Ribbon tail worms, like the SLING BAITS Curly Worms, are classic and effective baits for bass! Their lively tail action is a great fish attractor. Learn how to take advantage of this type of bait for your next trip.
Top Ways to Rig a Ribbon Tail Worm
The rigging method often depends on the type of cover you are fishing and the depth.
Texas Rig: This is the most popular, versatile, and weedless setup.
- Rigging: Use a bullet-shaped sinker (pegged or unpegged) and a worm hook (like an EWG or offset hook)
- Pegged Sinker: Use a peg or toothpick to keep the sinker right against the worm. This is best for fishing thick cover like brush piles or weeds, as the sinker and worm move over obstructions together, preventing snags
- Unpegged Sinker: The sinker slides freely up the line. This is great for a slower, more natural fall to catch suspended bass, as the worm falls slower than the weight
Carolina Rig: Excellent for deeper water or covering large areas
- Rigging: Use a heavy egg-shaped sinker (3/4 to 1 oz), a swivel, and a leader line (2 to 3 feet) before attaching the worm to your hook
- Action: The sinker drags the bottom, while the worm floats freely behind it on the leader, giving it an enticing, natural movement
Shaky Head: A great finesse option
- Rigging: Attach the worm to a jighead with a spring or screw keeper (a shaky head jig)
- Action: Allows you to "shake" the worm in place on the bottom to tempt reluctant bass
Weighted Belly Hook / Swimbait Hook
- Rigging: Use a hook with a weight on the shank and a screw-lock keeper. Rig the worm weedless
- Action: Allows you to swim the worm right over the top of submerged weeds or rocks.
Retrieval Techniques for Ribbon Tail Worms
The key is often a slow, patient retrieve to let that ribbon tail do its job.
Texas/Shaky Rigs (Bottom Fishing)
Drag: Cast out and let it sink. Once on the bottom, use a slow, steady retrieve or drag the worm along the bottom with a sweeping motion of your rod, then reel in the slack. The slow movement keeps the ribbon tail active.
- Hop/Twitch: After letting it sit, lightly twitch or hop the worm with your rod tip a few times, then pause again. This mimics a struggling creature
- Deadsticking: If the fish are finicky, let the worm sit motionless on the bottom for several seconds before giving it a subtle twitch
Carolina Rigs (Deeper Water)
Sweep and Drag: Make a long cast and slowly sweep your rod to the side, dragging the weight and worm along the bottom, then reel in the slack before the next sweep
Swimming (The Florida Style):
Use a lighter Texas rig (as light as 1/16 oz) and slowly reel the worm steadily through the water column, rather than working it solely on the bottom. This utilizes the constant action of the ribbon tail.
Target Locations & Tips
- Cover is Key: Focus on dense cover like thick weed beds, brush piles, submerged timber, and laydowns. Bass use these for ambush points and shade
- Edges and Transitions: Prime spots include drop-offs, ledges, and the border between vegetation and open water
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Patience: Often, bass will pick up a ribbon tail worm very lightly. Watch your line closely for any unusual movement, like a subtle twitch or if your line starts swimming sideways. Set the hook at the slightest indication of a bite.