These Wacky Rig Tips Won Me $80,000!

These wacky rig tips helped me win $80,000!!!
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I was born and raised in Chicago, but after working 12 years in the financial Industry regulating the futures and options markets at the CME/CBOT I decided to pursue my passion fishing professional tournaments and left my full time corporate job. At that point, I moved to Junction City, WI with my wife Sara and two boys Hank and Duke. I've been fishing professionally since 2011 and full-time since 2015. I've qualified for seven MLF Championships and won over a half million in tournament winnings at the professional level.

[@pa4u2001]

Congratulations on the win, couldn't have happened to a more deserving guy. Great tips as always.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Much appreciated!

[@ColoradoFishing]

Great pro tips Matt. It’s crazy to think…what if you didn’t do just one of these small things during the tourney? It could have cost you the win. Most folks don’t realize how much attention to detail you guys put in to your craft, well done. And thanks for sharing with the general public, it gets the wheels turning for sure.

[@MattStefanFishing]

ive thought a lot about that

[@randyleppala5995]

I was wondering if you have ever tried this tip: I have had issues in the past with my worm’s getting torn apart a lot so I started prerigging them with a 3/8” diameter, 1/2” long piece of clear heat shrink tubing. I insert the worm into the tubing, apply a quick flame to it and the heat shrink tubing tightens around the worm. I then insert my hook through the tubing and the worm. This worm is now nearly indestructible and lasts a LONG time, probably longer than you want. Try it. It will save you a boatload of worms.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i have tried it and it works, but i prefer my worm to be able to move on the hook and heat shrink locks it in place

[@paulcowart3802]

very good imfo. I liked the way you explained the whole process.

[@ZZ430T56]

Gratz on the win!! Well deserved. I know you have sponsors, but you could have used the most popular stick brand that sinks a lot faster. I make my own sticks and use a different sink additive than salt so they don't lose any durability. I can make them as soft and sink any rate I want.

[@MattStefanFishing]

my favorite is the maxscent general. thats what ai chose to use and it won the tourney for me

[@timnelson9756]

Thank you Matt... another excellent video on details. On windy days Ill also add a screw in very small tail spinner blade ( to tail end of wacky worm) either in colorado or willow leaf shape. It adds just enough weight and flash on really windy days. Also adds an appeal to bass that their not used to seeing. Can be good for straight worming and flipping and punching cover also. Tim Nelson

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@danmere9607]

Congratulations on your well deserved WIN. So awesome to watch you for so long and see you apply all the tips to win a Big Tourney. Can’t wait to see you on the Elites.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@AcumenTV]

Great play by play of your thinking and tournament strategy. Really appreciate your transparency. All of your methods can be implemented by us weekend warriors. Blessings to you Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

I appreciate that!

[@tmckay5684]

Congratulations on the win! Thanks for the tips for a rookie Bass fishing guy.

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@donpanico7708]

Hey Matt great info as always. I fish mostly from the bank and for the past 2 months most of my bites have come on a wacky rig with a green pumpkin and pumpkinseed worms with the tail dipped in chartreuse. And the majority of the bites were in the shade or around wood structure.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good stuff!

[@jimtunder5282]

Excellent video Matt, very detailed, the way every fishing video should be.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@mikeeller557]

I use a neko hook on my wacky rig , I think that little bit of weight helps. Thanks Matt

[@shuntzilla1596]

Solid idea

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@kennethhromcik8144]

Congratulations on the win 🏆 Thanks for the tips, always appreciate the videos Tight lines and Godspeed

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@bruceesterline3170]

When fishing just like hunting people need to understand instinct that little voice in your head telling you what you should do thank you instinct 👍🎣 congratulations on your win 🏆

[@MattStefanFishing]

agreed

[@TheREELBass_Dad]

Spot on. I got a lot of bites after ripping away from the grass to clear the bait off. it seemed like the slick calm days they would come out and bite on that secondary fall after all the commotion. Great solution but slow paced! Congratulations Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks 👍

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

Good stuff Matt. The way the dye looks on the black bait definitely looks more natural in the water. Thanks for the tips

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep!

[@nicksandrof9345]

Congratulations on a great win! For me, any type of finesse bait, letting it marinate for a bit is the key to success. Too many guys throw it and start bouncing it right away.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@mikeantes9597]

Great tips Matt I like that same hook for the exact same reasons as you mentioned .Huge salmon and trout are caught on little hooks. Also like the spike it for the added scent and flavor .Thanks for sharing .

