Back to Basics
by Dustin Wilks
When one thinks of bass fishing, cover comes to mind — lily pads, logs, docks and so on. But the use of forward facing sonar has been a game changer for many.
Some fishermen have taken it to a whole new level, only casting when a fish is spotted, or fishing only for suspended fish, unrelated to cover.
It’s true that this has changed the way many people view the habits of bass, but I’ll be quick to point out that bass still use cover and hide in places where they are undetected by modern electronics.
All forms and styles of fishing can be fun, but the feeling of that “tap tap bite” on the Culprit Original worm as it’s creeping through “bassy-looking” cover is one of the best feelings in the world.
Most of us started learning bass fishing with some sort of soft plastic worm. It is crucial to develop a feel for fishing and learn how bass behave in general. I’d also argue, when teaching a kid to fish, the worm is the best place to start.
If you have to catch fish, the Culprit Original is a go-to. It appeals to fish in all moods from aggressive to inactive and represents an easy meal.
The Original comes in hundreds of colors and in sizes 4.5, 6, 7.5, 10, and even 12-in.
When fishing the worm, rigging is important. Choosing a hook that doesn’t hinder the action will get you a lot more bites.
The Texas rig is the most popular way to rig it. I would suggest:
1/0 hook for the 4.5 and 6”
2/0 for 7.5″
3/0 for 10″
4/0 or 5/0 for 12”
These may seem small but as I mentioned, these hooks will allow the most natural action to come out.
I also often fish them on a shakey head when there is not much weed cover. The benefit to the shaky head is posture on the bottom as it will tend to allow the worm stand up more and be more visible to fish.
I use the 4.5″ usually with a very light weight of 1/32 to 1/8oz.
The 6” typically I go for 1/8oz
The 7.5 I go for 1/8 to 1/4oz
The 10 – 5/16 to 1/2oz
The 12 – 3/8 to 1oz.
Each size has a time and place. The 4.5 and 6” sizes are secret baits for rivers. They are real fish catchers that nobody talks about for a reason. You’ll find them at local shops with a loyal following.
The 7.5″ is the number one seller because it’s an easy bait to fish and appeals to fish in all situations.
The 10″ and 12″ are mostly used in warm water of summer months and early fall, when bass have their highest calorie needs.
Carefully choose the best areas to use these and you’ll enjoy lots of action.
When in doubt, try points or any areas with current hitting it. If the fish are spawning, use them in protected areas. In large reservoirs, offshore ledges are the ticket. And of course, just going down the bank fishing isolated cover will always get you some fish.
Don’t discount color, choose based on your water clarity – the more natural colors are typically better in clear water; the brighter colors are more suited for stained water.
The mood of the fish can also dictate the color choice. There are many unique colors in the line for that reason, and many anglers have found a niche color that works for their area too.
Check out the full line of Culprit Original worms and get back to basics of having fun!
Killer Worm colors Blueberry and Pearl for Fall Fishing
As the weather is cooling off and baitfish are on the move shallower, its a great time to consider bait fish color worms to fish around heavy cover especially when the sun is high and they have stopped biting topwaters and spinnerbaits. Bass will react to a color they are conditioned to strike as they are heavily feeding on shad in the fall. Blueberry is great for clear or slightly stained water and pearl in low light or more stained water. Both create a great baitfish look, but in a slow easy to catch package.
