The Best Free Rig Baits!

[@allenfowler1794]

I'm a wacky fanatic and just started using the 'free rig' for deeper water wacky rigs and love it!!! Thanks for the tip Matt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@williamreed6107]

Last week on Lake Picachos, MX I tried the Free Rig for the first time. I had a zoom Magnum Lizard tied on. Fishing in deep water between two islands I caught 30 LMB in two hours, including a 7.52 lb. Can't wait to learn more ways to Free Rig. Thanks for the suggestions.

[@MattStefanFishing]

That is awesome!

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

Gonna throw the bellows shad on for my first free rig cast. Spring needs to hurry!

[@MattStefanFishing]

come on spring!

[@buzzworth2396]

Matt, you finally put out a video about the Free Rig. This has become one of my favorite techniques. Right now I'm mastering the Hover Rig . When I Free Rig, my favorite bait is a Bellows Gill in the 2.8 size. It's a bait that most fish around here haven't seen. Another bait I like to use is the Strike King KVD sweet beaver creature bait. Those ridges on those baits move a lot of water and I think that makes it more appealing. The Hover Rig is a different concept and I like it cast it out and keep it off the bottom and just reel it steady back to the shore. It works phenomenally well. Especially right now with the summer/ fall transition. Thank you for sharing this one!! I love the Free Rig

[@MattStefanFishing]

great info thanks for sharing!

[@douglasspickler4925]

5 inch Kalin grub and hula grub have worked well as well as tubes for me.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@MrJohnB-qs6dp]

Thanks for sharing what baits to use on the Free Rig!! Bass Geek showed how to fish but really didn't mention the types of baits. Will be giving this a try soon!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck!

[@LowBrowFishing]

I do like a free rig! I've been replacing a drop shot with a free rig because it doesn't have nearly the amount of line twist. For me, I like plastics that float, like a zoom floating worm or a finesse worm. I also use my own 7' paddle tail worms that float.

[@ericsh8576]

I am definitely interested in bank fishing the free rig on my home lake for two reasons. I don't have to worry about tying the drop shot knot and I can cast around trees much easier without having the drop shot slack on the end of the rod.

[@MattStefanFishing]

less line twist is good!

[@MrMichaelDodd]

Love this! Floaters let this be a completely different technic. You can fish it from the bottom up. My unsubstantiated theory is that when bass are little they eat lots of bugs that hatch on the bottom and rise to the surface. Floating worm lets the rise seem very realistic. Just a thought

[@jooky5]

Agreed. Simpler to rig up and just as good as the drop shot if you’re finishing shallow or from the bank

[@swimbaitonaprairie9359]

Been using braid to mono with a light wire drop shot hook with a elaztech plastic the slow rise is a fish catcher

[@MattStefanFishing]

sounds good

[@dennisederer3594]

Excellent presentation as always. Thank you for differentiating between the Carolina Rig and Free Rig. I have a better understanding.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@erichildreth7562]

I have done a similar setup like this when I go catfishing, we slip on a egg sinker then a bead then tie on the hook. The bead will cushion the knot so it does not smash it. We will then use a piece of shrimp and cast it out and wait. The catfish can take the bait without feeling the weight then the fight is on!!! Thanks for showing us this setup Matt!! :)

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@shadybanks8625]

Great video again Matt! I’m glad your covering the Free Rig ,it’s a very versatile technique. When the free rig was 1st described by Shin he said it helped to keep the bait from being pulled away from the bank with less pendulum effect. It works great on the stair step ledges on the reservoirs I often fish. I have found a bait like a Pit Boss that has moderate action works really well because the action changes after the weight hits the bottom. By that I mean while the weight is pulling the bait down the bait has its most action….when the weight hits the bottom the flappers slow and the bait transitions from a vertical fall and flattens out and falls like a weightless bait the last 3 or so feet. That technique is so killer for me that I have started using it if the bite when stroking a jig slows down …pick up a Free Rig.. each time you stroke the Free Rig it flattens out and glides the last few feet and they chew it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing with us!

[@bassingthrough]

Considering throwing the pit boss on the Free rig. Thanks for sharing.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Go for it!

[@LucasBoone318]

Hey Matt, has anyone ever tried using a jig as the weight, with a floating type plastic bait behind it? Something akin to putting a front runner in front of a spook. I'd imagine it would look like a baitfish going after a crawdad🤔

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try!

[@jasonrutherfordbassfishing]

Great vid! Ever think of using elaztec style plastics that have a ton of buoyancy?

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep i did this video a while back kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqq1qHmpmLiBjdk

[@Roboworm99]

Great job 👏🏽. You know I love the free rig. Try the OSP DOLIVE Beaver and DOLIVE Gill as well

[@MattStefanFishing]

I will check it out

[@paulfrye5989]

Love your video's very informative. Do you have a video on rigging your lures to the line? I use swivels do the easy of changing out my lure, is that something you can go over in a video if you havent already. Thanks Matt!