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@jamesrose7657]

Matt, congrats on the win sir!! Much deserved man.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@pequenioedgarito3067]

Matt. You are so spot-on with using a smaller hook on a wacky rig to avoid balls of grass. I dont have a boat, but as a bank angler, this method has proven lethal on my artifical, man made lake here in Northern, Il. I get other anglers asking what am I doing different where I get Bass and they dont. The secret is the 1/0 hook. Too bad that I cannot share pictures here on KZbin but in all my catches, it is a textbook catch and hookset. Congrats again on this accomplishment of winning the Open

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@ryanvarner6520]

I watched the event live. It was really cool to see you win, especially after the lock situation!! Congratulations, and thanks for the tips!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks so much!!

[@johns3292]

Appreciate your choice of words, "we won". Hold fast neighbor. 2:40

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@williamfaragher3671]

Very impressed with this masterclass on wacky rigging and by your immaculate presentation to the bass. You wear confidence very well !

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you very much!

[@sha6mm]

Thanks for the Hook size and what could be better than watching your tips while the lower unit gear oiled drains out of the lower unit. TC

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad to help

[@chaaazgould4828]

Congratulations! Great in-depth video from great fisherman!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@crawlin2vgt]

Thanks for the tips! I frequent pool 8 many times each summer and going back next week. Already picked up some more maxscent products as well! They where killing the lil general the other week but gonna try some more wacky rigging this trip.

[@MattStefanFishing]

im jealous!

[@stevencrane9949]

GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE CONGRATULATIONS

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@matthahn1737]

Matt. Awesome, congratulations on the win and thanks for sharing your knowledge. It's really incredible that you do this! You've asked for tips, so here's one, something that's worked for me is a nail weight with a skirt when they are taking it off the bottom and not eating the traditional wacky the way you may have expected, especially if you get a short strike or a bass looking and turning away, sometimes this is the ticket. I believe the movement of the skirt while keeping the worm dead on the bottom may be what puts them in the boat.

[@MattStefanFishing]

very cool!

[@pmm422]

I use cut pieces of a stainless steel rod and insert them into 5" stick worms (directly below the hook) to increase the fall rate and get a little more wobble action as it falls. I prefer the 6" worms because I think they wobble better but adding weight to the shorter ones seems to help.

[@googanslayer6675]

I prefer 6 inch stick baits too. I won my kayak event on wacky last month. Got 2 over 5lb. I prefer small wide gap hooks for wacky acually. Matts tip about hooking the worm off center and angled is underrated also.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@pmm422]

@@MattStefanFishing Well thank you for the awesome content very helpful!

[@edpelkey7798]

What a way to end the season💰 Great detailed breakdown on your winning pattern! 🐟 Decoy makes a Worm Holder spring. It is a coil spring that you place in the bait. Simply screw the spring into the worm and around the hook. The bait is almost indestructible! 🐟 On green pumpkin or baby bass colors, I take a black sharpie and color the tail. When you see a small bass in the water the first thing you notice is the black tail.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@jasonanakkala3699]

Great information! I appreciate the details you share. Congratulations on your win!! Very well deserved and hope you have many more!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks so much!

[@jasonvenesky2438]

Amazing how you dialed in the details to get the win,

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@thomase.piggott7383]

Great job! Good information on the wacky rig. I will try these next time out.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikest4786]

Great information as always. Thanks for all you do and congratulations on your win. Really happy for you and your family!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks so much!

[@milanmathis3142]

Congratulations on your win. Awesome tips

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@brianlee9074]

Definitely great tips that will help. Thanks Matt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@stevebender7614]

Congratulations!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you!!

[@oneshoeless]

Thank you for the tips! I haven't had a lot of luck with the wacky rig. For whatever reason. I need to give it another go. I know there are a lot of guys using them in my area.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@paulziebell2479]

I've done it with green pumpkin and purple fleck. Gives a little subtle difference but similar color of green sunfish. I always try to match the hatch, and it usually works well. I also rig the wacky worms like a Texas rig and sometimes add weight. Other times, I let it slowly sink for a different presentation. Either way has caught me fish.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sounds great!

[@drew3021]

I really like the dum dum rig. It's my favorite wacky rig. Increased my hook up rate ten fold.

[@MattStefanFishing]

sounds good!

[@williamheld7672]

Most of the lakes I fish have current so I like to fish a weighted wacky rig. Just enough to keep it where I want. I have tested the hover ridge and now anytime I want something like it higher in the water column. Core tackle hover rig all the way.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on

[@normanwiggins1320]

Right on cue I have a tournament Sunday and one of my places has grass to the top and planned on the wacky rig there. Thanks for those extra tips Matt. Once again congratulations

[@MattStefanFishing]

Have fun!

[@TheRecon1a]

Congratulations Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you!

[@franksancimino1297]

Much respect and deserved success. Victory is yours !

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@ernestlangley8161]

Congratulations on the win!! Well deserved!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks so much!!

