NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/708333
66 NEBRASKAland • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2016 A vid bass anglers most likely know all about the Texas rig. Newbies to the fishing world may want to try this simple yet tried and true rig for bass, too. The Texas rig is simple to set up and easy to use – it's also my go-to set up when nothing else will catch bass. I use this rig all times of year, with winter being somewhat of an exception, but I have caught fish in open water during the winter months with this rig, too. For the beginner, start by sliding a bullet weight on the line, and then tie a 5/0 or 6/0 size off-set hook – EWG (extra wide gap) or my favorite, a Keeper™ hook – to the line, and thread your favorite plastic onto the hook. Use larger hooks for longer plastics and smaller hooks for smaller plastics. I poke a hole through the plastic then sink the hook back into the plastic for a virtually weedless presentation. For bass fishing I use at least 6- to 10-pound test line and a medium action rod. Once you get started using the Texas rig you can add variations to your bass fishing tricks. Behind the weight add a bead onto the line as a noise attractor. When skipping worms into areas where you don't want a big splash or don't want the weight and plastic to separate under water where you know you'll hang up, keep the weight next to the nose of the worm by using rubber bobber stops. The weedless presentation lets you fish a worm faster through large areas such as ledges, weed lines, weed beds or trees. The weight may hang up on rocks but it's a great way to feel the bottom and the bite. Fishing this set- up is easy: with the rod tip down pull up about two or three feet, then reel in the slack as you lower the rod tip and do it over and over feeling the weight hit bottom as you go. Sometimes fish hammer the presentation, while other bites are subtle, almost feeling like a snag. When you're not sure if it's a bite gently pull up on the line and hope the big one doesn't release the worm. If there is tension, set the hook. Changing up the speed of the lure presentation can be done if bass aren't hooking. Let the worm do its work by slowly fluttering to the bottom if a faster presentation isn't getting bites. Let the worm sit on the bottom for a few minutes, then give it a few short jerks and allow it to settle again, tempting fish to bite. Then continue lifting and lowering the line. Changing plastics is another way to trick bass that won't bite. Keep the Texas rig but change worm colors, tail patterns or switch to crayfish or frogs. During the spring and early summer the bite is on most of the day. Bass will actively feed, coming out of the cold semi-hibernation they've been in. Fishing shallows, weed beds and lines, structure, ledges and trees will produce bass. When summer heat takes its toll, the bite will taper off during the heat of the day with mornings and evenings producing the best bite. Fish can still be caught using the Texas rig by fishing deeper, shady areas. Fall will find fish feeding to fatten up for the slower winter months ahead. Fall is a great time to fish with the Texas rig – they are eager to bite and will be in about the same areas as spring bass. When there is open water during the winter months fish can still be caught but worm presentations are slowed down, allowing fish to get up the gumption to feed in colder water. On warmer and sunny winter days fish the shallows where bass will be at the water surface catching some sun before retreating to deeper waters. ■ Fishing the Texas Rig A tried-and-true way to catch bass. By Julie Geiser PHOTOS BY JULIE GEISER Using a Texas-rigged plastic worm is effective at catching largemouth bass. The Texas rig needs a bullet weight, off-set hook, and the angler's choice of soft plastics. The bait can be fished weedless, and is a go-to for many largemouth bass anglers throughout the year.