[@MattStefanFishing]

i did this one not to long ago kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZvOknl8pqaYl7M

[@shawn_r_schultzfishing4883]

I haven't given the free-rig a shot yet, I can definitely see where it would have some advantages on my lake so I will have to see what baits I have that might work good🎣

[@MattStefanFishing]

its worth a try

[@paulksicinski6181]

I have used a free rig for catfish on the Wisconsin River above the Dells dam. I clip on a water gremlin free weight above the hook. In between the weight and the hook I squeeze on a BB size split shot so the Water Gremlin weight slides but does not hit the hook. If I want to get real fancy, I will go real retro and but a big fat nightcrawler on the hook and use a Lindy worm blower to make the nightcrawler float in the river current.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome thanks for sharing!

[@bigmikefishingchonicles9950]

I like using your revere wacky but I use the z-man floating worm texas rigged with a light wire hook

[@MattStefanFishing]

i love the reverse wacky

[@Jeeg_Quebec_CAN]

Aaaand another one to add to the pile of great techniques!! Nice! 🤘🎣

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try!

[@rcandy4u]

I like the super soft 7” senko for this 😜 weedless with a 4/0 owner wide gap or wacky with a Size 1 Hayabusa 202

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome!

[@willperryman4559]

I just fished a free rig using the new 6THSENSE panorama, and I didn’t get anything after 45 minutes,so I switched to the MiniMax Chatterbait and got 3-2.5 to 3lb bass fishing off points with deeper grass. I’m definitely going to use it again, but with a fluke style bait, bass were smashing shad everywhere 😮👊🍀🎣🍀

[@MattStefanFishing]

im not sure about that bait...rigging options are odd to me but I havent used it yet

[@willperryman4559]

@@MattStefanFishing I’m new to the bait (Panorama) and at this point it looks great in the water,but I can’t recommend it 🤷🏻‍♂️🍀🎣🍀

[@law1831]

That OSP dolive beaver and keitech crazy flapper are good too

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@michaelloucks4448]

Hey Mr Stefan thanks for the great information on what baits to use. Hey Matt what about a finesse worm with the flat bottom on it that would work as far as gliding . Matt I like to use something that everyone else' isn't useing. God bless you and your family.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I like it!

[@thendricks9499]

I've been free rigging a 10 inch worm in deeper grass for a while now works great!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome!

[@law1831]

I'll second the deps bull flat. The 3 inch on a 1/0 owner j hook with an 1/8 or 3/16 round eye drop shot weight is excellent.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@jimmybrown9563]

Ever try rigging the beaver style baits backward so they glide more away from you and potentially toward cover? Just curious and thinking about trying it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep here is a video i did on it kzbin.info/www/bejne/moKqZZ-ml990pdU

[@bamadondon0495]

This has become my new confidence bait! I can either put a stick worm on it, a trick worm, but my favorite is a caffeine shad. I just cashed it out but it sink to the bottom and feed it a little bit of slack and then give my rod just tiny jerks upward and then feed the slack back to the bait. It looks wild. And they kill it. It's the perfect bait / rig for grass lines or weed edges! Or you could just cast it out on points or secondary stuff, if you can get it to skip which I usually can with that caffeine shad and that weight pushing the bait forward, it's great under docks. And if you can't get it under the dock cast right next to it, and do that same retrieve that I was just talking about and they come out from under the dock and kill it?!

[@MattStefanFishing]

its a good rig!

[@craigstevens9734]

Appreciate Matt. I'm in a slump gonna get straight..I think I ordered a vixen not 100 % sure don't they get back to you a day later conformation. Free rig. If it works as good as it sounds it'll be good.!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on

[@johnrayner5599]

I must say Im late to the game on this one but I am for sure gonna give it a shot, looks very much like a fish catching system!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

it works great!

[@crowe1974]

Never tried the freeway definitely looks good going to have to give that a shot

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a shot

[@rcandy4u]

took 1st in a derby today nose hooking the baby brushy with 202 & the Zappu pin shot

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@rcandy4u]

I’ll be tossing the 3/4 pin shot and full size brushy GPB In the next few weeks 😜

[@Glock-1]

Hey Matt what would make a Buzzbait run completely on its side, not run off to one side but actually run with the blade on one side and the plastic on the other

[@williamknight5142]

Think he's meaning with hook point up cup should be down.😀

[@MattStefanFishing]

no clue...probably weighted wrong

[@coachmatt6735]

Poorly tuned. Poor choice of trailer. Bad match of trailer to head weight. Retreived too fast for bait/trailer combo.

[@kevinbeaudean704]

Thanks Matt. I'm guessing the rod movement is exaggerated compared to a Texas rigged bait. Do you give alot of slack after the pull (drag)? Thanks for sharing.