[@robertschurg6228]

You are on your way. Congrats

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@guyscott1361]

Thanks for sharing ! Another educational video

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@bassboat1]

The only thing I do different, is to use pieces of nail weight sideways. I think it keeps the flexibility of the bait a little better. I've been sealing them up with my cigar lighter so they never come out too. Matt, you are making all the right adjustments obviously and I couldn't be more pleased to see you headed to redcrest and headed to the Big show next year

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@rickrobinson7032]

Great tip Matt. Congrats

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Glock-1]

I use a weedless VMC neko hook size one or two with the mono weed guards and they are awesome around everything, and always with the VMC crossover rings in 6mm for 5 inch senko

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sounds good

[@skiplovestofish6992]

Great video and congrats on the win. I will try your tips. I fish in Connecticut and I have had more luck with the Yamamoto kreature bait (watermelon with black and gold flake 4”) Thanks for all your advice .

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@jonahlawrence6204]

Congratulations again on your win and your qualification for the BPT awesome

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@timbroome3520]

My seven year old grandson taught me hooking the wack rig off center. The closer he’d hook it at the end the more the bait would spiral down on slack line. I hooked him up on the first worm and after about three docks he finally got bit, he hooked up the next worm way off center of course and started catching two or three almost every dock. The fish liked that slight spiral that day

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep!

[@geraldbryant2610]

Congrats on the win

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@cjnugent4102]

Thanks for the advice and congratulations! U worked hard for ur win, enjoy every second of it! 👍🏻🇺🇸🎣

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@kevinmedeiros9281]

Matt, I use an owner mosquito size 1 when wacky rigging. I add split shot weights above the knot on the hook as needed due to water depth and wind. I can take it off whenever i want as condtions change. Hope it helps

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@glenndaugherity6187]

10-4 on the Hover Rig being a gliding machine 👍👍👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha yes it is

[@lgarcia831]

Congrats Matt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@erk678]

I loved this video . Matt you make fishing Fun . I like a 10 minute video to the point.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@NedRigNerd]

Congratulations Matt. Keep up the grind.

[@MattStefanFishing]

will do!

[@Jason_Emry_Fishing]

Congrats on your win! I told Sonar he needs to buy you a drink next time he sees you!!! I have not caught much on the wacky rig. I have a few Black/Blue & GP generals to which I will be using this weekend on the Ohio River during a BFL Tournament. I will try the hover rig (Core Tackle Hooks) as well in this tournament. I won't win $80K but hopefully win the co-angler side of the house. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

i like that idea!

[@rickyreynolds9056]

I have fished that little hook for a long time and love it! Hooks up and stays buttoned! 💪🏻

[@MattStefanFishing]

agreed!

[@vernonhearn2724]

62 and Still waiting on my first win, Happy for ya!

[@MattStefanFishing]

youll get it!

[@johnrayner5599]

Great tutorial on the wacky rig, I will be at Lake of the Ozarks all next week and I will keep all these tips in my head!!!! I love the smaller hook idea you used, I probably would have used a weedless hook and that sounds like it would have been a mistake.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i lose fish on weedless hooks

[@stoneysdead689]

I've just never had a lot of luck with a wacky rig. I know it works really well because everyone else talks about it and I see guys online just tearing them up with it- but I bet I could count my wacky bass on one hand. I'm going to try it again in the morning- tbh though I've had more luck rigging it weightless on an ewg- Texas rig style. It still falls the same as a wacky rig- but about halfway down it will usually tilt toward the hook end and plane out to bottom. Why that works better for me, no idea- but it seems to. I use JJ's for dye- I'll give that a shot in the morning as well- thanks Matt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

it works so good!

[@stoneysdead689]

@@MattStefanFishing Do you pull it back up off bottom considerably to let it fall again- or do you just sort of bounce it along bottom- or do you mix it up and do both? I'll check your vids- I bet you've done one on the wacky rig already.

[@rvfishingyet]

I do have spike it with me every trip, but don’t use it every time. Certainly not on the darker colors. Ill give it a try for sure. Thanks Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@brandonsmith606]

Great tips I use a 1/16 oz. Weighted wacky hook sometimes when its windy or there's current when I want ut to fall straight down. Also if you're using something like a yum dinger and want it to fall like a senko that weighted hook makes it do so.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@davidsedlacek3855]

Thxs for video. Spot on with dying the tail. Just a dab of Chart, Black,or Blue dyes on green pumpkin and watermelon stick baits make huge difference when it's tough out. 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@Carolinafishingtales]

Matt, again, congrats ! That's so awesome. Happy for you. Wacky Rig is something new for me, so thanks for the tip and any tip on that rig. The only thing I've been experiencing with, not sure if it's standard or not, is using an Octopus style hook for the standard size Wacky Rig.

[@MattStefanFishing]

interesting

[@larrymckinnon4484]

Love your information. Please keep it coming. 😊

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you! Will do!

