Big Worms for Springtime Bass

Generally speaking, the best time to fish with big plastic worms is during the warmer months of the year when the water temperature is higher than 60 degrees.

If you mention big worm fishing to most bass anglers, discussions of hot weather, heavy cover, deep water and summertime usually spring up. During the summer the water is warm; the bass are more active; and big plastic worms can be used to target bass that are holding on deep water structures like ledges and humps or around deeper cover such as weed beds or submerged trees. Snag-resistant, Texas-rigged magnum worms can be just the ticket to trigger strikes from big bass holding in and around deeper water cover.

In the spring, however bass are either preparing to or recovering from the spawn and are looking for food to build up their energy. Big plastic worms are a great choice during this time of year because they mimic the size of slower, larger bass forage and offer an easy meal for hungry bass.

Take a moment and watch this informative video from the folks at Sportsman's Outfitter's on rigging big worms for sprintime bass catching success...

Here's a summary of some tips for fishing big plastic worms for springtime bass:

• Use a medium-heavy or heavy action rod and matching, high-speed baitcasting reel.
• Use a 12- to 20-pound test line.
• Choose a big plastic worm that is 6 to 10 inches long.
• Use a Texas rig with 1/4-oz to 1/2-oz weight and 4/0 to 5/0 offset worm hook; do not peg weight unless necessary.
• Start by fishing the worm slowly and methodically.
• Vary your retrieve speed and retrieve technique to find what the bass are biting on when slow retrieve fails.
• Fish the worm in areas where bass are likely to be feeding, such as around docks, laydowns, and weed beds.

Ultimately, the best time to fish with big plastic worms for bass is when the conditions are right and when the bass are most active and feeding.