Bass Fishing Using Curly Tail Grubs

Curly tail grubs are soft plastic lures that mimic the movement and appearance of small prey, such as worms and insects. They are commonly used for bass fishing because they are versatile, affordable, and effective at attracting fish. 

Bass are attracted to the movement and action of the grub, which can be rigged on a jig head or on a variety of different rigs. Grubs can be fished on the bottom, vertically pitched, or cast and retrieved, plus they come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them an essential lure for bass fishing, especially under tough conditions.

The size and color of curly tail grubs used for bass fishing can vary based on the fishing conditions, water clarity, and the preference of the angler. However, some popular grub sizes for bass fishing range from 3 to 6 inches long, with 4 or 5 inches being the most common sizes. 

As for colors, popular options include watermelon, green pumpkin, white, black, chartreuse, and smoke. It's also a good idea to match the color of the grub to the hatch of the local forage or to use a color that contrasts with the water clarity. In murky water, brighter colors such as chartreuse or hot pink may be more visible to fish, while in clear water natural colors like watermelon or green pumpkin may be more effective.

Curly Tail Grub Rigging Methods

There are several ways to rig a 5" curly tail grub for bass fishing:

Open jig head rig: This is one of the most popular rigging methods for curly tail grubs. It involves threading the grub onto a jig head hook, with the hook point exposed through the grub's head. This allows the grub to swim naturally and triggering bass into striking.

Weedless jig head rig: This is one of my favorite rigging methods for curly tail grubs. It involves threading the grub onto a weedless jighead with an EWG offset hook and the hook point Tex-posed through the grub's body then the hook point skin hooked to make it snag resistant. This allows the grub to still swim naturally, work in and around different types of cover while still enticing bass to strike.

Darter head rig: This rig involves using a darter head jig head and sliding the grub onto the jig head, which allows the grub to swim naturally with a slightly different action than a standard ball-type open jig head.

Texas rig: This rigging method involves threading the grub onto a hook, with the hook point buried inside the grub's body. A weight is then added to the line above the hook to help the grub sink.

Carolina rig: This rigging method is similar to the Texas rig, but the weight is added to the line above the hook and a leader is added between the weight and the hook by using a glass bead and barrel swivel. This allows the grub to swim freely, have a weightless fall to the bottom showing the bass a unique presentation and enticing them to react.

Split shot rig: This rig involves attaching a split shot weight to the line above the grub. The split shot rigged grub is a finesse presentation that can be cast and retrieved in clear, shallow water conditions where subtlety is key.

Drop shot rig: Another finesse rigging method involves attaching the hook several inches to a couple of feet from the end of the leader and attaching a drop shot weight to the end of the leader line. The grub can then be nose hooked, body hooked or Texas rigged depending on the hook used, thus allowing the grub to be suspended horizontally in the water column at the desired depth.

Please note that each of these rigging methods will have variations depending on the angler preference and the environment being fished (open water versus in cover).

Effective Curly Tail Grub Retrieves

When using a curly tail grub for bass fishing, there are several different retrieves that can be used to attract fish:

Jigging retrieve: This involves reeling in the grub a few inches at a time, then allowing it to sink back down in a lift/fall motion. This can imitate the behavior of a struggling baitfish swimming at different levels of the water column.

Slow Roll Retrieve: This method involves slowly reeling in the grub usually close to the bottom, allowing it to move through the water in a natural, undulating motion. This can be effective in clear water or when the fish are being particularly finicky.

Jerk Retrieve: This method involves quickly jerking the rod to make the grub move erratically through the water. This can trigger a reaction bite from more aggressive or "schooled" bass.

Steady Retrieve: This method involves reeling in the grub at a steady pace at intermediate depths between the surface and bottom. This retrieve can be effective in dirty or murky water or when the bass is suspended in, around or over cover.

Stop-and-Go Retrieve: This method involves reeling in the grub for a few seconds, then stopping to allow it to sink before reeling in again. This can imitate the movements of a wounded baitfish and can be effective in triggering a bite from bass.

Burning retrieve: This involves retrieving the grub quickly through the water usually just beneath the water’s surface, simulating the movement of a fleeing baitfish. This can be a good option when fishing in shallow water or when targeting aggressive bass that are chasing bait.

Twitch Retrieve: This method is similar to the Jerk Retrieve, but instead of jerking the rod, you will be twitching it to make the grub move erratically as it swims through the water.

Pausing (dead stick) retrieve: this method involves reeling in the grub for a short distance near the bottom, then pausing for a few seconds and allowing the bait to sit still before reeling in again. This can simulate an injured baitfish or lure or crayfish moving along the bottom.

Flipping and pitching: this involves flipping and pitching a Texas rigged grub into tight spaces where bass may be hiding, such as under logs, under docks, or in weed beds. Another option is to rig the grub on a jighead then pitch it along the edge of vertical cover such as weed lines, walls, dam faces, bluffs etc. In both cases the grub is allowed to free fall on a slack line therefore appearing like dying or struggling prey.

Preferred rod set-ups for fishing grubs include 6.5’ to 7’ M/L or M power fast action spinning rods with matching reels filled with 6 lb to 10 lb fluorocarbon, braid with fluorocarbon leader, or fluorocarbon-coated copolymer line.

It's worth mentioning that the most important thing is to experiment with different retrieves and pay attention to the bass' reaction to the weather and water conditions during that trip.