[@terrytresemer2864]

Depending on the situation and what I'm trying to do, but I do sneek some super light split shot from my fly vest. We're talking at the light side of a 1/64 oz. Sometimes all you need is a little weight. A small finishing nail is an old school solution. I carry a few that are only a half inch long! Push one at each end and you can still hook it in the middle. 😳 Give that one a try Matt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@joeyhelton7114]

Congratulations on the win! That’s awesome!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@Southwest.Angling]

I run those smaller hooks as well and I find even without a weed guard they still come through cover nice. Also I add a split shot to the shank of my hook if I want to add weight but keep it centre on the hook. I just use a dab of super glue and lightly crimp it on.

[@MattStefanFishing]

agreed

[@ScottHynson-if9vn]

Great tips as always

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you think so!

[@kbone87]

Lets Go!!! Love that attitude! "We" won

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha

[@jmattfinkeldei3085]

Hey Matt huge congrats…..I watched a lot of the live this week and was wondering why you chose spinning tackle to present the wacky rig into the eel grass edges and holes vs using a lighter bait casting rod setup? I fish my wacky rig on spinning tackle mostly but when I was watching how you guys were fishing it made me wonder about using a lighter baitcasting setup to allow more control and also to allow for a few more casts or presentations during the course of a fishing day. Good luck and congrats on making the BPT next season!

[@MattStefanFishing]

i could have used baitcasting gear, but i prefer to fish it on spinning gear

[@ellieswofford7285]

Mike Swofford Thanks Matt for the details , Great video

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@joepworther2284]

Thank you for the great tips, Champion !!! Exceptional profile too !

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@stevesmith7164]

Again Matt congratulations, thanks for the tips on the wacky rig

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@smileycamel5635]

Yep

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks

[@meganmisaki4429]

I never fish a wacky rig because it just doesn’t seem to have that good of a hook set ratio👀 so I tend to go with a weightless Texas rig if I’m fishing a senko🤔

[@MattStefanFishing]

stick with what works for you

[@Shiloh3498]

Thank you!

[@MattStefanFishing]

You're welcome!

[@ronniehenson4122]

Awsome! Congratulation on the win you deserve it.....Ride that cloud 9 out you earned it and thanks for all the tips

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks so much!!

[@1MoreFish]

Love your channel and this is a great tutorial Matt! I live 2 hours away from Pool 8, and maybe 90 minutes from Pool 9/10. I love throwing the Wacky rig. I was hoping this was my secret. Well, thanks to your win not anymore! Actually I'm sure man guys throw it. I own some Lake Fork Ring Weights. The problem is they are only available in 1/8 oz. I don't use them because of this. That's a bit heavier than what you are throwing. I will try the lighter nail weights I have for my Nekpo rigs. I notice you do not use the wack-O rings. Any particular reason? Thanks and congrats on your win bud!

[@MattStefanFishing]

I feel like i get better presentation without the o ring

[@roberts.2413]

Very happy for you Matt, another good video as usual.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@ReelAZMatt]

I always fish a #1 for weightless wacky worms, less fouling up and the worm sinks slower.

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@mattress2331]

I like to use a 1/16 oz bullet weight to Thanks for sharing

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@areddfishing7473]

Matt giving up the juice!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@williej.allenjr.510]

Congratulations on your win! I fish in Florida and eelgrass all the time. I like your detailed information on how you caught fish. Can you tell me what pound leader you usually fish and which hook and what size is the smaller one you’re talking about. Hopefully I can use some of this information to catch more fish.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i was using a 10 lb leader to 10 lb braid

[@evansboysfishing]

Congrats on your win!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@rodneychandler82]

Well done buddy 👏

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks 👍

[@betteorhowardswarts7674]

Congrats! Love the wacky rig and use dye too.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@markstivers3383]

I’m soooooo happy for you, buddy. Way to go!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@Choffa09]

Congratulations Matt on the win! Great 😊 info

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@christopherbrooks3321]

Great stuff man

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@jrsfishingchannel8082]

You should check out the eco pro wacky weight… I love using them when I need a little weight on my wacky rig and they hold your bait on pretty good too.

[@MattStefanFishing]

will do!

[@coldslugger8219]

Thanks for the tips and big congrats on you’re big win

[@MattStefanFishing]

My pleasure!!

[@erokfishing]

I’ve been having a lot of luck with a June bug wacky rig this summer. Also I use drop shot hooks on my wacky rigs.

[@MattStefanFishing]

great!

[@davehuggins5777]

This is a great video. Appreciate you explaining the why.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jackwestlund6098]

great video. Thanks. I like the Gama 1/0 finesse wide gap for wacky rigging. I'll try the size 1 to see if it makes a difference for me.

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try

[@ReelAZMatt]

GREAT JOB MATT!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!