[@kevinbeaudean704]

The first lure that comes to my mind is a tube.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i do more of a sweep and stop movement

[@Byoung85]

Great video, awesome information

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@thesonorandesertangler]

I like free rigging a ZMan Toad since they float up to the surface. It looks like a real frog diving in to eat, then coming back up to the surface, and it just looks like it's swimming it's way across the lake hunting aquatic bugs. With a 5/0 Texas Rigged hook they're not coming off. It's such a different look, so they don't really question it.🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@MattStefanFishing]

sounds good!

[@nickkoschmeder3288]

gonna have to try it one of these days, I seldom even fish a Texas rig, in favor of a jig, maybe this'll interest me in that way of life again

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try!

[@johnm2617]

Matt 2 things ? Do trick worms & 4" curly tail worms work ? And dose the long cylindrical weights work < TY

[@MattStefanFishing]

yes and yes

[@williamgould2470]

Thanks Matt, I've been waiting for this 1. 1 question I would have is how are you protecting your knot?

[@ericsh8576]

If you have the knot inside the bait as Matt has previously recommended wouldn't it be protected from damage by the weight (or are you referencing damage to a leader knot)?

[@williamgould2470]

That's what I was thinking. it just didn't look like the knot was inside the bait in his example

[@cb5513]

I have been fishing the free rig for quite a while now, and the best solution to protecting my knot has been to put a rubber bobber stop (the ones you usually use for weight pegs) between the weight and the hook

[@MattStefanFishing]

i cover my knot with the plastic

[@harahara10]

I have had a good success with free rig for the past 3-4 years. Brush hog is absolutely my go to bait for free rig!

[@MattStefanFishing]

it glides so good!

[@mortanna]

Osp shad tail is great on it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@greenbladesofgrass]

So do you cast it out and slowly reel back in or do you cast it and let it sit then reel in a bit, wait, repeat?

[@MattStefanFishing]

slow pulls and let bait settle

[@royraney4104]

Does super glue help keep your soft baits on?

[@MattStefanFishing]

I don’t use it

[@tommystreater1194]

What kind of line you use for this

[@MattStefanFishing]

15 lb fluorocarbon is my go to

[@royraney4104]

Should I use super glue on braid to flo?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Shouldnt need to

[@DavidBronstein1961]

Deps Bull Flat is KILLER, my new confidence bait. But you’re only gonna get 2-3 fish on each bait.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep they dont hold up well

[@kentbrown5369]

The OSP dolive beaver is an amazing free rig bait

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill check it out!

[@charlesshoumake5150]

Matt, do you think a tube would work good? Other than a small size, they do seem to glide well.

[@MattStefanFishing]

depends on the tube. but yes they can work

[@mortanna]

Been fishing the free rig for two years now and I have more success with it then the drop shot great on rock walls and in trees, straight drop, also hoping it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@coleallen8557]

thoughts on a tube?

[@mackhamrick4664]

Hi, I use Bellows gill and cover craw also a big TRD wacky gets bit

[@MattStefanFishing]

it works OK as well

[@coleallen8557]

@@MattStefanFishing i’m like the idea of the DEPS bait on a free rig. I have some in order. I had to throw in a few DEPS Cover Scats as well just because I hear so much about it. 😳

[@terrytresemer2864]

I don't know who came up with the free rig but it's brilliant. It's almost replaced my Carolina rig and drop shot.

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@fattirejohn]

Hey Matt, I am excited about using the free rig this year. My question is , does the weight ever knock the hook out of the fish?

[@MattStefanFishing]

a free sliding weight can potentially knock the hook out of the fishes mouth

[@soevasive]

Matt. Dropshot the smaller bullflat when its cold. They smack it. I dont even move it much at all

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill give it a try!

[@soevasive]

@@MattStefanFishing brush hog did work on free rig well. Tried it today

[@everythingoutdoors-vl9bl]

I’ve had succes using the Berkeley gilly on a free rig

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome!

[@artvandelay418]

Matt, If I rig the Berkley Powerbait Maxscent Creature Hawg sideway to represent a bluegill. Would it have the same effect? Where I fish we don't have craw. The bass fed on bluegill

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep!

[@artvandelay418]

@@MattStefanFishing Thanks for your reply

[@ct5465]

Saw a video of the free rig vs unpegged Texas rig under water. They are the same thing. Lol. So apparently I’ve been way ahead on the free rig.

[@MattStefanFishing]

well not exactly the same thing but similar

[@tunit8946]

What size weight do you recommend?

[@MattStefanFishing]

depends on water depth but a 1/4 oz is a good one to start with

[@ct5465]

Saw you on a podcast where you were discussing the changes to MLF and how it sucks now. I’d love to hear your thoughts on bass, npfl and why you still choose MLF over them. Just curious and I think it would be a good video.

