Bass Fishing with Floating Worm

Image Credit: ZoomBait

Floating Worms (often called Trick Worms) are prized by bass anglers for their lifelike surface action and versatility. These lures mimic injured or struggling prey on the water’s surface, making them irresistible to bass. In this detailed guide, we’ll explain why Floating Worms work, how to choose and rig them, effective retrieve techniques, recommended gear, and tips from the fishing community.

Why Floating Worms Work

Floating Worms are designed to float and drift naturally, replicating the erratic movement of an injured worm or baitfish. Key benefits include:

• Natural Presentation: Their buoyant action allows them to float on or just off the surface, triggering surface strikes.
• Versatility: Effective in calm and choppy water alike, they can be fished in open water or near structure.
• Enhanced Visibility: Available in a variety of colors and patterns, they can be matched to local forage or used as a bright, attention-getting lure in stained water.

How to Fish Floating Worms

Retrieve Techniques

Different retrieves can help optimize the lure’s action:

• Steady Drift: Let the lure float naturally with a slight tension in your line. Ideal for mimicking a struggling worm in calm conditions.
• Stop-and-Go: Retrieve at a moderate pace then pause briefly; the sudden stop can simulate a dying baitfish and provoke strikes.
• Jerk-and-Pause: Use gentle jerks with your rod tip and then pause to allow the lure to settle, which can be very effective in exciting reaction strikes.
• Surface Skimming: In very calm water, allow the worm to skim across the surface to imitate a worm that’s been disturbed by a predator.

Selecting Floating Worms

Colors, Sizes, and Popular Brands

Your selection should depend on local water conditions and the available forage:

• Colors:
  • Natural Tones: Olive, brown, and black are excellent for clear water.
  • Bright/Fluorescent: Watermelon, chartreuse, and bright orange are effective in stained or low-light conditions.
• Sizes:
  • Smaller Models (3" – 4"): Suitable for finesse presentations when bass are pressured.
  • Larger Models (5" – 7"): Better for covering more water or enticing aggressive strikes in heavy cover.
• Popular Brands:
  • ZoomBait is a leading name (as seen in the image credit), along with other reputable brands like Rapala and Strike King.

How to Rig a Floating Worm

Rigging your Floating Worm correctly is key to an effective presentation. Here are some common methods:

1. Basic Floating Rig:

   • Method: Tie a finesse hook (size depends on the worm’s size) so that the hook point is embedded into the worm’s head. Insert the hook point through the front, then rotate the worm to bury the hook completely.
   • Ideal For: Open water and calm conditions where a natural, drifting presentation is desired.

2. Surface Presentation Rig:

   • Method: Use a very light or no weight setup to ensure the worm remains on the surface. The hook should be rigged in a way that maximizes the lure’s natural float.
   • Ideal For: Early morning or late afternoon when bass are feeding on the surface.

3. Partial Subsurface Rig:

   • Method: Add a light split shot or a small bead above the hook to allow the worm to hover just below the surface, creating a subtle sinking effect.
   • Ideal For: Slightly choppy water or when you need the lure to maintain a steady depth.

Tip: Experiment with different rigging styles to see which produces the most natural action in your local conditions.

Recommended Gear

Community & Expert Tips

• Experiment with Retrieves: Adjust your retrieve speed and technique based on water conditions. A natural drift works well in calm water, while stop-and-go or jerk retrieves may be more effective in stirred-up or pressured situations.
• Rigging Adjustments: In heavy cover, consider a rig that fully buries the hook to avoid snags. In open water, a more exposed hook (Texpose style) can yield faster hooksets.
• Gear & Line Considerations: Use a rod with a sensitive tip and select a line that balances low drag with durability. Thinner fluorocarbon can help maintain a natural presentation in clear water.
• Local Knowledge: Engage with local bass fishing groups and online forums to learn which presentations are working best in your area.
• Practice & Patience: Like all techniques, mastering Floating Worm fishing comes with practice. Experiment with different colors, sizes, and retrieval methods until you find the perfect combination for your conditions.

YouTube Resource

For a visual demonstration and expert advice on using Floating Worms, click the image below to search for "Fishing Floating Worm tips" on YouTube. This thumbnail is taken from the first video result:

Other Popular YouTube Search Terms for Floating Worms

Search Term	Link
Floating Worm Techniques
Best Floating Worms for Bass
How to Rig a Floating Worm
Floating Worm Retrieve Tips