All About Bass Fishing - Guide To Fishing Shallow With Artificial Worms

Plastic worms opened an entire chapter in bass fishing when first introduced in the 1950s. The artificial worm was a good representation of what bass eat, but more importantly it could be fished weedless and be presented into cover where most lures could not be fished. The concept of “Texas-style” became a standard that is still used today by bass anglers world wide.

3 Most Important Factors About Fishing Shallow With Artificial Worms

This is the most successful bass catching lure ever invented.
Artificial worms can be rigged many different ways to suit cover and fishing condition requirements.
Color is not as important as many people would like you to believe.

3 Most Effective Fishing Methods & Lures

Texas-style worms allow you to fish in heavy cover.
Drop shot fishing with worms allow you to fish cover and keep the lure visible above the bottom.
Lizards and other creature baits can also be fished Texas style in heavy, shallow cover.

Versatile, artificial worms can be fished virtually anywhere.

The beauty of artificial worms is that they come in sizes from miniature up to over a foot long and all catch bass. Artificial worms are available in many body styles and tail configurations. You can purchase plastic worms in virtually every color of the rainbow. Of all the characteristics to consider, color may be the least important. Choose a worm style and size that works well for the water you are fishing. Choose color in a general sense selecting natural, subdued colors for clear water and choose darker or brighter colors for murky or stained water. For many bass anglers, watermelon pepper is a staple color for most water conditions. Go darker, lighter or flashier if the water conditions dictate.

Rigging styles.

The type cover you fish will dictate how to rig artificial worms.

Texas Style

Texas-style rigging is a method of burying the tip of the hook into the plastic worm, making it virtually weedless. This allows you to throw a worm into virtually any type of cover. For shallow fishing use from 3/16 ounce to 5/16 ounce as standard, going lighter or heavier as conditions dictate.

Drop Shot

Rig a worm about twelve inches up from a weight tied to the end of your line. If fishing cover, rig it Texas style. If you are fishing open water, use an open-hook. Cast to your target or make vertical drops. Once the weight hits bottom keep a slight tension on the line to keep the worm from falling to the bottom.

Color

For dirty water, the basic recommended colors would be black, blue, dark purple or similar colors. For clear water, greens, light browns, smoke and similar colors. Add flake or bright colored tails in dark or dingy water. Avoid flash in clear water.

Weight

Choose the proper weight for conditions. As a rule use the heaviest weight you can get away with when the bass are active. If fishing gets tough, go to lighter weights.

All About Bass Fishing - Guide To Fishing Shallow With Artificial Worms

3 Most Important Factors About Fishing Shallow With Artificial Worms

3 Most Effective Fishing Methods & Lures

Versatile, artificial worms can be fished virtually anywhere.

Rigging styles.

Texas Style

Drop Shot

Color

Weight

AA Bass Fishing Knowledge Base

Bass information by state.

Fishing Information

All About Bass & How To Catch Them.