[@MattStefanFishing]

im sure ill do another video

[@Smallmouthnation]

Love the wall of tackle 👍👌

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@ricardonercolini6053]

My favorite is a Trick Worm

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@floydmayes4924]

When Tackle Warehouse employees stop trying to use my credit card number, I'll think about ordering from them!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

just make the purchase through paypal using your credit card on TW. thats the safest thing you can do anytime using your credit card online

[@Michdave700]

Any tips for others on how you know that?

[@Michdave700]

I was referring to the TW credit card problem.

[@floydmayes4924]

@@Michdave700 Tackle Warehouse is the ONLY business in California that I use my credit card. Besides the fact that it's happened three different times now!

[@Michdave700]

Thanks, I’ve also had a few such hits that puzzled me.

[@grandwonder5858]

Do you have a lot of luck fishing a blue brush hog? I have never done it because I thought that color is too unnatural for a brush hog, which is the reason why I have never fished an orange/red brush hog or an orange/blue centipede-style lure.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i think sapphire blue is a fantastic color!

[@rodcashman4793]

Great choices 👌 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you 😁

[@RickBReviews]

Never got bit on a free rig. I'll keep trying.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Go for it

[@stevencochran4274]

Great video made sure to hit the thumbs up

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jimmcculloch5825]

Thanks Matt. A question. You say to have certain parts of the bait to face 'down.' I would ask "in relation to what"? When that bait is in the air during a cast there is no up or down. So what makes an up or down when it reaches the water?

[@williamknight5142]

Hook point up cup down.

[@MattStefanFishing]

in relation to the bottom of the lake

[@kevinbeaudean704]

The weight of the hook decides which side faces down.

[@jimmcculloch5825]

@@kevinbeaudean704 Thanks, I just have a hard time seeing how the weight of a hook can turn a creature bait.

[@juanmendez1248]

The bear man pig by reaction innovations is fire on the free rig.

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill give it a try

[@hellifiknow1315]

Maybe I'm just old but ive6been fishing a worm or a brushhog with a free moving bullet weight for a long time now it's some "new" rig ? lol

[@MattStefanFishing]

It’s not a bullet weight

[@hellifiknow1315]

@@MattStefanFishing any slip sinker ,bullet , egg what ever

[@espio23ify]

@@hellifiknow1315 Some people just can't be told

[@lucapelati]

Here comes my stupid question: isn’t this kind of similar to an unpegged Texas Rig? I’m asking this because I’m trying to learn few techniques at a time, so that I can get confidence, now I’m all in on Texas rig and wacky rig 😂

[@MattStefanFishing]

its very similar

[@jaythorne5208]

So how is a free rig that much different than a texas rig???

[@rayhemmele4915]

This is my question as well... I struggle to see how this differs from a T-rig w/o a pegged sinker. Matt, your thoughts?

[@jv59]

The free rig sinker separates a lot faster from the bait which allows the bait to slowly fall after the sinker has hit the bottom.

[@MattStefanFishing]

more seperation

[@williamknight5142]

👍👍👍👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@paulfix8081]

Free rig vs Mojo rig?

[@MattStefanFishing]

free rig

[@mikeeller557]

Thanks Matt. Never thought of anything besides a fluke.

[@MattStefanFishing]

give these a try!

[@wolverinex4243]

Teardrops also make best dropshot and easy chatterbaits, but hey, who the heck am I?

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@jeremyguenther6209]

I like big bites war mouth and berkley’s the deal

[@MattStefanFishing]

those are both good baits!

[@troybridges3495]

I've been throwing a free rig for 50 years. It's called an unpegged Texas rig. 🤦

[@MattStefanFishing]

they are similar but the weight is different and does make a difference IMO

[@budgetbassin407]

There are alotta times where a unpegged Texas rig doesn’t seperate as often as you think

[@mayachapman1744]

Looks like an unpegged t-rig to me

[@MattStefanFishing]

its similar idea

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

🍺What’s up.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@ChrisSmith-gt6lg]

I thought free meant something else. 😢

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha

[@cerebraltackle]

Ugh. I'm going to share a BIG SECRET here.... You want a bait that catches water. Now - hear me out - A Keitech Crazy Flapper BUT DO NOT SEPARATE THE CLAWS/LEGS!!! LEAVE THEM ATTACHED!!! Doing so will make the bait catch water and glide, BIG TIME!! There, I gave it me. I would say I'm a whore...but they get paid. 🤣

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha! great tip! ive got some and ill try it!

[@cerebraltackle]

@@MattStefanFishing I found it by accident, forgetting to separate the claws when t-rigging it. I wasn't feeling the thump...when I got it close I saw the glide and wave. I was "oh crap!" 😁 Then, when the free rig landed in the US, I knew what had to be done.

[@troybridges3495]

🤦

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching