The Reverse Wacky Rig: A Unique Way to Catch Bass

The wacky rig is a popular bass fishing technique that involves rigging a soft plastic worm with the hook point inserted into the middle of the bait. This creates an erratic, darting action that is irresistible to bass. 

However, the wacky rig can be difficult to fish in deeper water and is a popular rig bass are exposed to on almost a daily basis. So is there a way to change up the standard wacky rig and address these issues? Absolutely, enter the reverse wacky rig.

What is the Reverse Wacky Rig?

The reverse wacky rig is a variation of the wacky rig that allows you to fish a soft plastic worm deeper in the water column using a unique presentation bass likely have not seen. To rig a reverse wacky rig, you will need a highly buoyant soft plastic worm, a light wire hook, and a small weight.

How to Rig a Reverse Wacky Rig

• Thread a closed-eye, drop shot styles weight onto your line.
• Tie a light wire hook onto the end of your line.
• Insert the hook point into the middle of the soft plastic worm.

How to Fish a Reverse Wacky Rig

• Cast your bait into the water around cruising bass or submerged cover.
• Allow the bait to sink to the bottom.
• Twitch the bait by adding and releasing tension to the line pulling the worm down to the weight and then float back toward the surface.
• Work your bait slowly by the bass or cover.

Tips for Fishing a Reverse Wacky Rig

• Use a highly buoyant soft plastic worm that is designed for the wacky rig.
• Use a light wire hook so that the worm will readily float when line tension is released.
• Use a small weight when possible so that the bait will not sink too quickly.
• Twitch the bait erratically to increase action.
• Reel in your bait slowly so that the bass has time to strike.

Take a few minutes and watch as bass pro Matt Stefan discusses the conditions he uses the reverse wacky rig as well as his approach to rigging and the gear he uses in the following video…

Beyond using the reversed wacky rig as a sight fiishing tool, it interests me even more as a wacky rig option when fishing heavily pressured waters. I believe that when lurking bass see the bait slowly rise to the surface with an undulating motion will trigger more strikes from fish wary of typical falling wacky presentation.