only trying to get through the open holes in the cover, not through the thick cover.)

Don't peg your weight.  The worm and the weight should be separate. The Finesse Worm has better motion as a result. With this presentation, better movement translates to more bites.

6. Wacky Rig

This one is relatively straightforward and as old as dirt. However, it continues to produce fish today just as it did in the past.

To make the head end of my worm shorter than the tail end, I like to hook it slightly up from the middle. For me at least, that appears to inspire the most action. I use a weighted hook—Mustad manufactures a really excellent one—or, for better movement, I'll put a little lead nail in the head.

When the water is clear and the bass are focused on particular areas of cover or structure, this target rig performs best during or right after the spawn. Get it as close as you can to bushes or patches of grass. Then, move it along for about a foot before letting it die.

If you are looking for the overall best 6-inch Finess Worms, try throwing the Obee Finesse Worm.  Our hand injected soft plastic baits have better color, shine, action, and durability to help you catch more fish.